"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"

Integrative psychotherapy is often understood to include the idea of integration in the client’s process. This is the notion that we are all made up of different psychological parts, some of which may be in conflict with each other or denied to our awareness. 

Many schools of therapy subscribe to the idea that integration of these parts is an integral part of the therapeutic process. Carl Rogers called this the actualising tendency, in which aspects of ourselves, previously disowned or shunned, can be explored and accepted as we move through the seven stages of process. 

Similarly, gestalt therapy works with the concept of the integrated self, and there is particular emphasis on the wholeness of the mind and body – that these parts of ourselves are unified and cannot be separated. In psychodynamic terms, 

Carl Jung discusses the process of individuation, whereby the client brings unconscious elements of their personality into awareness, and can then integrate these previously unknown areas of self into their psyche.  Integrative counselling can incorporate some or all of these theoretical perspectives to help clients to engage with the process of personal integration. 

Advantages of an integrative approach in counselling “Integrative counselling and psychotherapy is a relational process. This means that the therapeutic relationship is an essential ingredient in the work that the therapist and counsellor do together. 

"The alliance between client and therapist is the vessel for the therapeutic journey; when it is valued and nurtured, it provides the safety needed for the work to take place. In integrative counselling, the developing relationship allows the therapist to adapt their approach to the needs of the client, and for the client to feel safe enough to explore and express their needs. Integrative therapy is a collaborative process, and the relationship is central.”   Erin Stevens 2018 

The counsellor’s role within integrative therapy is to tailor the therapeutic experience for each individual client by using specific techniques and key concepts drawn from various approaches - all of which are deemed appropriate for the client and their needs. 

The central premise of integrative counselling is that there are many ways in which human functioning can be explored and understood. Integration can occur through a variety of modalities/systems of perspective, including; humanistic therapies, psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies and cognitive and behavioural therapies.

Each approach offers explanation and insight into human behaviour, as well as a unique understanding of key factors that will result in changes in behaviour and other areas of functioning such as cognition and emotions. These can be reinforced when selectively integrated with other elements of therapy. 

An Example

If an integrative therapist is working with a client that has behavioural problems, they may want to start the therapy by working on adjusting behavioural functioning and reducing symptoms. This may involve applying cognitive behavioural techniques to help the client establish some control over their functioning before moving on to the next stage of therapy (i.e. working on improving, and gaining insight into the client's behaviours, emotions and thoughts). In this stage, the therapist may employ psychoanalytic techniques that recall childhood experiences and interpretation, dream analysis or analysis of transference. 

Fees and Cost Structure  Initial 30 minute consultation is without charge.  We understand that families and individuals can be constrained financially and with this in mind we strive to make our programmes available to everyone regardless of affordability. 

To be effective, treatment programmes need to in place for a minimum of three months.   Our price policy begins with establishing individual monthly affordability from which we can work out the number of sessions required with each specialist on the team.  

The process begins with a full evaluation with the Clinical Director which will establish the basic requirements for the programme. The rate for this assessment and ongoing sessions is B6000 inclusive of taxes.  

On going out patient care and recovery programmes are charged at a rate of B4000 per hour.   

Our recovery team and mentors are available seven days per week for an agreed monthly rate calculated on expected requirements and evaluated monthly dependent on progress.  All prices subject to programme design and longevity together with ongoing after care. 

Fees exclusive of taxes, travel, accommodation and catering.