The therapist you choose is important.

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Research shows that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in the success of psychotherapy. Like most therapists, I became a therapist after appreciating the effects of therapy for myself. As I continue to be in therapy myself I continue to appreciate what it feels like to be a client. I work with people of all ages, backgrounds and across the full spectrum of sexual orientations. All my clients are important to me.

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What led me into becoming a therapist?

 

After a successful career in education, I started to study and practise counselling. I am accredited as a counsellor and psychotherapist by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. My clients’ needs shaped what happened next. When I found that clients required help with sexual and relationship difficulties for which I was not trained, I went on to a Postgraduate Diploma in these areas at the Whittington Hospital. I worked in the clinic for a year as an advanced trainee. I completed that training by doing an Advanced Diploma in Psychotherapy and a Masters’ degree. I no longer provide psychosexual therapy in order to focus on my psychotherapy work.

 

Since working with clients with eating disorders and concerns with food, body image and weight; I have gained a Diploma in Eating Disorders from the National Association for Eating Disorders.

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What other experiences have I had?

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Although in the therapy room the emphasis is on you and your life, as a humanistic therapist I don’t mind people knowing some facts about myself. For example, I like music, theatre, reading, the arts and I am learning to play the piano. I like walking my dogs and I enjoy conversation, discussion and debate. I also like swimming and do some extremely leisurely jogging.

 

I have also worked as a lecturer in counselling, training students up to final qualification level and, as part of that, I have made a special study of such subjects as stress, anxiety, phobias and depression. Most of my experience with individual clients focuses on these areas. I also have a qualification in Educational Psychology which enables me to bring a knowledge of child development and the psychology of learning to my work.

 

Many therapists agree that they should bring a sense of unconditional positive regard, warmth and empathy to their sessions. I think another vital therapist quality is openness. The therapist needs to be able to give clients space to explore for themselves. The therapist needs to be able to use imagination to appreciate the client’s world. Many but not all clients prefer to be challenged by a therapist who can offer insights from psychology and their own reflections on life and relationships. A challenge to the client might, therefore, take the form of suggestions for the client to evaluate personally.

 

Finally, there can be an undeniable element of humour and quirkiness surfacing occasionally in my work. I hope this will not put you off!

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If counselling or psychotherapy is for you, do not hesitate to visit the contact us page or call me on 07733 233 992.