MY APPROACH

Over 3 decades of experience in the field has taught me that compassion is a stronger tool to use than confrontation when dealing with mental or emotional pain. Numerous clinical studies and research papers show this. As a clinician it is simply more productive to meet a client where they are at, as opposed to where we wish them to be. Confrontation is simply an expression of frustration that change is not happening. It is often counterproductive.

As a counselling psychologist I am trained in and use a wide range of evidence-based practices to help my clients. However, the most vital aspect is the ‘goodness of fit’ between the clinician and therapist. If the therapeutic alliance is strong, then the therapy will go well. I strongly believe in collaborative treatment plans created by the clinician or clinical team, the client and their significant family members. Not everyone responds to the same model.

In the past I learnt something very important while teaching at university – that a good teacher never asks a student to do something that the teacher has never done or isn’t prepared to do. I pledge this to my clients. I see little value in being a ‘white coat’ in the client’s life. Instead, I am prepared to meet them where they are at and explore the best route forward for everyone. I go on a journey to a happier perspective with the client – a meeting of minds. Through this the client learns to develop the skill of mentalization.