Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

To be honest, I just really like spending time with people. Although it does have its difficult moments I find therapy to be very enjoyable. You also get to see people do some pretty amazing things....

To be honest, I just really like spending time with people. Although it does have its difficult moments I find therapy to be very enjoyable. You also get to see people do some pretty amazing things. I'm frequently amazed by how courageous my clients can be.

I love the satisfaction of seeing people feel freedom and growth.

I love the satisfaction of seeing people feel freedom and growth.

I love helping my clients understand themselves better, especially when related to their childhood experience. I love that moment in therapy when my clients find a new surprising hope, that has...

I love helping my clients understand themselves better, especially when related to their childhood experience. I love that moment in therapy when my clients find a new surprising hope, that has previously been missing (sometimes for their whole life). I love celebrating my clients' wins with them, and supporting them through their toughest times by gently listening, validating. I love helping my clients reframe what they previously saw as something wrong with them into a creative and adaptive tool which they can choose to use if and when needed.

Seeing the transformation in others' lives, watching in many cases tears and distress move to laughter and gratitude for the lives they didn't realise they were living.

Seeing the transformation in others' lives, watching in many cases tears and distress move to laughter and gratitude for the lives they didn't realise they were living.

I love the utmost presence I feel when I am holding space with someone. I love the fascination and acceptance I feel with someone's process and the intrigue and wonder at how the psyche and body knows...

I love the utmost presence I feel when I am holding space with someone. I love the fascination and acceptance I feel with someone's process and the intrigue and wonder at how the psyche and body knows how to heal itself when allowed the attention and safety.

The stories! Also, the openness, emotional intimacy, and trust in the therapy room is unlike most other situations in life. And you never know what you are going to get each day. I feel very...

The stories! Also, the openness, emotional intimacy, and trust in the therapy room is unlike most other situations in life. And you never know what you are going to get each day. I feel very privileged to do this work and help people in this way.

Journeying with the client, holding a safe and compassionate space for understanding and awareness to develop and healing and compassion. Supporting the client to become aware of the impact of their...

Journeying with the client, holding a safe and compassionate space for understanding and awareness to develop and healing and compassion. Supporting the client to become aware of the impact of their mental states i.e. anger, resentment, worthlessness, and learning to become non-judgemental and dis-identify from them and make choices that support the lore.

Giving back! Offering that platform that may give someone that feeling of hope, justification, shift at a time of their lives where they may be stuck in or wish to move from... the brainstorming with...

Giving back! Offering that platform that may give someone that feeling of hope, justification, shift at a time of their lives where they may be stuck in or wish to move from... the brainstorming with patients and 'pulling at that string' to find their strengths and skills... love that!

Creating a safe & nurturing space for individuals to learn to trust again. The world has been cruel to all of us. We have ALL experienced trauma. Maybe not BIG capital T trauma, but we have...

Creating a safe & nurturing space for individuals to learn to trust again. The world has been cruel to all of us. We have ALL experienced trauma. Maybe not BIG capital T trauma, but we have definitely all experienced little “t” traumas - defined as highly distressing events that affected us on a personal level. For example: frightful events, non-life-threatening injuries, absent parents, emotional abuse, death of a pet, bullying, narcissism, feelings of abandonment etc. All of these events helped shape us into the adults that we are today. Often, in response to these events, we created what Bill Plotkin refers to as our Loyal Soldiers - protective strategies that were came about to help keep us safe. Because these adaptive strategies/emotional patterns were were born of a traumatic experience, every time that strategy/pattern is activated again in our adult lives, our bodies re-experience the pain of the initial trauma. Imagine how energetically exhausting that can be!! So I am deeply passionate about helping people to be gentle & kind with themselves and to develop a toolkit of self-care strategies so that they can learn how to self-soothe and calm their nervous system.

I really like seeing when clients discover their own solutions and when they recognise their own strengths. The “aha” moments of realisation are always wonderful to witness and be a part of.

I really like seeing when clients discover their own solutions and when they recognise their own strengths. The “aha” moments of realisation are always wonderful to witness and be a part of.

Facilitating change, watching someone become the person they were meant to be. Bearing witness to what unfolds when some of the barriers to expression, confidence and self worth are removed.

Facilitating change, watching someone become the person they were meant to be. Bearing witness to what unfolds when some of the barriers to expression, confidence and self worth are removed.

Walking the path of discovery with the people who cross my path. The enrichment of life that occurs as we learn about each other.

Walking the path of discovery with the people who cross my path. The enrichment of life that occurs as we learn about each other.

Going on the journey with clients and guiding them along the way.

Going on the journey with clients and guiding them along the way.

What I like most about being a therapist is the opportunity to witness the profound transformations that occur within my clients' lives. There's something incredibly rewarding about being a part of...

What I like most about being a therapist is the opportunity to witness the profound transformations that occur within my clients' lives. There's something incredibly rewarding about being a part of someone's journey towards healing, growth, and self-discovery. I find great fulfillment in providing a safe and nurturing space where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment. Building strong therapeutic relationships and witnessing the resilience and courage of my clients as they navigate through life's challenges is truly inspiring. Moreover, I value the privilege of being able to support individuals in uncovering their inner strengths, gaining new insights, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Seeing clients break free from limiting beliefs, overcome obstacles, and ultimately thrive is incredibly gratifying. Ultimately, what I love most about being a therapist is the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to contribute to their journey towards greater happiness, fulfillment, and well-being.

Facilitating the changes in perspective to allow an individual or groups to be able to move through a sense of immobilisation or confusion and start to make sense of their current or past experiences.

Facilitating the changes in perspective to allow an individual or groups to be able to move through a sense of immobilisation or confusion and start to make sense of their current or past experiences.

Hearing others stories and seeing them achieve their objectives, aims and ambitions.

Hearing others stories and seeing them achieve their objectives, aims and ambitions.

Being a counsellor/psychotherapist is what was traditionally a calling. Like nursing and teaching, I think you always knew that you wanted to help others. In my work I get to help people from many...

Being a counsellor/psychotherapist is what was traditionally a calling. Like nursing and teaching, I think you always knew that you wanted to help others. In my work I get to help people from many walks of life; many of whom I would never usually meet. When I see clients making progress, overcoming addictions, getting their lives back on track and feeling positive about life, that's when I feel that there is no problem that is ever too large to be shared and overcome. That's what gets me up in the mornings.

Being a therapist is a gift, and hard work. To have people entrust me with sharing their inner world is a privilege.

Being a therapist is a gift, and hard work. To have people entrust me with sharing their inner world is a privilege.

What I love most about being a therapist is the privilege of listening to someone tell their story. It's truly remarkable to be trusted with the intimate experiences and emotions of others. Every...

What I love most about being a therapist is the privilege of listening to someone tell their story. It's truly remarkable to be trusted with the intimate experiences and emotions of others. Every story is unique, and helping clients navigate their journey and find their own strengths is incredibly rewarding.

The variety in my work and seeing people thrive rather than just survive.

The variety in my work and seeing people thrive rather than just survive.

I take enormous joy and satisfaction in seeing people benefit from therapy and watching 'the cloud' often lift before my eyes - Seeing the look of pride in overcoming what seemed an insurmountable...

I take enormous joy and satisfaction in seeing people benefit from therapy and watching 'the cloud' often lift before my eyes - Seeing the look of pride in overcoming what seemed an insurmountable barrier; hearing a mother tell of her delight in 'getting their son back'; getting news of the new promotion, or family BBQ full of laughter; or supporting a couple who manage to reconnect or find each other again. At times the road may feel long for you, but you know with professional support you can be on your way to a new view of the world.

I find it very rewarding being entrusted with assisting clients to improve their overall mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. It gives me great satisfaction and contentment in seeing how my...

I find it very rewarding being entrusted with assisting clients to improve their overall mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. It gives me great satisfaction and contentment in seeing how my solution focused and holistic approach that is tailored to their individual needs is assistive to them in finding their own solutions for achieving their desired outcomes.

I love the connection each new therapeutic relationship brings and the depth of the longer term relationships. The opportunity to metabolise trauma and reveal intimacy. A chance to see each person for...

I love the connection each new therapeutic relationship brings and the depth of the longer term relationships. The opportunity to metabolise trauma and reveal intimacy. A chance to see each person for who they are, and to share in the rich and meaningful idiosyncrasies of each person's humanity.

Learning from others and the privilege of sharing their experiences

Learning from others and the privilege of sharing their experiences

Connecting authentically with other humans Solving tricky, persistent, difficult things with other humans Having fun and enjoying the process of growth and being present

Connecting authentically with other humans Solving tricky, persistent, difficult things with other humans Having fun and enjoying the process of growth and being present

Finding emotional contact to another fellow human being and to share their journey of self-discovery, healing and growth.

Finding emotional contact to another fellow human being and to share their journey of self-discovery, healing and growth.

Listening to the stories, and helping clients make sense of their own story.

Listening to the stories, and helping clients make sense of their own story.

I am most grateful for the privilege of being able to hold space for my clients. Being able to support people to do the inner work is a gift. The journey of healing, growth and personal transformation...

I am most grateful for the privilege of being able to hold space for my clients. Being able to support people to do the inner work is a gift. The journey of healing, growth and personal transformation is real, raw, messy and heart-opening work.

Often clients can present hoping that therapy might give them a better understanding of their own lives. They may feel stuck', or not know how they have got to this point in their journey. Exploring...

Often clients can present hoping that therapy might give them a better understanding of their own lives. They may feel stuck', or not know how they have got to this point in their journey. Exploring past experiences and patterns can often allow a client to join the dots', and there is that wonderful moment when they gain insight into what has been elusive. Sometimes this is the start of introducing a way forward to improved wellbeing and greater life satisfaction.

It is an incredible privilege to hear people share their personal challenges, hopes and accomplishments.

It is an incredible privilege to hear people share their personal challenges, hopes and accomplishments.