Integrative counsellors believe that therapy should be tailored to the client. All psychotherapy theories have merit but often contradict each other and must be integrated. Integrative therapy is founded on the principle that some issues cannot be solved using just one type of psychotherapy.

Integrative therapy is focused upon healing the client as a whole physically and psychologically. The therapist will help the client to identify their own limitations and work upon how to overcome them. Therapy involves self-exploration and allows the client to look at each moment or issue individually without a predetermined attitude or opinion.

What does Integrative Therapy entail?

Integrative therapists use various techniques such as cognitive and behavioural therapies, psychoanalytical and psychodynamic therapies and humanistic therapies. For example, a therapist might want to start on behavioural therapies with a client who has behavioural issues before they move on to analysing the emotions and past memories which may have had an effect on the client and how they behave. Integrative therapists must be non-judgemental, committed and build a foundation of trust with their client in order for the client to achieve their goals.

Integrative therapy can be a long process used to treat long-term issues such as anxiety, trauma or depression and is therefore not suitable for clients who are looking for short or intense therapy.