My FAQ

Integrative relational psychotherapy is based on the neuroscience of how we operate. It combines ideas and techniques from several established models — such as psychodynamic, attachment, person-centred, somatic, CBT, and existential approaches — rather than adhering to a single fixed method. It treats the relationship between therapist and client as integral to how change happens, not merely the space in which it occurs. Research on psychotherapy consistently identifies the therapeutic alliance as a central common factor across different schools of therapy, indicating that the quality of the working relationship itself contributes meaningfully to outcomes, regardless of the specific technique used. This flexible approach also has an established evidence base: a systematic review of pluralistic and integrative therapy for depression found high rates of reliable improvement and recovery, with clients valuing the collaborative, relationship-centred style of their therapists.

Integrative approaches are increasingly supported by research, rather than being a compromise between therapies. Multi-site studies of pluralistic and integrative therapy have found strong effects and high client-reported satisfaction, comparable to or exceeding those of many single-model interventions. Reviews of behaviour-change literature similarly conclude that treatment works best when it is evidence-based and integrative, addressing behavioural, cognitive, emotional, and relational factors together rather than in isolation. Training literature also frames integrative competence as a distinct and increasingly valued skill set within psychotherapy education, rather than as an alternative to rigour.

In everyday UK practice, the terms overlap a lot: both involve talking with a trained professional, using similar skills and methods within an agreed, confidential relationship. Many practitioners offer work that could reasonably be described as either counselling or psychotherapy. Counselling and Psychotherapy usually use the same ‘tools’, but psychotherapy adds deeper analysis and exploration of patterns over time: how past experiences, relationships, beliefs, and emotions connect, and how these shape current difficulties. In this practice, “psychotherapy” signals that work can move beyond problem-solving into sustained exploration of how you relate to yourself and others, while still making space for focused, shorter-term counselling when that’s what you need.

Common areas of work include anxiety and panic, low mood and loneliness, sleep difficulties, stress and burnout, work-related stress, life transitions, menopause-related changes, relationship and family difficulties, domestic abuse and coercive control, masculinity and identity, self-esteem and body image, and trauma. My examples page offers some ideas to help you think through what you may feel you need to work on collaboratively. This isn't an exhaustive list, and clients are welcome to get in touch even if their situation isn't reflected in these categories.

Sessions are available for individuals, couples, partners, families, and friendships, all drawing on the same relational and integrative foundation, whether the work takes place in person, by video, or by phone. The framing of the work varies depending on who is in the room, but the quality of attention and depth of engagement remain consistent.

Secure video sessions are available to clients anywhere in the UK or abroad, alongside in-person sessions in York and East Yorkshire. Research on the remote delivery of structured psychological interventions has found that online formats can achieve outcomes comparable to face-to-face delivery, including for anxiety-related and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, when the intervention is well structured. Broader research on the psychotherapy process also suggests that psychotherapists increasingly view online therapy as a valid avenue for intervention, particularly where the working alliance can still be established effectively.

A free 20-minute consultation is offered as a no-pressure conversation to discuss what's bringing you to therapy and whether it feels like a good fit. It doesn't commit you to booking further sessions. Reaching out is often described as the hardest part of starting therapy, and taking time before making that first move is common and expected.

Sessions are priced on an honesty-based, self-select scale, so the cost reflects what a client can afford rather than a single fixed fee for everyone. This approach is designed to make sessions accessible to a wider range of financial circumstances while remaining sustainable for the practice.

Confidentiality is central to building trust and safety in the therapeutic relationship, and sessions are conducted confidentially to support open and honest disclosure. It cannot be guaranteed absolutely in every circumstance — confidentiality may be broken only where there is a serious risk to life, or where legal disclosure is required, such as under a court order or safeguarding law — and this will be discussed with the client beforehand wherever possible. Anonymised aspects of the work are also discussed during regular clinical supervision, in line with BACP and NCPS requirements, without revealing the client's identity.

I, Daniel Bellerby, hold a BSc (Honours), PgDip, and MA in Integrative Counselling (BACP-accredited, Distinction), along with other qualifications and Continuing Professional Development (CPD). I am a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health (FRSPH), a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (MBACP), and an accredited member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (MNCPS acc). I also hold an Enhanced DBS check for working with children and vulnerable adults.

Personal data submitted via the website's contact form is used solely to respond to enquiries, is not sold to third parties, and is not used for marketing without explicit consent. Data handling complies with the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK GDPR, and I am registered with the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) as a data controller.

For immediate support outside scheduled sessions, contact NHS 111 and select the mental health option, or call Samaritans free on 116 123, available 24/7. These services are signposted because a scheduled therapy practice, however responsive, isn't equipped to provide emergency crisis support.