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What Is Integrative Psychotherapy? A Holistic, Individualised Approach to Mental Health
- Schoen Clinic UK
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Integrative psychotherapy is a flexible and person-centred approach to therapy that draws on multiple therapeutic models to provide care that is tailored to the individual.
Rather than focusing on one specific framework, like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) or psychodynamic therapy, integrative psychotherapists use techniques from a range of approaches, depending on what will best support the client at that moment in their life.
Whether you're seeking therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply want to better understand yourself, integrative psychotherapy offers a compassionate and adaptable way forward.
In this article, we explore how integrative psychotherapy works, who it can help, and what you can expect from sessions, with expert insight from Camilla Simpson, an Integrative Psychotherapist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea.
What is Integrative Psychotherapy?
At its core, integrative psychotherapy is about treating the whole person. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, therapists draw from a range of evidence-based approaches—such as humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, and somatic therapies—to tailor treatment to your needs.
“Integrative psychotherapy is a wonderful way of being able to treat the whole person and treat them as an individual,” says Camilla Simpson. “Not everyone responds well to just having one approach… we tailor a treatment plan according to what they need the most.”
The aim is to help clients feel heard, valued and empowered, especially during times of stress, change, or mental health challenges.
What conditions can Integrative Psychotherapy help with?
Integrative therapy can be helpful for a wide range of mental health concerns, including:
Relationship or family issues
Low self-esteem or self-worth
Life transitions (e.g. grief, breakups, retirement)
Camilla explains, “I see people for a range of conditions, anything from anxiety through to depression. My speciality is in addiction-based work, but I would see anyone who is seeking long-term therapy.”
Because this approach adapts to meet you where you are, it’s particularly well-suited to long-term therapy or for people whose difficulties span multiple areas of their life.
How does Integrative Psychotherapy work?
In your first few sessions, your therapist will work with you to build a strong therapeutic relationship—the foundation of any effective therapy. You'll explore your reasons for seeking support, what you hope to achieve, and any relevant personal history.
From there, your therapist will begin to incorporate different therapeutic techniques based on what will be most helpful.
For example, an integrative therapist might use:
CBT strategies to challenge unhelpful thought patterns
Psychodynamic techniques to explore unresolved past experiences
Person-centred therapy to ensure you feel safe, heard, and accepted
Somatic tools such as body awareness or posture work
Mindfulness or behavioural experiments to support real-world change
“Other ways I work with clients is helping them to look at how they can change the way they feel through adopting different body language, poses, or using different words to impact how they feel,” explains Camilla.
Therapy may include setting goals or behavioural experiments to try between sessions. “Sometimes I might set a little behavioural experiment for them to go away and practice… like going somewhere new or responding back to a person in a different way.”
What makes Integrative Psychotherapy different?
Unlike more rigid models of therapy, integrative psychotherapy evolves with you. This is especially important because, as Camilla says, “life changes, and people go through various different situations and stress points throughout their life.”
That flexibility is one of its greatest strengths. Here’s how it stands out:
Integrative Psychotherapy | Traditional Single-Approach Therapy |
Draws from multiple models | Sticks to one model (e.g. CBT only) |
Highly tailored to individual needs | Generalised approach |
Focuses on whole-person wellbeing | May focus on symptom reduction only |
Adapts over time as needs change | Often structured and time-limited |
This approach allows your therapist to adjust techniques and strategies as you grow in therapy, whether you're facing new challenges or uncovering deeper issues.
What to expect in a session
Starting therapy can feel daunting, but finding the right therapist makes all the difference.
“When people come to see me, they can expect to talk in a very confidential, safe and comfortable environment,” says Camilla. “My style is very empathic, kind… so whilst it might feel scary to come to therapy for the first couple of times, you can expect to be listened to, not judged.”
In a typical session, you might:
Reflect on recent experiences or emotions
Explore recurring patterns or behaviours
Practice grounding or body-based techniques
Review progress and goals
Prepare behavioural tasks or experiments to try between sessions
“Together we will work through what the best outcomes are for you at that time,” says Camilla. “We’re not just treating everyone in the same way.”
Is Integrative Psychotherapy right for me?
If you're someone who values a personalised and compassionate approach to mental health—one that recognises you as more than a diagnosis—integrative psychotherapy may be a good fit.
It’s especially helpful if:
You’ve tried other therapies but didn’t connect with the approach
You’re dealing with multiple issues or don’t fit neatly into a diagnostic box
You’re interested in long-term self-exploration as well as symptom relief
Even if you’re unsure what you need, many integrative therapists offer an initial consultation to explore your goals and whether it’s the right fit.
What about group or therapy?
While many people associate therapy with one-to-one sessions, integrative psychotherapy can also take place in group settings or with families.
“I work with groups and sometimes families as well,” says Camilla. “Group therapy can be a really powerful way to connect with others and build new ways of relating.”
At clinics like Schoen Clinic Chelsea in London, group therapy is often used alongside individual sessions to offer a more holistic and socially supportive experience.
Camilla facilitates the Process Group "Intentions" at our specialist mental health clinic each week. It's a reflective and forward-focused space designed to support participants in identifying their personal values, clarifying their goals, and setting meaningful intentions that align with the direction they want their lives to take. Learn more or join the group today.
Final thoughts
Integrative psychotherapy offers a flexible, human-centred approach to mental health that meets you as you are. By drawing from a range of evidence-based methods, your therapist can help you build insight, improve your wellbeing, and support long-lasting change—on your terms.
“Integrative psychotherapy is a really useful way of looking at the person as a whole,” says Camilla. “We make sure that we tick every box.”
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, working through a difficult past, or simply want to better understand yourself, integrative therapy could offer the space—and the tools—you need to heal and grow.
Looking for Integrative Psychotherapy in London?
Camilla Simpson is an experienced Integrative Psychotherapist at Schoen Clinic Chelsea, where she offers in-person and online therapy for adults, groups, and families. She specialises in addiction and long-term therapy, providing a warm, non-judgmental space for healing.
Contact us today to learn more or email our team in London directly to make an enquiry.
