The Pluralistic Approach
To date, there are more than 450 documented therapeutic approaches, and therefore an abundance of options to choose from.
I like to work pluralistically. This means that I draw on many different therapeutic approaches and tools. I always aim to make this a collaborative effort and explain how you could benefit from a specific style or exercise. Please note that I cannot provide crisis support.
Please read on for a brief overview of the most common approaches I draw from.
I like to work pluralistically. This means that I draw on many different therapeutic approaches and tools. I always aim to make this a collaborative effort and explain how you could benefit from a specific style or exercise. Please note that I cannot provide crisis support.
Please read on for a brief overview of the most common approaches I draw from.
A Brief Overview
Person-Centred Therapy
This approach was devised by Carl Rogers in the 1950s and places the client in the center. Person-Centred Therapy follows three core conditions: congruence (the therapist is genuine and does not hide answers or reactions), unconditional positive regard (the therapist accepts and cares for the client unconditionally), and empathic understanding (the therapist is able to imagine what the client might feel). The approach is guided by the notion that the client has their answer from the start, yet needs a guide to open themselves up to it.
CBT
CBT stands for Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy and is one of the most common forms or therapy. CBT works on the assumption that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and thus can be changed. Usually a mix of behavioral and cognitive work is employed to bring upon a different engagement with the world.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Another pillar of psychological treatment is the psychodynamic approach. With its origin in Freud's theories it has been reviewed tremendously over the past century. Yet, it still orients itself around the assumption that every person has a conscious and an unconscious part and it has the aim of making the unconscious accessible. A lot of the therapeutic work therefore revolves around working through painful memories and early experiences to resolve past trauma.
This approach was devised by Carl Rogers in the 1950s and places the client in the center. Person-Centred Therapy follows three core conditions: congruence (the therapist is genuine and does not hide answers or reactions), unconditional positive regard (the therapist accepts and cares for the client unconditionally), and empathic understanding (the therapist is able to imagine what the client might feel). The approach is guided by the notion that the client has their answer from the start, yet needs a guide to open themselves up to it.
CBT
CBT stands for Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy and is one of the most common forms or therapy. CBT works on the assumption that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and thus can be changed. Usually a mix of behavioral and cognitive work is employed to bring upon a different engagement with the world.
Psychodynamic Therapy
Another pillar of psychological treatment is the psychodynamic approach. With its origin in Freud's theories it has been reviewed tremendously over the past century. Yet, it still orients itself around the assumption that every person has a conscious and an unconscious part and it has the aim of making the unconscious accessible. A lot of the therapeutic work therefore revolves around working through painful memories and early experiences to resolve past trauma.
The Course of Therapy
The Beginning
I generally start with an assessment session, which lasts 90 min. This time is used to introduce my practice, explain therapy confidentiality and contract, and get to know you. This will certainly include questions about the issue(s) you want to work on, your motivation for change, and the beginning exploration of important life events. Depending on the issue(s), there might also be some questionnaires that can help paint a picture for me. You will leave the first session with some first-aid tools, such as simple coping strategies or self-help materials to practice until the next appointment. Of course, this is also one of the points where we decide whether we want to continue working with each other.
The Sessions
In the following sessions you and I will use a range of topics, techniques, and materials as fitting to the specific matter. This can include:
The Final Steps
I like to fade out the process, as stopping therapy from one week to the next can be challenging. Usually we will both feel when the end is close and schedule sessions further apart. I also like to offer a follow-up appointment around six months after the last session to check in. Of course, this is not mandatory and completely up to you.
I generally start with an assessment session, which lasts 90 min. This time is used to introduce my practice, explain therapy confidentiality and contract, and get to know you. This will certainly include questions about the issue(s) you want to work on, your motivation for change, and the beginning exploration of important life events. Depending on the issue(s), there might also be some questionnaires that can help paint a picture for me. You will leave the first session with some first-aid tools, such as simple coping strategies or self-help materials to practice until the next appointment. Of course, this is also one of the points where we decide whether we want to continue working with each other.
The Sessions
In the following sessions you and I will use a range of topics, techniques, and materials as fitting to the specific matter. This can include:
- Psychoeducation
- Formulation
- Creative Tools
- Role play
- Exposure Scenarios
- Inviting a partner or family member
The Final Steps
I like to fade out the process, as stopping therapy from one week to the next can be challenging. Usually we will both feel when the end is close and schedule sessions further apart. I also like to offer a follow-up appointment around six months after the last session to check in. Of course, this is not mandatory and completely up to you.
Online Therapy
Online Therapy, or 'Telemedicine' has become increasingly popular over the last decade and among young people in particular. It offers good accessibility, convenience of reduced travel, and easier scheduling. In addition, it eliminates the pressure for clients who struggle with new places, and can be an easier entry for clients who are still hesitant towards the idea of therapy. Furthermore, it minimizes boundaries for clients with visual or hearing impairments. Lastly, the internet offers a level of anonymity that can be perceived as non-threatening and helps to disinhibit many clients, which leads to more open and honest conversations.
To make sure online therapy works for you:
Disclaimer
I am only able to offer online therapy to adults of 18 years or above. Complying with the BACP guideline, I am receiving supervision by the same medium - online - to be able to experience the advantages and downsides of this method. I am using secure platforms that are end-to-end encrypted and have been recommended for online therapy use. As with all my services, I cannot offer crisis support via online work.
BACP 'Good Practice in Action 047' guideline: https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/2162/bacp-working-online-supplementary-guidance-gpia047.pdf
GDPR Compliance: https://ico.org.uk
To make sure online therapy works for you:
- find a space that is confidential, safe, and quiet and has good reception.
- arrange regular sessions to ensure a good progression (it often feels easier to reschedule if things happen online).
- arrange for a backup option (i.e. phone conversation), in case technical difficulties arise.
- ensure that any information you save on your computer stays confidential.
Disclaimer
I am only able to offer online therapy to adults of 18 years or above. Complying with the BACP guideline, I am receiving supervision by the same medium - online - to be able to experience the advantages and downsides of this method. I am using secure platforms that are end-to-end encrypted and have been recommended for online therapy use. As with all my services, I cannot offer crisis support via online work.
BACP 'Good Practice in Action 047' guideline: https://www.bacp.co.uk/media/2162/bacp-working-online-supplementary-guidance-gpia047.pdf
GDPR Compliance: https://ico.org.uk