Integrative psychotherapy is the bringing together of different therapeutic approaches in working with clients. It requires a broad and deep understanding of a range of methods on the part of the clinician and is a powerful way of weaving together multiple perspectives of understanding to mental health problems and suffering.
Integrative psychotherapy is one of the most commonly used terms to describe a method of working with clients. Each Integrative practitioner will have their own influences and ways of working in practice, however, this does not by any means imply that an integrative approach is simply a ‘mishmash’ of different tried and tested methods.
To a greater or lesser degree, nearly all counsellors and psychotherapists draw on more than one modality, or type of therapy, in informing their work. How an integrative practitioner differs is in their depth of understanding of key types of therapy which they then bring together to inform and drive their approach to work with their clients. In essence, the principles of an integrative approach are that of the integrated whole being greater than the individual parts.
To illustrate, let us consider this example: If an individual is unfortunate enough to break their leg, it is reasonable to assume that irrespective of which hospital they attend and which doctor treats them, the diagnosis will be the same – a broken leg. And whilst the precise type of cast, painkillers and limitations placed on the client will differ from clinician to clinician, overall the treatment will be the same. We can therefore say that the patient has an objective diagnosis.
Problems with emotions and the mind are far harder to categorically and objectively diagnose. Of course there are certain more severe mental health conditions that meet clear diagnostic criteria such as schizophrenia or severe depression, however, even these conditions are not objectively agreed upon. Integrative psychotherapy starts from the position that there is no objective single correct type of therapy, or approach, that can treat each condition and individual.
Integrative counselling or psychotherapy is therefore an approach combining different ways of thinking about the problems that a client brings and working with the client to find a ‘language’ that helps them to make sense of their experiences and reduce the impact of their suffering.
The integrative approach can be a potent and effective way of working therapeutically with clients.
Like all forms of modern psychotherapy, an integrative approach to psychotherapy is based on a collaboration between the therapist and their client whereby the goal is to form an alliance working together to understand what lies behind the client’s symptoms.
An integrative psychotherapist can move seamlessly between different therapeutic ‘languages’, or ways of thinking, carefully tracking the client’s experience and tuning into how best to help clients make sense of their experience. As such it is a more fluid approach than single model approaches to therapy and can bring about relief to symptoms in a shorter period of time.
Lastly, as there is generally no single factor that has led to a person’s suffering and the jury remains out on the exact interaction between nature-and-nurture, an integrative approach not only uses different approaches to bring perspective to emotional and mental health problems, but it also offers a way of working to integrate mind and body which is essential in effective therapy.
Integrative therapy combines various therapeutic approaches to address the unique needs of each person. It aims to provide a holistic approach to mental health that takes into account the different aspects of a person’s life such as their emotions, thoughts, behaviours and relationships. In practice, most, if not all psychotherapists practice in an integrative way, however, those who are trained specifically in this approach have a deep understanding of a few methods that they draw upon.
The first session is to establish if the therapist and the therapy is a right fit for you. You will discuss your history, current challenges, needs and goals and will work with your therapist to tailor the process to your specific needs.
This is the ideal time to ask as many questions as you feel are necessary to your decision on whether to continue. It’s important to take your time with this decision and reflect on how you feel after the sessions.
The therapist-client relationship is based on trust, and confidentiality is a crucial aspect of that trust. Integrative psychotherapy respects the confidentiality of clients, and therapists adhere to professional ethical guidelines. However, there are rare exceptions when breaking confidentiality may occur when there is a risk of harm to yourself or others.
The frame is a term used in psychotherapy and counselling to describe the structure and boundaries of the therapeutic relationship. This structure provides a safe and consistent environment for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The frame includes the length and frequency of sessions, the fee structure, and the therapist’s approach to the therapy.
Integrative therapy typically involves ongoing sessions that take place over several months or years. Once clients get into the rhythm of therapy, many choose to continue with sessions as they enjoy the safe and supportive environment to work through their challenges and improve their overall mental health.
Integrative Psychotherapy is offered by Mark Vahrmeyer, Dr. Simon Cassar, Fiona Downie and Thad Hickman.
If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need, you can search for a therapist here.
