Reflection of an Integrative Counsellor: Growth, Change, and the Power of the Process

When I first became a counsellor, my focus was outcome-driven—I wanted to make a difference. My goal was to help clients create better lives, and I worked hard, often seeking reassurance that I was making an impact.

Over the past few years, I have shifted my focus to the counselling process itself, embracing the journey rather than just the outcome. By trusting in this process, I have become calmer and more adaptable to whatever my clients bring to the session. I now strive to help clients become more self-aware and passionate about their own growth. My approach has evolved to integrate goal-focused strategies and experiential techniques such as journal writing, art therapy, and grounding exercises—introducing clients to methods they may not have previously considered.

The Role of Supervision in My Growth

Since my initial accreditation, I have started using supervision with greater intention. Instead of seeking direct advice, I now bring questions and reflections on the counselling process, integrating reflective practice into my professional development. This evolution has been enriched by ongoing conversations with my supervisor and peers, targeted CPD training, extensive reading, and experiential learning.

Integrative Approach: A Humanistic, Relational Foundation

My work is underpinned by a relational humanistic approach. The foundation of my practice is the therapeutic relationship itself, adapting interventions based on the client’s needs. I integrate creative and somatic therapies into my work, particularly as my practice has shifted to shorter-term therapy due to working with EAP clients, insurance referrals, and refugees. To ensure effectiveness in this format, I have embraced a pluralistic approach, inspired by Mick Cooper’s ‘An Introduction and Practical Implication of a Pluralistic Approach’ course. I now regularly incorporate goal setting and review sessions to enhance client engagement.

Key Areas of Development in My Practice

1. Awareness of Parallel Processes

Understanding parallel processes has been pivotal, particularly when a client’s story resonates with my own experiences. In the past, I found myself assuming my clients’ emotions rather than empathizing with their unique perspectives. Through my personal therapy and supervision, I have refined my awareness of these dynamics, ensuring my responses are client-centered rather than influenced by my own projections. This has also enhanced my ability to recognize when a referral is appropriate—whereas I once referred too quickly, I now feel confident continuing the work, supported by supervision and self-reflection.

2. Using Immediacy with Confidence

My ability to use immediacy sensitively and effectively has deepened, influenced by Yalom’s The Gift of Therapy and Robin Shohet’s Love and Supervision training. Expressing my own experiences within the therapeutic relationship has encouraged clients to reflect more deeply on themselves. I frequently check in with clients about our therapeutic relationship while remaining mindful of countertransference.

3. Goal Setting and Progress Measurement

In short-term therapy, goal setting has become a vital tool, providing structure and helping clients clarify what they want to achieve. Using measurement techniques, I ensure that therapy remains aligned with the client’s needs. These structured approaches also allow for regular check-ins, ensuring clients remain active participants in their therapeutic journey. Additionally, I have developed an assessment form that we review in the first session, guiding clients to define their expectations and aspirations for therapy.

4. Expanding My Use of Creative Therapy

Earlier in my practice, my creative interventions were primarily cognitive and task-oriented, such as letter writing or spidergrams—methods I personally found useful. However, through supervision, I recognized that my own preferenceswere shaping my interventions rather than tailoring them to each client’s needs. Exploring more experiential and sensory-based creative therapies has transformed my approach, particularly in trauma work. Reading Cathy Malchiodi’s Trauma and Arts Therapy deepened my appreciation of art therapy’s role in trauma recovery, and it is now integral to my work.

5. Strengthening the Therapy Process Beyond the Room

I have come to appreciate that therapy does not end when the session ends. To support clients in maintaining progress, I developed an ending reflection sheet, encouraging them to consider how they will integrate their learning into everyday life. This fosters self-reliance and long-term resilience.

Beyond this, I have incorporated psychoeducation into my practice by developing a blog with valuable resources and links for clients. This serves as an extension of our work together, offering insights and tools that can support them outside of sessions.

Integrating Somatic Therapy for Trauma Work

My understanding of somatic therapy has expanded significantly through complex trauma training and additional reading on somatic psychotherapy. Recognizing the importance of body awareness in trauma processing, I now integrate body-based interventions and mindfulness techniques into my work, emphasizing the connection between physical sensations and emotional healing.

Final Thoughts: Growth Through Reflection

Through self-reflection, supervision, and ongoing learning, my evolution as an integrative counsellor has been profound. My practice has become more process-oriented, experiential, and structured, with a strong focus on client empowerment. By adapting my approach to meet the needs of diverse clients, particularly those in short-term therapy, I continue to refine my skills and enhance the effectiveness of my work.

The counselling journey is ever-evolving, and embracing this evolution with curiosity and openness has been the most transformative aspect of my development as a therapist.