What works for one person in therapy may not be the best approach for someone else, and the integrative model allows therapy to be flexible and adaptable in line with each client’s individual needs.
An integrative therapist is trained in a number of different counselling and psychological theories and draws upon these different approaches to tailor their style to each different client. The integrative approach assumes that each person is unique and that no single approach to therapy can address the physical, social, emotional and psychological needs of all people.
Depending on the needs of the client, an integrative therapist may use person-centred counselling techniques, psychodynamic theory, existential therapy or cognitive behavioural techniques.
Just as different clients have different needs, what one client needs when they start therapy may be quite different to what they need later on. An integrative therapist may take a more person-centred approach at the outset of therapy, for example, then bring in more psychodynamic techniques once the client has settled into the work.
Some people consider the flexible and adaptable nature of integrative psychotherapy a significant benefit. As well as adapting to different clients and different stages of therapy, an integrative counsellor may subtly and sensitively alter their approach according to what the client is discussing or how the client is feeling that day.
Another goal of integrative psychotherapy is to integrate the many different aspects of each individual. By increasing self-awareness, integrative psychotherapy attempts to bring together the psychological, emotional, physical, social and physical parts of each client, so that these parts work together to best complete a whole, fully-integrated person.
Integrative psychotherapy can be effective for both short– or long-term therapy. It has been shown to be useful for many personal issues including:
While some clients have a clear preference for a particular type of therapy, many clients are unsure which would be best for them. Choosing an integrative therapist means you don’t have to know what approach you want in advance – you can try out different approaches and find your preferences as you go along.
Some clients want to combine aspects of different approaches. For example, they may want cognitive behavioural exercises to address one issue, but also want the insight about their unconscious processes that a psychodynamic perspective can bring. Working with an integrative therapist would give the client both.
Integrative therapy can be used in the treatment of almost all types of personal issues and for clients of all ages. The integrative therapist will consider the individual characteristics, personality, needs, ability and motivations of each client to determine which type of therapy might be most helpful at any given time.
This type of therapy can take place in one of our central London practices on online if you prefer online counselling.
Essentially, integrative psychotherapy is designed to suit the client rather than expecting the client to suit a particular type of therapy.
While integrative counselling is a contemporary and flexible type of therapy, we also offer other kinds of therapy in central London. You may want to learn more about :
Finding the right therapist is an important first step. If you have a preference for a certain type of therapist or a certain style of therapy, please tell us your preferences at the time of booking your appointment.
If this is your first experience of therapy, you might feel anxious and not know what to expect. Our questions and answers may put your mind at ease.
First appointments are usually available within one week. Appointments are available from 7.30 am until 8.30 pm. You may contact us or book online. We welcome all enquiries.
If you are looking for an integrative therapist, read our therapists’ profiles. You will find that many of them work integratively.
Appointments available
Mondays to Fridays
7.30 am until 8.30 pm
Saturdays and Sundays
8.00 am until 6.00 pm
Call to book a first appointment
0333 207 9330
Connect with Us
One of the most common worries I hear expressed by people starting counselling is that they won’t know what to talk about. Some people think their problems aren’t significant enough. Others fear they have too much to say, that they might overwhelm the therapist…
Read more
Over the years that I’ve worked as a therapist, I’ve been asked numerous times by prospective clients, “How does counselling help?” And I’ve yet to come up with a satisfactory answer. Not because I’m in any doubt that it helps, but because the ‘how’ bit is so hard to articulate concisely…
Read more
Annabelle is a skilled and compassionate therapist offering support for individuals and couples in Kensington/Notting Hill Her approach is centred around creating a non-judgemental space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings and relationships It is her belief that with greater understanding comes agency, and this is when powerful change occurs Annabelle works...
Kensington / Notting Hill
Annabel is an integrative therapist offering both short- and long-term therapy Acknowledging that beginning therapy can feel daunting, Annabel establishes a secure and collaborative therapeutic relationship grounded in trust, empathy and genuine understanding Working from a humanistic-integrative perspective, Annabel believes every person has an innate capacity for...
Oxford Circus
As a psychodynamic therapist, Prachi provides a warm and secure space for her clients to explore their world She works collaboratively with clients to uncover the unconscious patterns that shape their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours By making connections between past experiences and current life, clients can gain valuable insights and develop more authentic ways of...
Oxford Circus
Christine (she/her) is an integrative counsellor and psychosexual therapist She offers a warm and safe space with room for both tears and laughter Her approach is relational, curious and personal, focusing on understanding what makes each individual unique She works alongside her clients as they explore their emotions, develop new perspectives on behaviours, cultivate...
Oxford Circus
Melinda offers both short-term and long-term therapy in a calm, attuned environment where clients can speak freely, make meaningful connections and gently explore the areas of life that feel stuck With a warm, collaborative approach, she encourages clients to slow down, listen inwardly and begin the process of healing Drawing from humanistic, Gestalt and psychodynamic...
Oxford Circus
Geraldine is an integrative therapist who draws on a range of therapeutic approaches including person-centred, CBT and psychodynamic modalities, to meet each client’s unique needs She believes in her clients’ innate resilience and capacity for growth, and helps them make sense of current challenges and past experiences, to gain the insight and self-understanding...
Oxford Circus
Yussef offers a warm and confidential space to explore life’s challenges He is a psychodynamic therapist and works in a way that explores how past experiences and hidden patterns may shape your present thoughts, feelings and relationships In meetings with Yussef, you can speak freely about whatever feelings, memories or experiences are important to you You will begin...
Oxford Circus
Damla offers a warm, supportive and confidential space where you can talk openly — perhaps for the first time — about the thoughts, emotions and challenges shaping your life She provides psychodynamic psychotherapy, gently exploring the deeper, often unconscious, roots of emotional difficulties Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or...
Oxford Circus
Gregory is a psychodynamic therapist offering both short-term and longeterm therapy, depending on what feels right for you He understands that starting therapy can feel daunting, and is committed to creating a warm, grounded and genuinely safe space where you can discuss whatever is on your mind Gregory holds a Master’s degree in Psychodynamic Counselling and...
Oxford Circus
James is a psychosexual and relationship therapist who has been in private practice for five years He works with individuals and couples on sexual and relationship difficulties, understanding that these can be significant causes of distress in one's life Prior to working in private practice, James worked for the psychosexual team at Croydon University Hospital He is a...
Oxford Circus
