Like lots of therapists, I trained as a psychotherapist after I had experienced therapy myself.

My past life was committed to achievement and I gained academic success and a series of well-paid
jobs in retail management and then for many years in marketing, researching new products and
bringing them to market.

I pushed myself to meet all the demands of a fast-paced career with the added needs of my partner
and family and indeed seemed to thrive on being independent and achieving.

I used all my coping
strategies to deal with the stresses that this life placed on me and felt worthwhile in achieving so
much without needing help from anyone. I celebrated this as a strength, my own super power!

Over time I found that I was anxious, stressed and just miserable, stuck and lonely. I often wondered
what was the point to my life as I felt so confused and unappreciated.

 With some trepidation I looked for and began a therapeutic process with a psychotherapist. It was a
strange feeling at first having another human being follow my mood closely and be openly curious
about what was going on for me out there in my life as well as with them. I got a lot of care and
nurturing and this felt like my therapist was involved, empathetic and got me.

What was most profound for me was when her care was both curious, challenging and
understanding in ways I had never experienced before.

This was eerily strange and puzzling at the time. Initially I couldn’t let her responses in, although I noticed
that between sessions her responses to me stayed with me and I kept on hearing her words, tone and gentle
empathy as she expressed how she felt as I told my story.

This really made a profound difference to me, opening up so much for me including my own compassion
that I’d never allowed in my world of pushing myself to be strong and perfect.

These conversations led to a new sense of ‘seeing myself’. This was difficult for me, and without my
therapists real and authentic curiosity and challenge, I’m not sure if I would have had the courage to
face myself and change.

I began to notice a new resilience born out of our conversations and reflections. I got a better
understanding of myself and new skills to engage to get and keep the love I
wanted. I became open to changes to protect, love and cherish me. My confidence and self-esteem
took on a new energy and I felt good with myself.

Yes, I made changes to my life and I now feel alive and thriving….

Therapy worked for me and I know it’s made a difference to many others.