The core of my practice model is taken from Systemic Therapy (also known as Family Therapy). I chose this model because the core ideas have roots in post modern thinking which is informed by social anthropology, sociology, language and general philosophy. The richness of systemic therapy stems from its breadth of interests and ethos of inclusion of both of ideas and the central value of all human beings. The core may be systemic therapy but I also bring to my practice the scientific rigor, model and practice of CBT ( Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) as well as ideas and methods of thinkings from; – the philosophy of science, physics, chemistry, biology, critical thinking, evolutionary psychology, clinical psychology, biochemistry and pharmacology and neurology. As a counsellor seeking to help and support individuals and families with a wide range of challenges and problems I subscribe to the principles and practices of science and the significant contributions made to counselling and psychotherapy by science, medicine, social constructionism, language philosophy and communication theory.
I am very experienced in working with both family groups, couples and individuals. Most of my work is with individual clients. The key idea in my model of work is that the thoughts, feelings and behaviour of a person are powerfully related to the relational dynamics of the system in which the individual lives and or works.
As John Donne (1572-1631) wrote….
“No man is an island entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as
well as a manor of thy friends or of thine
own were; any man’s death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.
Another important idea is that family therapy can be applied effectively regardless of the origin of the problem, and regardless of whether the clients consider it an “individual” or “family” issue. The expertise of a family therapist includes the ability to influence conversations in a way that encourages the strengths, wisdom, and support of the wider relational system.
The Association of Family Therapy is the professional body representing Family / Systemic Therapists
