Integrative & Generalist Counselling
An integrative approach to counselling brings together elements of specific theories with adaptability and flexibility, recognising that to meet the individual needs of clients, no single approach is best.
By tailoring the therapy to the individual, integrative therapists hope to produce the most significant effects, and change. Integrative therapy focuses on combining these elements into a more cohesive experience. Integrative therapy draws upon a wide range of approaches including psychodynamic, cognitive, and behavioral techniques. These techniques can be applied in a variety of formats including individual therapy settings.
An integrative therapist will adapt and integrate different techniques depending on the individual’s needs and goals. As an example a person who is working on overcoming a behavioral problem, a therapist might utilse, behavioral approach such as modeling and reinforcement to change the behavior.
Psychodynamic strategies such as transference and free association can help people gain insight.
Cognitive strategies such as cognitive restructuring and exposure to help change automatic negative thoughts that contribute to the unwanted behavior.
My general approach to counselling and in some part with, integrative counselling, is very much founded upon the Person- Centered approach of Dr. Carl Rogers. Person-Centered counselling views all people as having the capability to change, and to manage life with whatever it brings.
Rogers believed that the therapeutic connection between the client and the therapist as being the conduit to the clients success. With the therapist having herself intent on connecting wholly with the client, being totally in the moment physically, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually.
The therapeutic stance taken by the therapist is total acceptance, open and reflective, with the ability to understand how important, moving and emotional moments are for clients; and being able to capture the moment as a chance to learn more deeply what the clients experience is.
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Think about this, imagine being able to tell someone your deepest innermost thoughts and still, they like you, and accept you, and consistently care about you enough to not force a theraputic approach that does not fit with you.
“When the other person is hurting, confused, troubled, anxious, alienated, terrified; or when he or she is doubtful of self-worth, uncertain as to identity, then understanding is called for. The gentle and sensitive companionship of an empathic stance… provides illumination and healing. In such situations deep understanding is, I believe, the most precious gift one can give to another”.
“When someone really hears you without passing judgment on you, without trying to take responsibility for you, without trying to mold you, it feels damn good. . . . When I have been listened to and when I have been heard, I am able to re-perceive my world in a new way and to go on. It is astonishing how elements which seem insoluble become soluble when someone listens. How confusions which seem irremediable turn into relatively clear flowing streams when one is heard.”
FAQs
Do I need a Drs referral
No you do not need a referral, you are able to pick up the phone and make an appointment with me directly.
Do you offer a Medicare Rebate
Medicare rebates are not offered at WiseMind Counselling and Psychotherapy for Women. My practice is not based on the medical model of care and this gives me the freedom to be flexible in my approach and what I can offer you. This means that I am not bound by the approach stipulated by Medicare. When you are referred under the Medicare service, you are categorised as having a mental health condition. Many people will not engage in a government subsidised mental health care plans because of this alone.
I am confident and trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ( CBT), however there are a number of other therapeutic approaches and models that are not underpinned by the medical model, which see’s the client as needing a medicalised approach.
what happens to my information?
All client information is held with the utmost care and confidentiality. counsellors and psychotherapists and other services are required by law and by ethical principles of overarching and governing bodies to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality possible.
Your information is strictly private and will not be passed on to anyone unless you give consent to do so.