Integrative Counselling: What You Need To Know
Integrative Counselling: A Smart Option?
Imagine walking into a clothing store and finding the ideal suit or dress. The outfit fits you perfectly. That's what integrative counselling or integrative therapy aims to achieve in the realm of mental health.
This is a very interesting approach to counselling and psychotherapy. We take a look at this method below.
What is integrative counselling approach?
Integrative counselling isn't a one-size-fits-all. It's a therapeutic approach that tailors to an individual's unique needs and experiences. It brings together different strands of specific therapies into one coherent approach. By combining elements from different approaches, we can employ various strategies customised to each individual.
What is an example of integrative counselling?
Suppose you're struggling with workplace stress and childhood trauma. An integrative counsellor may employ cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you manage your current stress. They simultaneously draw from psychodynamic therapy to address past experiences. This holistic approach can treat both the 'here and now' and the deep-seated roots of your distress.
What are the 4 approaches of integrative psychotherapy?
Integrative counselling combines several types of therapy. So, there is no 'true' four approaches. However, some common therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), gestalt therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy.
CBT
We often associate CBT with addressing current difficulties. We achieve this by focusing on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviour in the here and now.
CBT operates on the premise that our thoughts influence our feelings, which in turn steer our actions. If you are stuck in negative thoughts, your feelings may also be negative. This can lead to self-defeating behaviour responses.
Gestalt Therapy
Gestalt therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes personal responsibility and focuses on the individual's experience in the present moment. It's like the living room in a house, where individuals process and understand their current feelings and perceptions.
Gestalt therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals feeling 'stuck' in unhelpful patterns or struggling with self-awareness. It encourages you to explore your current feelings and experiences, helping you understand how you relate to others and your environment.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
The psychodynamic approach, likened to a house foundation, delves into the unconscious mind. We attempt to unearth past experiences and hidden memories that may influence present behaviour.
Psychodynamic therapy can offer significant benefits for individuals struggling with unresolved past issues or experiences. It allows a safe exploration of past traumas or unresolved issues that may unconsciously influence present actions.
Humanistic Therapy
Finally, humanistic therapy encourages individuals to think about their feelings and take responsibility for their thoughts and actions. It promotes self-awareness and mindfulness.
Humanistic therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals feeling unfulfilled or stuck in their personal or professional lives. It promotes self-awareness and self-esteem, encouraging you to realise your values, strengths, and potential.
What are the benefits of integrative counselling?
One of the standout benefits of integrative counselling is its flexibility. This approach to therapy understands that what works for one person may not work for another. It tailors the therapy sessions to the individual's needs.
Another benefit is that an integrative approach is used to develop highly-individualised interventions. This allows us to account for the unique circumstances of each person.
In the hands of an experienced, well-trained practitioner, an integrative approach can greatly improve session effectiveness.
So, what's the catch?
Let's take a look at some of the criticisms related to integrative therapy:
The Risk of Incoherence
Some critics, like psychotherapist Jeremy Holmes, argue that integrative therapy risks a lack of theoretical integration. Essentially, there's a concern that blending different therapy styles could result in a 'jack of all trades, master of none' scenario. The theoretical underpinnings of various therapeutic methods may conflict. The result can be less efficient or effective therapy (1).
Lack of Defined Protocols
Another criticism is the relative lack of defined protocols within integrative therapy. Specific therapies like CBT or psychodynamic therapy have clear, structured treatment protocols tested through numerous clinical trials. Integrative therapy, due to its flexible nature, does not have such standardised treatment plans. This lack of structure could potentially lead to unstructured and ineffective counselling sessions (2).
Need for Highly Skilled Therapists
Given the wide range of techniques and theories utilised in integrative therapy, therapists must be highly skilled and knowledgeable in multiple therapeutic approaches. Critics argue that not all therapists are sufficiently skilled to deliver integrative therapy effectively. Such shortcomings can potentially lead to subpar treatment outcomes (3).
Effectiveness Compared to Pure-Form Therapies
Some critics also question whether integrative therapy is genuinely more effective than pure-form therapies. A meta-analysis (4) suggested that all therapies might be equally effective. The implication is that added complexity of integration may not result in better treatment outcomes.
While these criticisms highlight potential drawbacks of integrative therapy, it's essential to note that many practitioners and clients have found this approach highly beneficial. The criticisms underscore the need for well-trained therapists and rigorous, ongoing research to ensure the effectiveness of integrative therapy.
Summary
In conclusion, integrative counselling is a comprehensive and flexible approach to therapy. It leverages many therapeutic strategies to cater to individual needs.
The beauty of integrative counselling lies in its flexibility and adaptability. It acknowledges the complexity of human experience, understanding that there's no single 'right' way to achieve mental health. By tailoring the therapeutic approach to each individual's needs and circumstances, it offers a comprehensive, flexible, and effective approach to mental health.
We are Coaching & Clinical Psychologists with extensive experience helping people conquer wellbeing and performance issues. We use evidence-based approaches such as CBT, and can combine approaches via integrative interventions. Read more about our work, watch practical skills videos or browse other articles. Get in touch anytime.
References
(1) Holmes, J. (2010). Integration in psychoanalytic psychotherapy: an overview. Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, 24(4), 218-236.
(2) Lambert, M. J. (Ed.). (2013). Bergin and Garfield's Handbook of psychotherapy and behavior change. Wiley.
(3) Wolitzky, D. L., & Pekarik, G. (2011). Psychotherapy integration: An assimilative, psychodynamic approach. Psychotherapy, 48(1), 17.
(4) Benish, S. G., Quintana, S., & Wampold, B. E. (2011). Culturally adapted psychotherapy and the legitimacy of myth: A direct-comparison meta-analysis. Journal of counseling psychology, 58(3), 279.