Xanthe Ivory Counselling | Therapy practice and techniques

My Approach

At the heart of my therapy practice is an integrative, person-centred approach. This means that each of my counselling sessions are truly bespoke, giving us the freedom to explore different avenues and techniques to establish exactly what is right for you. I take the time to form trusting and meaningful relationships with each of my clients, and this is integral to a successful outcome.

I am not here to advise you on what path to take. Instead, I will guide and support you to find your own insights, self-awareness, and strengths. This will allow you to make changes in areas that are holding you back and, ultimately, live life to your full potential.

I use a wide range of both traditional and leading-edge therapeutic techniques. I am experienced in therapies such as person-centred, gestalt, existential, and phenomenological, and during a session I may use techniques including CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and creative interventions, if I feel they are appropriate for you.

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What is Integrative Counselling?

Integrative Counselling brings together a whole host of different types of therapy, creating a well-rounded approach that’s unique to you and your needs. As an Integrative Counsellor, I take into account your specific circumstances and any influencing factors, and tailor my therapy practice accordingly. I understand that everyone is different, and what works for one client may not work for another. Find out more about Integrative Counselling here:

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What therapies and techniques might I use?

Person-centred

The concept of person-centred counselling was founded by the American psychologist Carl Rogers. He believed that, given the right conditions, a person can reach their full potential and become their true self. A person-centred therapist will fully accept you as you are, and value your beliefs and opinions. They will also be honest and transparent with you, and empathise with your situation and viewpoints. Person-centred counselling is always led by the client, not the therapist.

Gestalt

Gestalt therapy looks at an individual as a whole, considering their surroundings and what is happening here and now. It looks at how past events or issues made a client feel, and explores how that affects how they feel and behave today. A gestalt therapist will take great interest in an individual’s current situation, and will engage with the client throughout the session to encourage dialogue and exploration of ideas and feelings. Gestalt therapy helps people find a new perspective on current issues, allowing them to move forward and make positive changes in their life.

Existential

Existential therapy combines elements of both philosophy and psychology. It explores the anxieties and uncertainties around fundamental parts of life (such as death, the meaning of life, and the fear of the unknown), allowing individuals to reach a place of acceptance. Ultimately, an existential therapist helps the client make sense of their place in the world, allowing them to take personal responsibility for their decisions and create their own success.

Phenomenological

Phenomenological therapy explores a person’s perception or experience of a situation or event, rather than its reality. A phenomenological therapist looks at an issue from the point of view of the client, and understands that everybody experiences things in a different way. Throughout the session, the client will begin to understand the reasons why they see things in a certain way and will explore more positive ways of thinking, responding, and behaving.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)

CBT aims to change the way individuals think about certain issues or situations, which in turn changes the way they feel or behave in response to events or challenges in life. This type of therapy focusses on current problems and identifies practical solutions, rather than looking at potentially negative causes. A CBT therapist will help the client to challenge any negative thinking, and equip them with the tools needed to handle situations in a more positive way.

Who can benefit from Integrative Counselling?

There are no boundaries when it comes to who can or can’t benefit from Integrative Counselling. Because Integrative Counselling is so flexible, and draws on such a wide range of therapies, it can be used to support individuals dealing with a huge variety of short and long-term issues. These can include, but are by no means limited to, the following:

Depression

Anxiety

Trauma

Addiction

Grief

Low self-esteem

Eating disorders

Stress

Anger

Phobias

Obsessions

Family Issues