Dr Dawn Gearing

My Approach.

 

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As a Counselling Psychologist my approach is deeply routed in the humanistic approach.  The humanistic approach provides clients with an opportunity to explore creativity, personal growth and self-development, as well as acknowledging a variety of choices. The foundations of the humanistic approach provide the client with a deeper understanding of who they are, what they feel and the opportunity to explore the possibility of creating personal choices. It encourages self-awareness and self-realisation. I, personally, take a holistic approach to understanding each client and their unique presenting concerns.  I focus on each client's strengths and talents in addition to their struggles and areas for growth.  However, insight alone is often not enough to allow clients to make the types of life changes that they desire. Therefore, I also incorporate techniques from action-oriented approaches to therapy that emphasise learning new skills and trying out new behaviours.  Such techniques include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Solution Focused techniques. 

 

 

 

Since clients frequently struggle with problems in relationships, these new skills are often directed towards improving the quality of their relationships. I believe that therapy should be a partnership.  I believe that the client has the solution to all of their problems and I can help them unlock the answers.I have a flexible therapeutic style that draws from several major theoretical approaches to psychotherapy. At a basic level, I believe that there is inherent value in increasing self-understanding and self-acceptance. As clients come to a deeper appreciation for how their personal history can affect their current feelings, motivations, and relationships, they often feel more grounded and better able to make well-informed decisions about how to live their lives in a rewarding manner.