Meet the Minds

How would you describe your approach to therapy?

I am what you would call a 'person-centred' therapist. I believe in people's strength and ability to find answers to their issues. The aim of what I do in the room is to help guide you to your own answers. Sometimes it takes time or we need space to explore the situations you've been through, but you are the expert in my own experience. I can't tell you how to see your life differently, I don't approach this trying to 'cure' you.

What are your core values in working with clients?

Listening to your experience and accepting you for who you are is a significant part of my values in the therapeutic space. In order to make change in ourselves, we have to know that we feel safe and that we trust the person we're speaking to. I also don't have an agenda for change with you. No matter how much detail we go into about your life, and I am there with you in this process, I don't truly know what it's like to be you. So my advice or interpretations wouldn't help or wouldn't land. So I trust you to make the changes that you want to make.

How do you approach difficult or sensitive topics?

We cover all kinds of topics in the counselling room and some times even what you state you want to talk about in your assessment leads to many many different topics in sessions. Some of those are hard for you, but this can also be challenging for me because of my own experience. Accepting how I feel in myself is a big part of how I stay present with people.

How do you handle resistance or doubt from clients? 

Resistance can come in many ways, we deal with touchy subjects. I won't talk about a subject you don't want to talk about and won't push it because so many things are interconnected for us. We might be talking something really heavy, then we move on to something light. Doubt is a interesting idea in is- doubt about who? Sometimes you share stuff that's hard, getting into it you feel lost and feel like you can't go any further. Like you've just dug a pit and you don't have a ladder out. But when I'm with you in session, I'm in that pit with you, exploring what you want to explore and giving you the talk. Sometimes when I'm quiet it might feel different, even awkward, but really I'm not forcing you to move along or hurry.

What inspires you outside of work to continue developing your practice?

I am a huge lover of music and art. I go to concerts regularly, I create art with people in a youth art group (though my art isn't very good!). I love listening to music in which musicians explore their lives, their experience and the emotions connected to it. It's not just about relating to them, but something which we use to relate to each other. With art, it amazes me how much expression can be poured into it. I love watching TV shows and exploring the characters from my therapeutic approach. I've been watching a lot of Lost recently, not only is it a great show but there is so much to sink your teeth into!