Ms Philipa Thornton

A conversation with Philipa Thornton

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

  Having worked for many years to become a licensed psychologist my values inspire me to be of service to others in a meaningful way.
  
  It's important to keep growing and learning.. This leads me to the helping field and specializing in trauma processing using EMDR, Tapping, and Parts Therapy Resource Therapy.
  

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  All my mentors have been kind and supportive. I am influenced by the ideas of Foucalt, Jung. Freud and Watson. This means I believe in the past and our future, I am totally convinced we can be our own personal agents of change. We need the best circumstances, support, courage and opportunity to grow into the best we can be for ourselves and others on this planet.

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

  The whole lifespan is such a journey. As I work with couples I am drawn to our relationship life cycles. And within that there are bitter sweet beginnings and endings.
  I particularly working with parts therapies for people challenged by trauma, change and grief. I love helping couples to really see and 'get' each other.

• What methods do you use?

  What is best for my clients desired change. I have found Resource Therapy to be invaluable for offering fast and effect results. Clients often report feeling lighter after a Resource Therapy session. It is simple and works so quickly I am often amazed. This is why I teach Resource Therapy to counselors, psychologists and other mental health professionals.
  It has easy to follow steps and these effectively target client's desired goals.
  I am also drawn to Solution focussed therapy, systemic ideas and Imago Couple Therapy.
  Imago dialogue has had a profound effect on my personal relationships and I believe it benefits couples immensely. Couples get to communicate both more effectively and deeply allowing for new or rediscovered connections and love.

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

  Most likely in our first session. I think even having made the appointment offers a sense of relief, indeed clients often report this.
  I want to start helping someone immediately and I use Resource Therapy's powerful question to get my clients goals out in front for them to feel progress and direction in our time together. " What are you ready to change today?"

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  While I think I am a work in progress. I think both being a therapist and having my own therapy, I have personally benefited and like to believe I am a more informed, mature, kinder and wiser person as a result.
  I believe in authenticity and connection. I strive to live a decent life with my motto being to serve others.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  I am a bit selfish, I like helping people. I truly get a genuine kick out of seeing persons sense of relief, them saying they feel better and how their lives are improved. through our work I love it when clients tell me they know and understand themselves and their actions and have choices.
  
  It warms my heart!

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  I am human and like anyone have my up and down day's. I think this helps me have greater empathy for others. On those days I give myself permission to take a break and take care of myself as best I can.
  I have at times struggled with both anxiety and depression and do my best to work through these issues, that is why I enjoy helping others as I personally know the benefit a good therapist has made in my life.

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

  Loss of connection and community. Although we are part of the global village, I think there are so many of us out there feeling isolated behind a screen. We are social creatures and long for the interactions of others in close porximity.
  Don't get me wrong I love the internet, but there is nothing better than a hug from your lover, a soft work of kindness from a friend or a look of appreciation and a smile from another.

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

  So many. Recently it has been Lost Connections by Johann Hari. I loved he wrote about his personal journey with depression and what he thought was the leading cause. It is a well written book, with good research and some interesting ideas. I believe it offers new insights into depression and our human condition.