Ms Jessica Ryan-Zeman

A conversation with Jessica Ryan-Zeman

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  I think like most of us that end up in helping professions it was because of my own struggles with my mental health especially as an adolescent. I remember thinking at the time how much I had wished I had someone in my support network that was really listening to me and how much I needed a safe space where I felt heard.
  
  I never really considered counselling as a career path until I studied psychology as an elective in first year uni and I instantly became fascinated with the human mind! I chose to do my masters in psychotherapy as while I learnt so much in my psychology undergrad degree I still had no idea how to sit in a room and talk to someone human to human. I prefer psychotherapy's non clinical, humanistic approach and its emphasis on having your own therapy and doing the work on yourself first.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  Too many to name!! I have a particular interest in family systems and attachment theory which very much influences my approach. I also did years of Yalom process group therapy so I am very interested in existential therapy and the importance of the therapeutic relationship to premote change and growth.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  I have always had a particular interest in addictions and eating disorders from my own experiences. I love working with young people and helping families/couples as I am passionate about helping others experience better relationships.

• What methods do you use?

  I do not have a one size fits all approach, I have extensive experience in most modalities but I do like to do more in depth work looking at family of origin and what patterns/cycles from the past that may be playing out in the here and now.

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  When they feel a sense of trust and safety in the room and feel that their therapy sessions are valuable.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  I think it's made me very open minded and non judgemental. Most people would say they can talk to me about anything and everything and feel understood.
  
  I think it has made me a better mum especially now working with teens and being a mum of a teen. It helps me see things from my kid's perspective and hold myself accountable.
  
  I know I am here to help my clients but actually maybe what they don't realise is how much they have helped me so much and I am so appreciative for that!

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  The amazing people I have met and get to meet.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  All my clients know I wear my heart on my sleeve I am pretty transparent and when I make a mistake I am the first to own it! I definitely do not model perfection!!

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  Isolation and the pressure to be perfect.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  I recently read a book/memoir called On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong. It was heartbreaking to read at times but it moved me because of the writer's portrayal of intergenerational trauma and how that impacts our ability to give and receive love. I think anyone needing or wanting to understand trauma should read it.