recovery road

integrative Pluralistic counselling

What is it?

Pluralistic counselling believes that there are many factors that contribute to the problems for which people seek help, and many mechanisms of change through which therapeutic help can be delivered.

Moreover, it holds the view that a plurality of perspectives – the client’s as well as the therapist’s – should inform the direction of the therapeutic work

Therefore the concept of collaboration between client and therapist in introduced by this approach. The client becomes an active part in deciding their goals, the immediate tasks that need to be accomplished in order to achieve these goals, and the methods or activities that might help them in making progress.

As a pluralistic counsellor I possess an overview and critical appreciation of a range of therapy approaches, and in-depth practical knowledge of at least one approach of Person Centred, Psychodynamic and Transactional Analysis. Pluralistic therapists are expected not to be omni-competent, but to be open-minded and curious about all therapy ideas and methods, and to be committed to a process of ongoing lifelong learning in which they continue to incorporate ideas and methods from different therapy approaches into their practice.

What is it for?

It can be particularly beneficial for those who want to overcome negative patterns of behavior caused by anxieties, fears or phobias. It can be equally effective for any other mental health issue that is greatly impacting life satisfaction, such as addiction, depression, past and current trauma, bereavement and low self-esteem.

Due to the in-depth exploration of issues and setting of goals, pluralistic counselling typically requires a substantial investment of time on the part of the client. Therefore it may not suit those who want a quick, solution-focused approach to personal development. However, BestYou therapies will adapt to what you believe is enough for you or work on those goals that you consider more pressing at this moment in time.

What is the cost?

£55 per 50 minutes session

trauma psychotherapy

What is it?

Trauma psychotherapy is a talking therapy that focuses on working for a longer term with emotional problems and difficulties that come as a result of trauma. A variety of therapies can be used alone or in conjunction with one another to help you deal with the trauma and move on with your life. BestYou therapies uses Herman’s three phases of trauma recovery.

  • Phase 1: Establishing safety, Stabilization and Symptom reduction: this phase establishes a solid foundation of relationship-building and affect regulation to ensure a sufficiently safe treatment frame. It is the resourcing stage where therapist and client work on making sure the client feels safe, has coping mechanisms, internal and external support and a good rapport and trust has developed between therapist and client before relieving traumatic memories to avoid further re-traumatisation.

  • Phase 2: Working through and integrating traumatic memories: on this phase the focus goes on to processing the trauma, putting words and emotions to it and making meaning of it, confronting some of the direct symptoms and manifestations of trauma, working to process traumatic memories and address the body’s automatic, neurobiologically-oversensitised responses. This can be done through many different techniques. The therapist and client will work together to find the way that works best for the client.

  • Phase 3: Integration and rehabilitation: this phase is where we start exploring a future in which trauma doesn’t define the client or dictate the choices they make moving forward. Here we work to draw together the gains and insights, the emotional regulation achieved, the increased self-confidence and sense of relational security acquired during the first two phases, and establish a platform for life post-therapy and for building a new and fulfilling future.

What is it for?

Trauma is the response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope, causes feelings of helplessness, diminishes their sense of self and their ability to feel the full range of emotions and experiences. Traumatic events usually come out of the blue. Accidents, illnesses, disasters, assault, combat, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, are all events which are potentially traumatic.

This therapy is for anyone who has experience one or multiple traumatic experiences early in life, in adult life or both.

What is the cost?

£55 for 50 minute session