My Approach to Counselling and Psychotherapy

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When first looking to have counselling or psychotherapy, it can be difficult knowing what kind to go for and where to start looking. Personally, when I first considered therapy for myself as a trainee I didn’t know much about all the different kinds of therapies. I had heard of psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, cognitive behavioural therapy, integrative, gestalt, humanistic etc., but didn’t know which I should go for. And I wondered what the ‘process’ of counselling and psychotherapy was. For example, would it involve an unwanted archeological dig into my past? Might I be analysed as if under a microscope? Would I be required to reveal all my darkest and most private ‘secrets’? Would there be homework?! Might I become overwhelmed by my emotions? So… I know what it is like to have therapy myself and as a consequence am very mindful of worries like these.

It is important to recognise that there is no commitment beyond the first email or phone call. During that initial contact, I would be happy to answer whatever questions you might have about counselling and psychotherapy. As a second step forward, I am likely to suggest a private and confidential initial appointment. Again there is no pressure to continue beyond that stage. My intention is always to go at a pace that feels right for you.

The Integrative approach to Counselling and Psychotherapy

I am an integrative therapist and provide both face to face and online counselling and psychotherapy. Being integrative means that I call on a variety of approaches. Think of this as a ‘mix-and-match’ approach. My particular integrative approach includes the psychodynamic, existential, cognitive, person-centred and relational modalities. I use all of these disciplines to some degree with every client. Importantly, the integrative approach allows me to be very flexible to my clients’ issues. I endeavour to treat every client and every session as unique. 

Making sense of things

Ultimately, I hope to facilitate greater understanding of the unseen patterns that underpin psychological distress. As individuals, we have thoughts, feelings, and physical and behavioural responses to situations that we experience. Some of these responses can be uncomfortable, puzzling, painful or sabotaging. Sometimes, they can be overwhelming or invasive and difficult to shake off. Often, they can take control of our sense of our self and our identity, and consume the person that we would like to be. It can be very confusing and discombobulating.

Additionally, at times it can be very problematic relating with colleagues, family members and significant others. We can get caught up in a troubling cyclical process that is difficult or seemingly impossible to untangle.

Psychological health corresponds with the capacity to give space to our thoughts, feelings, and physical body, and in that space find understanding, insight and the capacity to express with confidence and assurance. Ultimately, this capacity allows us to be true to ourself, more aware and mindful, and to be confident in our decisions in life and in our relationships. Inevitably, this can have collateral benefits for those we are close to.

Email: Contact me via email here

Mark Pharoah

London SE9