Victoria's approach

I am influenced by a number of different psychotherapy approaches, but in particular an existential approach combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Existential therapy, like client-centred therapy, is a non-directive approach to counselling and is concerned with exploring and understanding your unique sense of the world. Existential therapy aims to invite you to live a fully authentic life and become all that you are capable of being.

Quoting from Irvin Yalom, the most highly-regard existential psychotherapist of our time, sums up my own beliefs about working with clients:

'I have approached all of my patients with a sense of wonderment at the story that will unfold. I believe that a different therapy must be constructed for each patient because each has a unique story'. (Yalom, 2001)

I also find it useful to draw upon a different type of therapy called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This is a relatively new therapy and is known as a 'third wave behaviour therapy'.

ACT is a unique and creative approach to behaviour change. Some of the key concepts of ACT are to help you to cultivate acceptance, mindfulness and an openness to experience. Emphasis is also put on understanding and working with your life values. I believe ACT compliments my existential approach as it provides additional tools for you to make changes.

Deciding on having any form of therapy can be a scary concept, so of utmost importance to me is that each client feels safe, respected, accepted and understood. Therapy can sometimes feel uncomfortable but it should never feel unsafe. I want clients to have a space in which to be able to talk openly, including anything that relates directly to the sessions themselves.

If you'd like to talk more about my approach, please feel free to contact me.