PSYCHOTHERAPY
Ella Kate Reeves is a qualified Integrative Psychotherapist with European Accreditation.
What is "Integrative Psychotherapy"?
Integrative Psychotherapy embraces an attitude towards the practice of psychotherapy that affirms the inherent value of each individual. It is a unifying psychotherapy that responds appropriately and effectively to the person at the affective, behavioural, cognitive and physiological levels of functioning, as well as addressing the spiritual dimension of life.
The term "integrative" of Integrative Psychotherapy has a number of meanings. It refers to the process of integrating the personality: taking disowned, unaware or unresolved aspects of the self and making them part of a cohesive personality; reducing the use of defense mechanisms that inhibit spontaneity and limit flexibility in problem solving, health maintenance and relating to people; and re-engaging the world with full contact. It is the process of making whole. Through integration, it becomes possible for people to face each moment openly and freshly without the protection of a pre-formed opinion, position, attitude or expectation.
Integrative Psychotherapy also refers to the bringing together of the affective, cognitive, behavioural, and physiological systems within a person, with an awareness of the social and transpersonal aspects of the systems surrounding the person. These concepts are utilized within a perspective of human development in which each phase of life presents heightened developmental tasks, need sensitivities, crises and opportunities for new learning.
Integrative Psychotherapy takes into account many views of human functioning. The psychodynamic, client-centered, behaviourist, cognitive, family therapy, Gestalt therapy, body-psychotherapies, object relations theories, psychoanalytic self psychology and transactional analysis approaches are all considered within a dynamic systems perspective. Each provides a partial explanation of behaviour and each is enhanced when selectively integrated with other aspects of the therapist's approach. The psychotherapy interventions used in Integrative Psychotherapy are based on developmental research and theories describing the self-protective defenses used when there are interruptions in normal development.
The aim of an integrative psychotherapy is to facilitate wholeness such that the quality of the person's being and functioning in the intrapsychic, interpersonal and sociopolitical space is maximized with due regard for each individual's own personal limits and external constraints.
Within this framework it is recognized that integration is a process to which therapists also need to commit themselves. Thus, there is a focus on the personal integration of therapists. However, although a focus on personal growth in the therapist is essential, there needs also to be a commitment to the pursuit of knowledge in the area of psychotherapy and its related fields. There is a particular ethical obligation on integrative psychotherapists to dialogue with colleagues of diverse orientations and to remain informed of developments in the field.
Client-therapist relationship
The attitude and presence of an integrative counsellor is another crucial element of integrative therapy. It is generally believed that the most effective model requires the therapist to be non-judgemental, interpersonal and intent on establishing a supportive and cooperative relationship with their client. They must also engage in deep, attentive listening without the pre-suppositions that can distort understanding.
This meaningful contract between equals is thought to empower clients - helping them to explore and recognise patterns of behaviour that need to be addressed through change and the setting of new goals. This aspect of integrative therapy is often referred to as the personal integration of therapists - they are committing themselves wholly to their client and their exploration of self.
Benefits of integrated therapy
A key advantage of integrative counselling is its flexibility and focus on the whole of an individual. The integration of different approaches means therapy can be tailored to meet a variety of needs and concerns. It can be particularly beneficial for those who want to overcome negative patterns of behaviour caused by anxieties, fears, phobias or any other mental health issue that is greatly impacting life satisfaction (i.e. addictions, depression, past and current trauma, bereavement and low self-esteem). It has also been found useful in improving daily function in children with autism and learning difficulties. Often these problems can affect the four dimensions of human functioning - affective, behavioural, cognitive, and physiological systems.
Due to the in-depth exploration of issues and setting of goals, integrative 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. The length of the therapy will depend on the client, the therapeutic goals set and the types of issues that are being addressed.
About Ella Kate Reeves
Although an Accredited Psychotherapist and Counsellor with over 17 years' experience, I have now chosen to be freelance. I have worked successfully with many hundreds of clients, seeing individuals, couples and running group and retreats abroads. I was employed by the NHS from 2000-2008 and at the renowned Priory rehabilitation clinic in London.
If you've never had therapy before, finding the right practitioner can be a baffling procedure. Professional qualifications and experience are extremely important, but equally crucial is the quality of the therapeutic relationship. I see therapy as a dynamic, collaborative process where the client must feel comfortable with, and confident in, the therapist . This allows the client to address difficult subjects can be explored in safety and freedom. Cultivating a unique working partnership with each individual client is fundamental.
I have worked extensively with people from the creative arts field - musicians, artists, actors, writers and directors struggling with professional confidence, self-medication, and /or relationship problems. I also work frequently with Health Professionals, from across the entire spectrum of care and clinical work. Having been an NHS practitioner for 8 years, I know how comparatively poor we can often be at taking adequate care of ourselves, whilst looking after others. I have also worked with teenagers and severely disabled clients.
Integrative in approach, I have continued to explore different therapeutic techniques, including CBT, Mindfulness, EMDR and Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, and have developed a repertoire of skills which I try to match to the specific needs and circumstances of each client. In my experience, one approach definitely does not 'fit all', so in any assessment session I will work on jointly formulating a clear therapy plan that will be tailored specifically to the client as an individual or couple. You may only need a few sessions to get through a crisis, or you may be looking for something longer term to tackle some deep-rooted issues.
Whatever the focus, I try to keep consultations as free of jargon as possible, and if I am not the right person to help I will be honest about this and will suggest appropriate alternatives.
Training, qualifications & experience
I used to be a dance and movement therapist but in 1999 I decided to train in integrative psychotherapy and began my training, completing my Post-Graduate Diploma in Adv training in Integrative Psychotherapy and graduated in 2001.
I went on to work for Horsham hospital, Horsham counselling service, The Priory and then to run my own private psychotherapy practice.
In 2003, I moved to France with my son and opened The Alive Centre - an Integrative retreat centre that offered yoga, meditation and retreats, as well as continuing to run a private practice for expats.
In 2007 my son was diagnosed with Friedreichs Ataxia, a rare degenerative life-shortening disease and I moved back to the UK. I continued to run a private practice and later to run an eating disorders clinic in Hove, East Sussex. In 2009, I also started running annual retreats in Thailand, fusing group work, dance, walking and meditation.
I continue to run a private practice and retreats in Thailand annually.