Mrs Megan Bodnar

A conversation with Megan Bodnar

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

  I chose psychotherapy and counseling as a profession because I have always felt a deep sense of empathy and a strong desire to help others navigate their personal struggles. My own life experiences played a significant role in shaping this decision—whether it was going through challenges that made me realize the importance of mental health or witnessing loved ones face difficult times. These experiences made me want to be there for others in a meaningful way.
  
  I’ve always had a natural interest in human behavior and psychology, and over time, I became increasingly drawn to the idea of providing support to those in need. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative therapy can be, and that realization inspired me to pursue a career where I could offer others the same kind of healing and growth I’ve experienced.
  
  Ultimately, I want to create a safe, non-judgmental space for people to explore their thoughts and emotions, and in doing so, I hope to help them navigate their challenges and find a path to healing.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  My professional development as a therapist has been influenced by a blend of several philosophical approaches, each contributing to my understanding of human behavior and how to best support clients.
  
  One major influence has been humanistic philosophy, particularly the ideas of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow. The belief that individuals have the capacity for self-actualization and growth, given the right environment, resonates deeply with me. Rogers’ emphasis on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship aligns with how I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space for clients. I believe that when people feel truly seen and heard, they can access their own potential for healing and transformation.
  
  Another significant influence has been existential philosophy. Existentialist thinkers like Viktor Frankl and Rollo May have shaped how I view human suffering and meaning-making. I resonate with the idea that life’s challenges, though painful, can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of one’s purpose. I also find value in helping clients confront existential concerns—like the search for meaning, dealing with anxiety, and embracing personal responsibility.
  
  Additionally, cognitive-behavioral approaches have had a practical influence on my work. The focus on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected helps me guide clients in identifying and reshaping negative thought patterns. The pragmatic and goal-oriented nature of these methods helps clients gain insight and achieve tangible progress in their lives.

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

  I’m particularly interested in aspects of health and the human journey that revolve around emotional resilience, personal growth, and the process of healing. One area that deeply fascinates me is how people cope with and recover from trauma. I’m drawn to the complexity of how past experiences shape an individual’s present life and how, through therapy, people can rebuild a sense of safety, trust, and self-worth.
  
  Another aspect I’m passionate about is identity development and self-discovery. I believe that the process of understanding who we are—our values, beliefs, and purpose—can be incredibly transformative.

• What methods do you use?

  Person-Centered Therapy: I create a safe, empathetic space where clients can explore their feelings and experiences, fostering growth through active listening and unconditional positive regard.
  
  Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): I help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, focusing on changing behaviors and thoughts that contribute to emotional distress.
  
  Trauma-Informed Therapy: I incorporate practices that recognize the impact of trauma, creating a safe space for clients to process past experiences at their own pace.
  
  Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Techniques: I use mindfulness practices and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients stay present and accept their emotions without judgment.
  
  Narrative Therapy: I guide clients in rethinking their personal stories, helping them shift their perspective and gain control over their narrative.
  
  Strengths-Based Therapy: I focus on clients’ existing strengths and resources to empower them in overcoming challenges and building resilience.

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

  The timeline for clients to feel progress can vary depending on several factors, such as the nature of their challenges, the therapeutic approach, and their level of engagement in the process. However, here are a few general indicators that clients might notice as progress:
  
  Initial Relief: Clients may start feeling relief after just a few sessions, especially if they feel heard, understood, and supported in a safe space. This sense of validation can be the first sign that progress is being made.
  
  Increased Self-Awareness: As therapy progresses, clients often become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They may start recognizing patterns that were previously unclear, which can feel like a breakthrough moment in understanding themselves.
  
  Small Behavioral Changes: Clients may begin to notice small shifts in their behaviors or coping strategies. For example, they may handle stress better, react differently in challenging situations, or apply new tools learned in therapy.
  
  Shift in Perspective: A key sign of progress is when clients start to shift their perspective on their problems. They might begin to see challenges as opportunities for growth or feel more empowered in how they approach their life and decisions.
  
  Reduction in Symptoms: If the client is dealing with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, they might notice a reduction in the intensity or frequency of symptoms, which can be a clear marker of progress.
  
  Increased Hope and Motivation: Over time, clients may begin to feel more hopeful about the future and motivated to make positive changes in their lives. This sense of optimism is often a sign that therapy is working.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  Therapy has made a profound difference in my life, especially through some of the most challenging struggles I've faced. Growing up with complicated family dynamics, I often felt caught between different perspectives and expectations. Therapy gave me a safe space to process feelings of confusion, frustration, and a sense of not belonging, helping me understand that these emotions were valid and part of the healing journey.
  
  Throughout my life, I also experienced the pain of losing multiple loved ones, and grief often felt overwhelming. Therapy provided me with tools to navigate that grief, teaching me how to honor my emotions and how to continue moving forward, even when the weight of loss felt too much to bear. Instead of suppressing my sorrow, I learned to express it and allow myself the space to heal at my own pace.
  
  In addition to grief, I struggled with periods of deep depression and self-worth issues. I often felt like I wasn’t enough or that I was failing to meet expectations, both from others and from myself. Therapy helped me challenge these negative beliefs and develop a more compassionate and realistic view of myself. Through conversations and exercises, I began to understand that my worth wasn't tied to my achievements or the approval of others but was inherent in who I am as a person.
  
  One of the most difficult parts of my journey was facing infertility, which felt like another blow to my sense of self-worth. The emotional toll it took on me was immense, as I wrestled with feelings of inadequacy and a fear of never being able to fulfill my dreams of motherhood. Therapy helped me work through the grief of unfulfilled dreams and taught me to embrace new definitions of family and purpose, allowing me to find peace in the midst of uncertainty.
  
  Through all of these struggles, therapy has been a crucial lifeline. It has provided me with clarity, perspective, and most importantly, self-compassion. I’ve learned that it’s okay to not have all the answers, that healing is not linear, and that seeking help is a courageous step toward understanding myself better.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  What I love most about being a therapist is the opportunity to help people heal and grow. It’s incredibly fulfilling to create a safe space where clients can explore their emotions and find clarity. Witnessing their progress, from feeling stuck to gaining strength and perspective, is truly rewarding. I also appreciate the deep connections I build with clients and the continuous learning that comes with the work. Ultimately, being a therapist allows me to be part of someone’s personal journey, which is both meaningful and inspiring.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Every second day. Ha!

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

  I believe the most significant problem we face today is the growing mental health crisis. Rising levels of anxiety, depression, and stress are affecting many people, fueled by factors like social isolation, economic instability, and global challenges. Mental health often gets overlooked or stigmatized, making it harder for people to seek help. Addressing this issue by increasing awareness and improving access to resources is crucial for our overall well-being.

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

  One work that deeply inspires me is the book Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Frankl's perspective on finding purpose even in the most difficult circumstances has been incredibly impactful. His exploration of how we can find meaning through suffering and his emphasis on personal responsibility in shaping our lives resonates deeply with my own values as a therapist. The way he combines psychological insight with existential philosophy has shaped how I approach challenges and the importance of resilience and hope.