The Integrative Counselling Approach
There are many different theoretical approaches to counselling and psychotherapy, the approach that I use is an integrative approach which combines three types of therapy, Person Centred, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Transactional Analysis (TA). Each theoretical approach has its own strengths and methods of application when working in therapeutic practice. The Person Centred approach is exceptionally good in establishing and fostering the therapeutic relationship, whereas CBT is useful for addressing the way we think and behave in situations, and TA can be used in the way we engage with life experiences. This is a very brief and simplistic overview, and there are several concepts associated the theoretical approaches listed here. A counsellor trained in the integrative approach to counselling and psychotherapy will decide where and when to make the most out of the theoretical models which they have been trained in. It is not necessary for clients to have a thorough understanding of the approaches used, but sometimes it can be helpful to have an understanding of what a counsellor is doing or considering within the therapeutic session. The main point to establish here is that the counsellor is not there to ‘fix’ you or direct you. The counsellor is there to provide a safe and confidential environment where change can occur. It is the counsellor’s aim to help the client move forward in a safe and confidential environment, using their skills and the tools available in order to promote the wellbeing of the client.