What is Integrative Psychotherapy?

According to Richard G Erskine, Integrative Psychotherapy ‘refers to the process of integrating the personality…. it is the process of making whole. Through integration it becomes possible for people to have the courage to face each moment openly and freshly, without the protection of a preformed opinion, position, attitude or expectation.’

Integrative Psychotherapy approaches differ depending on the training undertaken by the therapist and the way in which they choose to bring together different theories in their practice.

As there are so many different approaches to psychotherapy it can be difficult to know what approach to choose when looking for a therapist.

I recommend that clients look up on Google Integrative Psychotherapy and the various approaches to psychotherapy that include: Person-Centred, Humanistic, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis (TA), Psychodynamic, Relational, Psychoanalytic, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Integrative Psychotherapy – to name but a few. Do some background reading and then go for an approach that you think you can work with.

Use the BACP Directory, the UKCP Directory or the Counselling Directory to look up different therapists, viewing their approach, how they work, what their fees are and then contact two or three therapists, who often offer a free session, to see if you can work with each other. The Therapeutic Relationship is key to psychotherapy and people need to find someone they can relate to – so don’t be afraid to look around.