Look back so the view looking forward is even clearer
At a foundation level, I work from a humanistic, trauma-informed, and relational framework. For me this means presenting authentically, empathetically and fostering the relationship for the therapeutic process. I also come with the belief you are the expert of your world and take into consideration the many multi-facets of being. I am curious of both your past and current life experiences.
Connecting with you
I am an integrative therapist that draws on a range of modalities and approaches. I describe my therapeutic style as collaborative, curious and genuine, whilst utilising trauma-informed principles, and a narrative approach. I have worked in the human services space for over a decade in diverse roles and have supported hundreds of people in private practice.
I work from an attachment-based therapy framework which means my intention is to create a sense of safety and trust throughout the counselling process. Research tells us that the most pivotal part in positive outcomes from therapy is the relationship shared. I believe therapy is a collaborative process in which a cornerstone of the experience is in the relationship. This supports people to be deeply vulnerable whilst still engaging in a meaningful process to bring about change.
What is Attachment-Based Therapy?
Attachment-Based Therapy is an approach that focuses on the importance of interpersonal relationships, particularly the bonds developed in early childhood. It explores how attachment influences the emotional and psychological wellbeing throughout the lifespan. Attachment-Based Therapy is grounded in attachment theory, which was initially developed by John Bowlby and later expanded upon by Mary Ainsworth.
Attachment theory theorises that early interactions between children and their primary caregivers shape the development of emotional bonds. These bonds, known as attachment patterns, influence how people perceive and relate to others throughout their lives.
Having an awareness on attachment can help people notice relational patterns and how this could impact adult relationships. This approach facilitates the understanding and development of secure attachment through therapeutic interventions, development of healthy and supportive relationships and addressing/processing unresolved issues stemming from earlier experiences.
The focus is on:
Understanding and exploring early relationships to identify patterns and dynamics.
Encourage the expression and understanding of emotions, as well as promoting emotional regulation.
Provoke self-reflective practice and mindfulness to increase awareness of thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
Narrative Approach.
Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the stories people tell about their lives. Developed by Michael White and David Epston, narrative therapy is grounded in the idea that individuals construct the meaning of their experiences through the stories they create. This approach aims to help clients reframe and reconstruct their narratives in ways that empower them and promote positive change.
Narrative therapy believes that people interpret and make sense of their experiences through the stories they tell. These stories shape their identity, self-perception, and the way they view their relationships and the world.
A Narrative approach is collaborative, we work together to explore and reconstruct narratives. The aim is to avoid labelling or pathologising people and focuses on strengths, resources, and resilience.
Narrative therapy considers the cultural and social context of people. I explore how cultural narratives may impact a person’s stories and work collaboratively to create narratives that honour their cultural identities.
Overall, a narrative perspective offers a respectful and empowering approach to counselling by helping people reconceptualise their problems, build resilience, and rewrite the stories that shape their lives.
The emphasis is on collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and the construction of alternative narratives which distinguishes this therapeutic approach.
Trauma-informed practice.
Trauma-informed practice is an approach that recognises the widespread impact of trauma has on people and aims to create an environment that promotes safety, trust, and healing.
The key principles of trauma-informed practice are grounded in an understanding of the effects trauma has on people and is a commitment to providing supportive and empowering interventions.