Therapeutic Model
Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy is the therapeutic approach that affirms the inherent value of every individual. It is a unifying model of psychotherapy that responds directly, appropriately and effectively to the person. It works at the emotional, behavioural, cognitive and physiological levels of functioning, effectively addressing issues that cause distress, anxiety, loss of concentration and memory, difficulty making decisions, and other possible disorders.
The term "Integrative" carries a number of meanings. It refers to the process of integrating the personality through specific processes, such as recovering possible neglected or unresolved aspects of the self, reducing reliance on defence mechanisms that inhibit spontaneity and limit flexibility in problem-solving, as well as maintaining the healthy functioning of the person's interpersonal relationships. Through integration, people become able to meet each moment openly and spontaneously, without the protective shield of a pre-formed opinion, position, stance or expectation.
Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy takes into account many theories and therapeutic approaches to mental and psychological functioning. Each one provides a partial explanation of behaviour, which is strengthened when selectively integrated with other aspects of the therapist's approach:
The techniques and interventions used in Integrative Psychotherapy are grounded in developmental research and in theories describing the self-protective defences people use when there are difficulties in their normal psychological functioning.