Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

It is an interesting question. I don't think about people as being either good' or bad'. We are simply people. Therapy has certainly made me a different person. I have come to much deeper...

It is an interesting question. I don't think about people as being either good' or bad'. We are simply people. Therapy has certainly made me a different person. I have come to much deeper understanding of myself by doing therapy. Everything that you learn about other people teaches you a little something about yourself.

It has helped me grow in reflective capacity, patience, insight and courage with willingness to connect with a broad range of people.

It has helped me grow in reflective capacity, patience, insight and courage with willingness to connect with a broad range of people.

Learning about psychology, counselling and psychotherapy has changed the way I see the world, and people in it. I am yet to meet a person who I would write off. Everyone can get help. I find, if we...

Learning about psychology, counselling and psychotherapy has changed the way I see the world, and people in it. I am yet to meet a person who I would write off. Everyone can get help. I find, if we raise enough awareness, there is always a reason behind a behaviour; a need seeking fulfilment and most often - somewhere in there - is a small child seeking validation, affirmation and attunement. We can find the why through exploration of the how, here and now. I have been a client in therapy, having had hundreds of hours personally in therapy. In addition, I've undertaken an academic masters and completed a published literature review referencing over 70 sources about trauma, culture and attachment theory. Additionally, I receive expert supervision and ongoing training each year.

Therapy allowed me to find light in the darkest of places and learn to move forward from stuck positions. I became able to look at alternative thought processes instead of a belief system that...

Therapy allowed me to find light in the darkest of places and learn to move forward from stuck positions. I became able to look at alternative thought processes instead of a belief system that prevented me from moving on and living life to the fullest.

I use this modality for my own inner work and meditations and also often have swap sessions with colleagues. I also regularly get my own therapy. This has helped my life immensely.

I use this modality for my own inner work and meditations and also often have swap sessions with colleagues. I also regularly get my own therapy. This has helped my life immensely.

Therapy has helped me to understand that it is a creative process between the therapist, the client and a bigger field of wisdom. I experience joy and peace and happiness having come from a history of...

Therapy has helped me to understand that it is a creative process between the therapist, the client and a bigger field of wisdom. I experience joy and peace and happiness having come from a history of violence.

Personally, I have undertaken many therapy sessions in my lifetime, to assist with seeing things beyond my emotional connection to a certain situation, as and when required...this has been an...

Personally, I have undertaken many therapy sessions in my lifetime, to assist with seeing things beyond my emotional connection to a certain situation, as and when required...this has been an invaluable process that has enabled me to see the merits of therapy and indeed, these last 12 months have shown me through my Griefline Voluntary work how positive an impact one can have, just to be present for someone at a time of need... there is nothing more satisfying than being there and giving back.

In 2015 I experienced a very significant “Plot Twist” to Life and the only way to recover was to embark on a personal healing journey and a path of Soul discovery. It is during this time that I...

In 2015 I experienced a very significant “Plot Twist” to Life and the only way to recover was to embark on a personal healing journey and a path of Soul discovery. It is during this time that I felt a deep desire and purpose to become a counsellor. My time in training at Metavision started my therapeutic journey -and it has been a journey rich in self discovery, reconnection to land & nature, a blossoming in my self-worth, and a deep understanding of how crucial self-care practices really are. The journey in working through my wounds and traumas, and discovering the gifts in each of those experiences has led to a path of personal growth that has been more rewarding and enriching than I could have ever anticipated.

Therapy has provided me with the skills needed to face and manage difficult times and challenges. It has enabled me to be a stronger and more confident person with better understanding of myself.

Therapy has provided me with the skills needed to face and manage difficult times and challenges. It has enabled me to be a stronger and more confident person with better understanding of myself.

I am always learning and ever curious about the human condition, human experience and resilience. My work inspires me to be more intentional in my own life and to treat myself with love and...

I am always learning and ever curious about the human condition, human experience and resilience. My work inspires me to be more intentional in my own life and to treat myself with love and compassion.

It has opened my heart to others and gave me trust in people again.

It has opened my heart to others and gave me trust in people again.

As a recipient of good therapy myself, it improved my self-confidence and my relationships with family and friends. It also helped me with knowing and managing myself better, so I can show up for...

As a recipient of good therapy myself, it improved my self-confidence and my relationships with family and friends. It also helped me with knowing and managing myself better, so I can show up for clients by providing the support they need.

Therapy has made a significant difference in my life by offering me a guiding light through challenging times. It has provided me with tools to manage stress, cope with life's challenges, and improve...

Therapy has made a significant difference in my life by offering me a guiding light through challenging times. It has provided me with tools to manage stress, cope with life's challenges, and improve my relationships. Through therapy, I've gained a deeper understanding of myself and learned to navigate life's ups and downs with more resilience and self-awareness.

Recovery from childhood trauma has been an on going process. I was able to develop self esteem as an adult and move through an intense and debilitating feelings of shame. Once I FELT and KNEW better,...

Recovery from childhood trauma has been an on going process. I was able to develop self esteem as an adult and move through an intense and debilitating feelings of shame. Once I FELT and KNEW better, I also acted better. Hurt people can hurt other people, even without realising or knowing it.... I understand this process of recovery from a lived experienced and now use my professional skills and 26+ years of qualified experience to guide others through their own process of clarification and understanding.

Therapy has made me more tolerant, more thoughtful and more considerate of others. As well as more determined, more forgiving and more willing to try and grow.

Therapy has made me more tolerant, more thoughtful and more considerate of others. As well as more determined, more forgiving and more willing to try and grow.

Training to be a counsellor/psychotherapist requires a deep understanding of yourself. This understanding then helps to truly empathise with others who may be going through similar situations. I...

Training to be a counsellor/psychotherapist requires a deep understanding of yourself. This understanding then helps to truly empathise with others who may be going through similar situations. I believe that I am a better person for my training as not only can I walk in the client's shoes, but I can see what needs to be done. I am not sure whether that really makes me a better person, but it makes me a better therapist.

Firstly, as a therapist knowing one's own issues and vulnerabilities is crucial to knowing what belongs to the client and what belongs to oneself when one comes to conducting therapy. Knowing oneself...

Firstly, as a therapist knowing one's own issues and vulnerabilities is crucial to knowing what belongs to the client and what belongs to oneself when one comes to conducting therapy. Knowing oneself helps with having empathy and sensitivity, as well as keeping a balanced perspective. Secondly, having sat in the therapy room as a client provides vital knowledge of what clients might go through as they sit with you. Doing therapy is not easy. My own experience has provided me with these insights as well broadening and enriching my personal life.

From a client's perspective, and yes, I've been in that seat too, therapy has truly transformed me into a better person - it's a work in progress. It's given me a toolkit, I can use - like...

From a client's perspective, and yes, I've been in that seat too, therapy has truly transformed me into a better person - it's a work in progress. It's given me a toolkit, I can use - like deep-breathing exercises, mindfulness activities, and even phone apps, that I can use not only for my own growth but to support those around me. Many of these resources are accessible and often free. Through therapy, I've become more self-aware, empathetic, and better equipped to handle life's ups and downs with greater resilience. It's been an incredible journey, helping me grow and evolve into a more compassionate and self-aware individual.

It has broadened my understanding of myself and increased patience and compassion for self and others.

It has broadened my understanding of myself and increased patience and compassion for self and others.

Being a therapist for many years has offered me personal insights, learnings and skills that have been an enormous benefit personally. I have learnt the power of truly listening - hearing beyond the...

Being a therapist for many years has offered me personal insights, learnings and skills that have been an enormous benefit personally. I have learnt the power of truly listening - hearing beyond the words - of openness and acceptance. Most importantly I have understood that everyone has their own journey - one can never judge for we all are facing battles and walking our own paths. My own journey with therapy has evolved as I've been practising and I think I value the privilege even more that people trust me to help. There is no doubt therapy has given me tools to be a better psychologist, father and husband.

Therapy has made me a better person because it made me realise the benefit in seeking assistance promptly for my issues, as opposed to letting them manifest into more complicated issues which would...

Therapy has made me a better person because it made me realise the benefit in seeking assistance promptly for my issues, as opposed to letting them manifest into more complicated issues which would otherwise have caused me additional grief and taken longer to resolve. Overall, it provided me with the opportunity to openly express my concerns and we worked collaboratively in addressing and seeking resolution for my issues.

It has continually challenged me to undermine my ego defences and live authentically from a more heart oriented perspective. There is no other way to extract the rich nectar of ecstasy from life.

It has continually challenged me to undermine my ego defences and live authentically from a more heart oriented perspective. There is no other way to extract the rich nectar of ecstasy from life.

Self-reflection and lifelong learning

Self-reflection and lifelong learning

I'm less judgmental;, more accepting, more open, more self-aware, content, full of gratitude, peaceful, compassion to others and myself, more encouraging to self and others...

I'm less judgmental;, more accepting, more open, more self-aware, content, full of gratitude, peaceful, compassion to others and myself, more encouraging to self and others...

Better in terms of an overall enrichment of emotional experiences and the increased capacity to enjoy art, music, literature, friendships, self-care and spirituality.

Better in terms of an overall enrichment of emotional experiences and the increased capacity to enjoy art, music, literature, friendships, self-care and spirituality.

Having my own personal therapy has helped me with my own patterns of relationship. Being a therapist helps me to be a better mother, as I have learnt to be stronger, wiser and kind. Providing psycho...

Having my own personal therapy has helped me with my own patterns of relationship. Being a therapist helps me to be a better mother, as I have learnt to be stronger, wiser and kind. Providing psycho education about dysregulation to people helps me understand my own dys-regulation patterns.

As a therapist walking my talk is something that is important to me. Having awareness of my own edges, vulnerabilities, and places to grow means that I am able to support my clients. I am able to know...

As a therapist walking my talk is something that is important to me. Having awareness of my own edges, vulnerabilities, and places to grow means that I am able to support my clients. I am able to know what belongs to me and what belongs to my clients. Having sat in the client's chair also means I have an understanding of the therapeutic process as well as the feelings and emotions that come up for you!

It is a complete privilege to sit opposite a client (as an equal in the room), and for them to share the details of their life. The therapeutic space may allow clients to be vulnerable, and for the...

It is a complete privilege to sit opposite a client (as an equal in the room), and for them to share the details of their life. The therapeutic space may allow clients to be vulnerable, and for the first time, they have felt safe enough to explore difficult issues such as trauma or addiction. This space allows a therapist to really listen, and to validate that client's lived experience, and offer a supportive, collaborative and non-judgemental way forward. I do believe that as a therapeutic process, the dynamic created can also be a healing one for the practitioner, and I certainly have developed a deep sense of gratitude for the work that I am able to do, and the people I meet.

Enabled me to get clearer about my own personal and relational values and at times recognizing how I get 'in my own way' in relationships.

Enabled me to get clearer about my own personal and relational values and at times recognizing how I get 'in my own way' in relationships.