Hello, my name is Adetoun and I’m an integrative psychotherapeutic counsellor. An important aspect of my work is that I work interculturally via an intersectional lens. 

What does this mean?

This means that I am trained in using more than one modality. Though I was formally trained in person-centred, psychodynamic and gestalt approaches, over the years I have incorporated several other modalities into my practice. This includes elements of transactional analysis, CBT and a systemic approach. However, I tend to lean mostly on person-centred and psychodynamic approaches, as I believe the combination of these 2 modalities can be both enlightening and empowering for my clients.

Person-Centred psychotherapy (PCT) was developed in the 1940s’ by psychologist Carl Rogers, and what I value most about PCT is that the client remains the central focus. Therapy should be about empowering an individual and this approach validates and respects your individuality, independence and sovereignty. My role is to facilitate your journey towards personal growth and a healthy sense of self-worth and self-esteem whilst safely navigating the challenges that presently stand in your way. 

I believe that much of our past experiences inform our present circumstances, and so I have really come to appreciate the psychodynamic approach. Its goal is to develop your self-awareness by understanding how your current behaviours and feelings are shaped by your past experiences and your unconscious mind. You may have heard of Sigmund Freud, the founding father of psychoanalysis. However, the psychodynamic approach has since evolved, and I have taken elements from more relevant theorists and include these into my practice. When utilising my psychodynamic training, I consider the many different psychological processes that may be acting as a barrier to you obtaining peace and contentedness. These defences may occur during our work together, and by bringing this to your conscious we may be highlighting themes and patterns that occur in your interactions with others.

My clients are from different sections of society, with different religious, cultural, racial, and social backgrounds. Many more clients are understanding the scope of neurodiversity and so feel safe to ‘unmask’ and explore/consider their neurodivergence. I welcome and encourage clients to bring with them into the space anything that may make them feel more comfortable – from blankets to sensory toys. I work interculturally with an intersectional lens. This means that I am curious about all aspects of my clients and what makes you, wonderfully you. Paramount to my work is respecting your individuality and acknowledging your uniqueness, therefore our sessions will evolve as our therapeutic relationship develops.

How long does the process take?

I don’t set a time period when working with clients as this can often provoke a sense of urgency to already anxious and complex circumstances. I have found that by working in an open-ended way and checking in at regular review points, ensuring that you’re feeling a sense of progress is often the best approach. When working with clients over a significant amount of time, we’re able to get to the difficult stuff in a safe and manageable way, as we’ve spent time co-creating a trusting relationship which is paramount for any therapeutic alliance. 

How will I know where to start?

Our sessions is your space to bring whatever you want, whether you perceive it to be big or small the time is yours to use. Though, I would encourage you to bring the part of yourself that feels most authentic remembering that you’re in a non-judgemental confidential space to ‘come as you are’. 

How would we start unpacking issues?

Whilst some clients can be quite confident and directive and knowing exactly how they would like to use their time, many more can be anxious and require more input from me. And some clients fall somewhere in the middle. Once we’ve established the best approach for you, you’ll quickly find that our time together is being used efficiently.

If you would like to seek mental health services in Bristol, our team can help. At Bristol Counselling and Psychotherapy, we have a team of experienced counsellors who are ready to offer support for a wide range of mental health issues, welcoming individuals into safe and non-judgemental spaces within which to begin their journey to recovery. For more information or to book an initial consultation, please email hello@bristolcounsellingandpsychotherapy.co.uk. Alternatively, to speak to us directly, please contact 07751 271 709.