A Soulful Approach and the Interactive Field
Soulful Psychotherapy
"When someone comes to me for therapy, I'm always listening at a very deep level, because I want to know what their soul is hungry for." (Thomas Moore).
Central to my approach is working with a soulful perspective which honours suffering as an opportunity for greater integration and a deeper understanding of our experinces. Soulful psychotherapy includes a person's difficulties rather than attempting to remove or fix them. Reflecting on your early life can identify the patterns of behaviour that were formed as a response to the challenges you faced. Embracing this introspective process acknowledges how the patterns of behaviour have helped you but how in the present they might be limitating you. This exploration may lead you to seek experiences that are more genuine and in tune with your true nature.
The Interactive Field
In the interactive field, I experience an energetic presence that emerges when two people come together. This creates a dynamic psychotherapeutic process where both individuals' psyches interact. Discovering these dynamics is only possible through experiencing them with both people. I tune into the field by consciously making space for it and paying attention to what I'm feeling and sensing in the moment with the client. However, there are moments between sessions when new experiences emerge, suggesting that the field is immeasurable, boundless, and operates independently from individual subjectivity.
"In this conception of the field, the personal experiences of the client and therapist mix with an objective substratum, Jung's collective unconscious. It becomes clear that the field has its own dynamics separate from the individuals involved." (Schwartz-Salant 1995 p2).
Engaging in the interactive field involves actively listening and sensing for emerging insights into the individual's psyche and processing needs. This process is soulful, not driven by the therapist's will or psychotherapeutic theories but anchored in the client-therapist relationship. Here, something meaningful, whether felt, imagined, or remembered, will emerge to benefit the client's therapeutic process and healing.
Relational Approach
Much of the emotional difficulties that people experience arise out of their contact with others. Often these relational difficulties are rooted in our early life where significant relationships may not have met our care and developmental needs or may have harmed us.
A soulful approach regards the therapeutic relationship as a new relationship where you are encouraged to connect to the historic experinces (thoughts, feelings and impulses) that have contributed to the current difficulties. To have the expression of those past experiences met with acceptance, interest and objectivity from your therapist can be the basis of healing and a positive experience in relationship to another.
A psychotherapy that emphasizes a soulful approach to mental health and well-being. This approach integrates various therapeutic modalities while focusing on the individual's personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional healing. Here are some key aspects of a soulful approach:
Holistic Perspective: I view individuals as whole beings, considering their mental health to include their emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. This holistic perspective invites you to explore all aspects of your lives.
Personalized Therapy: Therapy is tailored to meet your unique needs. I work in collaboratively with you to develop personalized treatment plans that resonate with your experiences and goals.
Mindfulness and Presence: I incorporate mindfulness techniques to help clients stay present and connected to their thoughts and feelings. This practice fosters greater self-awareness and promotes emotional regulation.
Spiritual Integration: The soulful approach acknowledges the importance of spirituality in mental health. Where appropriate spiritual practices, including the use of imagination and metaphor are incorporated as a psychotherapeutic tool to assist you to make sense of your reflections during sessions.
Creative Expression: Creative expression can be included as a therapeutic tool. This may include art, writing, or other forms of creativity, helping you to express emotions and insights that may be difficult to articulate verbally.
Connection and a relational approach: Recognizing the significance of connection in the healing process I work with you to build a good connection and a supportive environment to allow for deeper self-reflection and personal growth. Emotional difficulties that arise from connection with others may have roots in our early life. Early significant relationships may not have met our care and developmental needs or may have harmed us.
A soulful approach views the connection between the therapist and client as a diffrent and safe realtionship where you are encouraged to connect to the historic experinces (thoughts, feelings and impulses) that have contributed to the current difficulties. To have the expression of those past experiences met with acceptance, interest and objectivity from your therapist can be the basis of healing and a positive experience in relationship to another.
Focus on Growth and Transformation: The ultimate goal of a soulful approach is to facilitate insight, integration, personal growth and transformation. Therapy can support you to navigating challenges and build internal resources.
A soulful approach to psychotherapy is centred around creating a safe and nurturing environment for individuals to delve into their inner selves. This approach aims to support emotional healing, self-discovery, and empowerment. It often involves integrating spiritual and existential aspects into the therapeutic process, acknowledging the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. It's about honouring the whole person and their unique journey towards well-being.
This approach integrates various therapeutic modalities while focusing on the individual's personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional healing.
Addictions and Compulsive Behaviours
Are you having difficulty with compulsive and addictive behaviours and need a space to talk about this?You might want to experience what counselling and psychotherapy might offer you as a support for your recovery from drugs or alcohol.