My Experience Of Being A Therapist
To date I have had over 130 hours individual therapy and I been involved in group therapy. Therapy has been a major part of my training in becoming a Psychotherapist and for many years a part of my life. I can’t imagine life without it!
Einstein said that, “imagination is more important than knowledge.” I think this also applies to therapy because we are not really setting out to learn something, instead, we are setting out to explore and create something new. Our capacity to imagine alternatives is the greatest companion with this endeavour.
What have I learnt about myself in therapy?
What I wish people knew about therapy?
Therapy has given me the space and freedom to explore my feelings, emotions and thinking in a non-directive and non-judgemental way, which has given me compassion for my ‘inner self’ and the confidence to truly be myself. Therapy has also helped me process the unprocessed, to understand that behind every anxiety and low mood there are unacknowledged feelings and unprocessed experiences from the past that needs attention. The benefits of therapy is when one embraces fully in the process. The therapeutic relationship is created when a deep sense of trust is created feel supported which creates a platform to help you take control and move forward to a brighter future.
It would be great if everyone could see having therapy in a less stigmatised way. Generally, we do not see sharing our problems with other people such as family or friends in a stigmatic way or going in the gym to improve our body in a negative way, but when it comes to seeing a therapist many perceive it as a sign of weakness. Therapy is really just aboutnourishment for the mind. Attitudes to having therapy are changing and many more people are engaging with therapy, especially men, who have for far too long been closed-up and trapped inside themselves. Therapy is not just about working with problems, but also about taking the opportunity to develop yourself as a person.
What I like about being a therapist?
I feel very privileged when someone shares their concerns and ‘demons’ with me. It is not easy for someone to speak about their doubts, worries, shame, negativity and destructive feelings. Inevitably individuals explore other aspects of themselves in therapy and sometimes these are challenging aspects and when addressed, lead to greater ease. I am a curious person and I try to encourage curiosity in the people I work with. It is very rewarding when clients make progress in shaping who they want to be or when they begin to accept aspects of themselves which were previously problematic for them.