A conversation with Sarah Lawson

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

  I have always reached out to those around me in need of help. In my 20s I realized I myself needed help and this was the start of a wonderful journey of self-discovery and healing. I now look back on this with deep gratitude and feel called to help others as I have been.
  
  I believe that exploring and uncovering what is really going on for someone and helping them to discover the true wonder of themselves is precious. I feel blessed to work with people in this way.
  
  Everyone deserves to feel inner peace and a sense of completeness and cost, background or age should not be a barrier.
  
  ""One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious' Carl Jung

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  I am a Christian and believe in Jesus's simple message that we should love others as we love ourselves and that we should look after those who are lonely or in need.
  
  In later life I have been exposed to Ignatian spirituality and am very drawn to the practice of discernment. I love that Parts Work enables discernment by exploring our inner world.
  
  I am a practicing Yogi and have found that the Yoga teachings and philosophy resonate deeply in my core. I hope to study yoga philosophy more formally at some stage.
  
  As a young person I read the teachings of the Lao Tzu and the concept of the Tao or the 'way' always felt natural and right to me. I find it interesting that it is an underpinning of ProcessWork.
  
  

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

  I am interested in many aspects of the human journey including those aspects of ourselves which are hidden from us and holding us back from being the best version of ourselves.
  
  My interest is growing as I gain more experience.

• What methods do you use?

  As mentioned I primarily use Internal Family Systems, but support this with a solution focused approach where I help you to find your strengths and bring awareness to the real issues that you are facing. I do this in a conversational style whilst listening and observing and gently probing areas with questions and thoughts to give you more insight and clarity.
  
  In Processwork I use a range of techniques (symbols work, role plays, visualization, drawing, dream analysis etc) to help you discover those parts of yourself that are perhaps unknown, less known, or perhaps marginalized - avoided, ignored, denied or disowned. This awareness allows you to recognize, accept and embrace these parts of yourself, and integrate them, and so become the best version of yourself.

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

  I like to leave my client seeing that they have made progress at every session, however big or small. The rate of progress will depend on the issue(s) the client has and where they are at within themselves. What is important is that my client is making progress and are headed in the right direction. This gives them hope and empowerment, which is very important. It is also important not to move faster than one is ready to do. That can reignite trauma and can be damaging. We all make the changes that we need when we are ready.
  

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  They say that whilst studying counselling you are in fact undergoing therapy yourself . I have found this to be very true.
  
  I feel I am much more able to embrace my vulnerabilities and parts of myself that I am uncomfortable with and be compassionate to myself. I have also been able to establish better boundaries with people in my life and consequently I feel much more balanced and able to handle life's ups and downs with more ease.
  
  I recognize that I am still learning and growing and relish this gift!

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  I love working with a person exploring and unraveling what is disturbing them. The moment they truly discover the freedom within themselves to move forward is precious moment and wonderful to witness.
  
  It is the difference between intellectually knowing something versus knowing it in our inner being. When this happens I find clients tend to look and feel very energized, relieved or peaceful.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Yes, bad hair days come with mid-life ... but I have found a great conditioner!
  
  I have my ups and downs, and days where my energy can be a bit low. But I find that being present and giving service to my clients helps me to move beyond these challenges.

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

  Undeniably climate change. To think that our way of living and that of all living things is increasingly being impacted and may cease to exist, is both distressing and alarming.

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

  There are many.
  
  My Brother and I were hypnotized by a movie called Escape to Witch Mountain as children. I loved the wonder of outer space and special powers being used for good.
  
  I love Under a Tuscan Sun because it is a story about hope, healing and joy, but the surprise of how this can occur. It shows that sharing love and care brings joy not just to ourselves, but to those around us.
  
  I have read several of Paulo Coelho's books and loved the Alchemist as it shows that what we seek is where we started. I also loved Veronica Decides to Die. It was the first book that I read about mental health and I loved its tender understanding and honoring of Veronica and her feelings.