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Theoretical
approach
There are three main branches to the theoretical approach that I have
been trained in and practice. These are
- Contemporary Somatic
Psychotherapy,
- Self Psychology and
- Intersubjectivity.
These three
strands form part of the overall approach I take to all of my clients.
1. Contemporary
Somatic Psychotherapy
Somatic Psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that is body inclusive
(‘soma’ meanings ‘body’ in Greek). This means that to me, you are much more than just what is happening inside
your head. What happens on the mental level
is just one aspect of the complete person. The things we think aren’t
isolated from the things that we feel and the sensations we experience
in our body. A common example of this is someone experiencing stress;
not only are they aware of stressful thoughts, but parts of their body
(such as their shoulders) might be tight.
Somatic
psychotherapy is quite a broad field. Whilst some somatic
psychotherapists work, where it is appropriate, directly with the body
using massage and facilitated movement, I find that I work more
effectively with the body when I do it indirectly using observation and
enquiry.
2. Self
Psychology
This form of psychology is a later offshoot of Freudian thought. A
central part of this theory is the importance of a person’s sense of
self. This sense of self is usually formed through interactions with
caring others such as parents and grand-parents. When this goes well,
these interactions help form the self and people develop into
well-rounded adults.
However, sometimes these interactions are not all
they might be and people don’t get some of the things that they need
from their caregivers. Our development in some parts
of our selves can be derailed and this can cause difficulties in later
life; this is surprisingly common. Self Psychology recognises this and
helps the person restart their development.
In a self psychological approach a lot of effort is taken to
explore your world and experiences from your point
of view and to help you to become more secure and
functional.
This is important; it isn’t necessary for you to immerse yourself in painful memories of the past for psychotherapy
to be effective. Rather, a focus on what is happening right
now in your life is more than enough to be able to make very
positive and significant changes.
3. Intersubjectivity
This is a rather recent theoretical advance in psychotherapy. It is quite a breakthrough
as it gives a great deal of importance to the client’s subjectivity, or
way of looking at the world. The goal of this treatment is the
non-judgemental exploration of the client’s world, and the eventual
transformation of it into something more useful.
An
important part of it is an understanding that the work that is done
between you and I is unique to the two of us. It
is also important to note that I don't want to impose a solution on you either; only through
taking the time to understand you will we work out how I will be able to
help you best. |
