Why I Take an Integrative Approach to Therapy

One of the questions I’m often asked is, 'What type of therapy do you do?'

The short answer is that I’m an integrative psychotherapist, which means I don’t believe that one therapeutic approach works for everyone. We’re all unique, with different personalities, life experiences, challenges and goals. Because of that, I tailor my approach to fit the client sitting with me, rather than trying to fit them into a single therapeutic model.

Over the years, I’ve found that drawing from a variety of evidence-based approaches allows me to support clients in a way that feels both practical and meaningful. Here are some of the modalities I regularly use in my work.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Sometimes our current difficulties have roots that stretch back much further than we realise. Psychodynamic therapy explores how past experiences, early relationships and unconscious patterns may be influencing our present-day thoughts, feelings and behaviours.

This approach can help clients gain deeper insight into recurring challenges, relationship patterns and emotional responses, leading to greater self-awareness and lasting change.

Person-Centred Therapy

At the heart of my work is the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, healing and self-understanding.

Person-centred therapy focuses on creating a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space where clients feel genuinely heard and accepted. When people feel understood, they are often better able to explore their experiences openly and connect with their own inner resources.

Gestalt Therapy

Gestalt therapy encourages awareness of what is happening in the present moment.

Rather than focusing solely on the past, this approach helps clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and behaviours in the here and now. Increased awareness can often lead to greater clarity, personal responsibility and meaningful change.

Attachment-Based Work

Our earliest relationships often shape how we experience connection, trust, intimacy and security throughout our lives.

By drawing on attachment theory, I help clients explore relationship patterns and understand how past experiences may be affecting current relationships. This work can be particularly helpful for those who find themselves repeating similar relational difficulties or struggling with feelings of insecurity and disconnection.

Somatic Awareness and Body-Based Approaches

Our experiences don't just live in our minds—they can also be held within our bodies.

Somatic approaches encourage clients to notice physical sensations, tension and bodily responses as important sources of information. This can be particularly valuable when working with stress, anxiety, trauma, or emotional overwhelm. Learning to tune into the body's signals can help people feel more grounded, regulated and connected to themselves.

Transactional Analysis

Transactional Analysis offers a fascinating way of understanding communication patterns and interpersonal relationships.

This approach explores the different 'ego states' we move between and helps identify recurring patterns that may be affecting relationships, self-esteem, or decision-making. Many clients find it empowering to recognise these patterns and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.

Why Integration Matters

No single therapeutic approach has all the answers. Some clients benefit from gaining insight into longstanding patterns, while others need support developing greater self-awareness, emotional regulation or healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Most people benefit from a blend of approaches.

An integrative approach allows therapy to remain flexible, responsive and tailored to your unique needs. It means we can draw on different perspectives and techniques depending on what feels most helpful at a particular stage of your journey.

Ultimately, therapy is not about applying a particular model. It’s about building a trusting therapeutic relationship, understanding your experiences and supporting you in creating the changes you want in your life.

If you're curious about therapy or wondering whether an integrative approach might be right for you, I'd be happy to explore that conversation with you. Every person's story is different and therapy should reflect that.