Integrated Health Practice

Counselling Case Study (Clare le Roux)

Peter had moderate learning disabilities due to having brain damage at birth, which resulted in him missing a lot of school. I started working with him when he was in Year Ten at a Special School. Peter's behaviour became unpredictable, and he would swear and on one occasion he had hit a teacher

In counselling Peter was given the opportunity to explore this behaviour by using the sand tray. He had angry feelings that he had been born with a learning disabilities. It was not fair in Peter's eyes as his brother was not like him, and why should he be different? At the start of therapy Peter had a very negative attitude, but over time this improved. Peter has become more outgoing, more independent, his sense of humour has returned. Before therapy in Peter's eyes he did not see that there was anything wrong with his behaviour. This special time and space allowed him to explore this.

Sandplay Therapy Case Study (Emma Redfern)

One way to better psychological health is to experience a therapy that works on many levels. There are many such therapies available, and clearly some of these will be more suited to some individuals than others. Here, in the words of an adult "sandplayer" I have worked with, I introduce you to sandplay therapy.

"The concept is simple. A wooden tray that is painted blue on the inside and part filled with sand is used as a sort of stage or inner-world landscape. Not only can you move the sand around and expose blue areas (these often appear like pools of water, seas or rivers) or create mounds, swirls and other three dimensional shapes, you can add other items to the tray. Not all sandplay therapists use blue-walled trays, but most have an impressive collection of miniatures you can use with them. These might include ribbons, feathers, shells, stones, miniature household artefacts, candles, flowers and an absurdly wide range of figures; from monsters to tiny babies."

"When you create a sandtray (and I would say it is a truly creative process) much of the work is spontaneous and intuitive. Often, when exploring the range of items, people are naturally drawn to select certain items. Some people even say the items chose them! Often the process is slow and meditative, with sand being felt, explored and moved about. Figures are swapped, arranged one way and then rearranged differently. Items are put in boxes or guarded by some archetypal character and tiny changes seem significant. As with dreams, part of our subconscious has become visible, and as this process continues people often begin to get an idea of what they are representing or playing out in their miniature world of sand. In many cases the trays they produce are beautiful, colourful and emotionally charged creations."

"During the process there is no need to explain ourselves to a therapist, but having a supportive and aware observer does, of course, help facilitate the whole process. The healing process of sandplay continues after a session and I have found this type of therapy to be creative, powerful and hugely exciting. In sandplay therapy it's as though we can really get in touch with the shifting sands and many Acts in the Theatre of Life and view things in a different and powerful way. It often generates real insights (however dramatic or simple) and allows us to safely explore and play out changes we seek."

Different therapists use sandplay in different ways. Some are more interpretative than others. While I have studied different methods, interpretation is not my way as a therapist. I provide the space and tools and may help the client gently explore their sandtray world and its meaning(s) while holding in mind that the creator of that world is best able to understand it and make use of it (at whatever level they choose).

Homeopathy Case Study (Sharon Allison)

Case Study 1 - 20 year old male

William (*) came for homeopathy in relation to severe panic attacks which he was having daily. They had started gradually 6 months earlier, increasing in both intensity and frequency as time went on, reaching a point where they severely affected his day to day life and were exasperated by any stress, pressure or responsibility. This meant the idea of any sort of regular employment was out of the question. On discussion, there appeared a clear aetiology of when the panic attacks started as well as some common triggers and distinct fears during them. He was able to describe physical symptoms of the attacks in great detail and one was observed during an appointment, (triggered by just talking about it).

Treatment began specifically for the attacks and there was notable effect from the very first prescription. After 2 months, the panic attacks were much reduced in intensity and happened only occasionally. Treatment for underlying issues around pressure and responsibility was then possible, as William could focus on this more now the panic attacks were not overwhelming him daily.

Four months after the first appointment William reported not having had any panic attacks for over a month and he has had none since. A further 6 months on and William was back in work, enjoying his job and social life and still has not experienced any return of the panic attacks.

(*) Names have been changed in respect of patient confidentiality.

Homeopathy Case Study(Sharon Allison)

Case Study 2 - 50 year old female

Laura(*) originally came for homeopathic treatment of long term severe and chronic lower back pain. It also came to light during the consultation that she suffered from sinusitis, (treated with a prescribed nasal spray used daily) a recurring rash on her right hand and some particular emotional issues that she felt were effecting her on a day to day basis. Her personal and family medical history had prominent features too. The emotional issues became quite prominent during the first three appointments so it was important her prescription covered these. As treatment continued and more of the emotional picture emerged to be treated, so the physical symptoms reduced.

The whole presenting picture was extremely well covered by one particular homeopathic remedy which was repeated in increasingly higher levels to provide a gentle treatment plan. This suited the gradually changing presenting issues. Over time 2 other remedies were prescribed for specific changes that arose.

Within 3 months, the rash on her hand disappeared and has never returned. 6 months later, as we went over some of her original problems, she realised she rarely used her nasal spray, and for the first time in years, was free from back pain. A year later none of these problems had recurred and in her own words she said, 'In myself I feel like a completely different person and deal with everything so much better'.

(*) Names have been changed in respect of patient confidentiality.