Psychotherapists and Counsellors Answer your Questions

Therapy has taken me from some of the lowest lows in my life to a place where I now feel safe in my own body, where my relationships are strong and nourishing, and where I am able to help others. The...

Therapy has taken me from some of the lowest lows in my life to a place where I now feel safe in my own body, where my relationships are strong and nourishing, and where I am able to help others. The most powerful part of this journey has been somatic and body-oriented therapy, which gave me a way to slowly come back to myself. That lived experience continues to inspire and guide the work I do with my clients every day.

Absolutely. I am a great advocate for therapy because it has changed my life! The insights, support, clarity it has given me as I have had the opportunity to explore my challenges, concerns,...

Absolutely. I am a great advocate for therapy because it has changed my life! The insights, support, clarity it has given me as I have had the opportunity to explore my challenges, concerns, spirituality, hopes and dreams (literally!) has enabled me to know myself in ways that have allowed me to make different choices that have changed my life direction. It has increased my compassion, open-mindedness, and the quality of my relationships to mention just a few benefits!

I get to make a real and meaningful difference to people's lives.

I get to make a real and meaningful difference to people's lives.

I can honestly say it has transformed me in many ways. I feel I have become even more empathic and patient in many ways. Through my own personal trauma healing journey I have also become calmer...

I can honestly say it has transformed me in many ways. I feel I have become even more empathic and patient in many ways. Through my own personal trauma healing journey I have also become calmer and more appreciative of life. It's allowed me to be more observant, have a greater acceptance of all kinds of diversity and understanding of other peoples challenges. It's made me kinder to myself, and others too.

Personally therapy has been foundational for me. I can't believe I am the same person who first had a counselling session at university as an 18 year-old. That was 40 years ago! I wish I could go back...

Personally therapy has been foundational for me. I can't believe I am the same person who first had a counselling session at university as an 18 year-old. That was 40 years ago! I wish I could go back and speak to that girl and give her a hug and tell her she was great just the way she was!

Iâ??ve personally experienced the power of therapy, from CBT to more recent work with hypnotherapy, as part of my own journey of self-development. Alongside that, practices like yoga, reiki, and...

Iâ??ve personally experienced the power of therapy, from CBT to more recent work with hypnotherapy, as part of my own journey of self-development. Alongside that, practices like yoga, reiki, and meditation have been an important part of my life for many years. One of the biggest lessons Iâ??ve learned is that real change comes from consistency and commitment. Itâ??s not just about what you knowâ??itâ??s about how you apply it in your daily life in a meaningful, practical way. Sustainable change takes practice, patience, and dedication. So, as you step into this journey, the question isnâ??t just about what you want to changeâ??itâ??s about how ready you are to commit to the process. How motivated are you to create the life you want?

As a counsellor, I continue in my own therapy. Life challenges continue and the listening ear, kindness, compassion and wisdom of a professional external to my life helps me to put struggles into...

As a counsellor, I continue in my own therapy. Life challenges continue and the listening ear, kindness, compassion and wisdom of a professional external to my life helps me to put struggles into perspective and work a way forward through each storm. I have (and do) benefitted more than I can express.

It has taught me so much about myself. Every client teaches me new things and I grow every time I meet new people. I have become more resilient, calm and open minded.

It has taught me so much about myself. Every client teaches me new things and I grow every time I meet new people. I have become more resilient, calm and open minded.

I have been transformed by therapy myself. I have developed a calmness and inner balance I never thought possible. I still engage in the therapeutic process.

I have been transformed by therapy myself. I have developed a calmness and inner balance I never thought possible. I still engage in the therapeutic process.

Increased awareness, compassion, and insight

Increased awareness, compassion, and insight

Being overly attached to 'a better person' identity can be problematic as it can result in us overlooking aspects of ourselves that don't align with that identity. Therapy has helped me become more...

Being overly attached to 'a better person' identity can be problematic as it can result in us overlooking aspects of ourselves that don't align with that identity. Therapy has helped me become more aware of my blind spots, to develop the ability to hold myself accountable, to practice humility and to learn to accept feedback more graciously.

Therapy has deeply shaped the way I understand myself and others. Itâ??s given me the tools to sit with difficult emotions rather than avoid them, and to respond to life with more clarity and...

Therapy has deeply shaped the way I understand myself and others. Itâ??s given me the tools to sit with difficult emotions rather than avoid them, and to respond to life with more clarity and compassion. Therapy taught me that healing isnâ??t about â??fixingâ?? yourself itâ??s about acceptance, growth, and learning to be kinder to your inner world. Personally, itâ??s helped me build stronger relationships, set healthier boundaries, and live more in alignment with my values. Professionally, it reminds me every day of the courage it takes to be vulnerable and that healing looks different for everyone.

My own experience of therapy has been transformative. I came to see that I am not simply my thoughts, but the aware space in which thoughts, emotions, and words arise and move. Individual work helped...

My own experience of therapy has been transformative. I came to see that I am not simply my thoughts, but the aware space in which thoughts, emotions, and words arise and move. Individual work helped me recognise and soften long-held patterns, while experiential and body-based approaches opened a deeper connection to myself. Group processes showed me the healing power of being seen and of seeing others in their truth. These experiences continue to shape the way I meet clients â?? with respect for the courage it takes to enter therapy and trust in the changes it can bring.

Engaging in therapy for several yearsâ??and continuing through supervision and ongoing learningâ??has profoundly shaped both my being and my work. Through this journey, Iâ??ve healed past trauma,...

Engaging in therapy for several yearsâ??and continuing through supervision and ongoing learningâ??has profoundly shaped both my being and my work. Through this journey, Iâ??ve healed past trauma, gained deeper self-awareness, released fears and limiting beliefs, and softened my inner critic with compassion. I continue to grow, recognising that true healing is ongoing. Research indicates that therapists who themselves engage in personal therapy often bring greater authenticity, empathy, and trustworthiness to their therapeutic relationshipsâ??factors that significantly enhance client outcomes. In fact, the therapistâ??s own aligned and reflective presence plays a measurable role in effective therapy. So to be honest, my work is ongoing...

It allowed me to start to process things in an entirely different way, something that I could never have accomplished simply by talking to friends. It changed the relationship I had with myself, and...

It allowed me to start to process things in an entirely different way, something that I could never have accomplished simply by talking to friends. It changed the relationship I had with myself, and others, giving me the confidence to make changes I could not have imagined before.

I have done individual therapy and couples therapy with my partner. I have studied and read extensively, and I love the calm that comes from knowing myself better. I donâ??t oscillate as wildly as I...

I have done individual therapy and couples therapy with my partner. I have studied and read extensively, and I love the calm that comes from knowing myself better. I donâ??t oscillate as wildly as I used to, and I now mostly feel grounded, focused and on path. Iâ??m more aware of my patterns and acknowledge the need for ongoing reflective practice. Finally, I am gentler with myself when I get it wrong, self-compassion being central to my daily practice.

Therapy gave me something I didnâ??t know I needed: a space where I didnâ??t have to hold it all together. Iâ??d learned early in life to be capable, to keep going, to put others first. I became...

Therapy gave me something I didnâ??t know I needed: a space where I didnâ??t have to hold it all together. Iâ??d learned early in life to be capable, to keep going, to put others first. I became good at reading the room, showing up for everyone else, and pushing my own needs aside. But underneath that strength was disconnection from myself, from my feelings, and from any sense of what I actually wanted. By my twenties, the cracks started to show. I was anxious, exhausted, and quietly lost. Therapy didnâ??t offer quick fixes, but it offered something more powerful: a place where I could just be. I didnâ??t have to explain everything. Someone really saw me and stayed. Over time, I started to hear myself again, to feel, and to make sense of the patterns that had shaped me. It wasnâ??t easy, but it was honest. That honesty gave me a way back to myself. Thatâ??s what I now try to offer others: not solutions, but space. A space where you donâ??t have to be anything other than who you are, and that is enough to begin.

I am deeply grateful to the number of therapists who have been part of my journey. Each has provided me with a space to grow and explore in safety for a time. Not every experience is perfect, nor is...

I am deeply grateful to the number of therapists who have been part of my journey. Each has provided me with a space to grow and explore in safety for a time. Not every experience is perfect, nor is every therapist perfect, but each one gave me space to work out the story and meaning of my life at that time so I could carry on.

Well, what does 'better' mean? I think it is making me a fuller person as I too face my own challenges and limitations, which I have to address in order to continue.

Well, what does 'better' mean? I think it is making me a fuller person as I too face my own challenges and limitations, which I have to address in order to continue.

I test out every intervention on myself first (my wife gets frustrated when I practice communication skills with her :)).

I test out every intervention on myself first (my wife gets frustrated when I practice communication skills with her :)).

I experienced profound change and growth through my own therapy, so know from a lived experience that therapy with the right practitioner can be life changing. My experience as a client has given...

I experienced profound change and growth through my own therapy, so know from a lived experience that therapy with the right practitioner can be life changing. My experience as a client has given me a real appreciation of the vulnerability and courage required to do the 'work' of therapy, as well as gratitude for the positive impact of the therapy on my sense of self and my life in general. Knowing that therapy 'works' allows me to stay with clients in their moments of deepest despair with enormous compassion, empathy and trust in the process.

It has changed my life. One of the particular aspects about Process Work diplomate training is that it is very rigorous about working on yourself - you get assessed on it, and it has a really high...

It has changed my life. One of the particular aspects about Process Work diplomate training is that it is very rigorous about working on yourself - you get assessed on it, and it has a really high number of therapy hours you yourself need to undertake as a client. Because of that training, I can embrace and accept different parts of myself and more than that, use them when I need. I know deeply that I am resourced enough to be able to face and work through what comes in life, regardless of how challenging it is, which brings with it a kind of freedom and trust.

Therapy has brought a lot of my unconscious behaviour and thoughts to the conscious level; increasing my self awareness. With that increased level of self awareness comes more choice in my life to...

Therapy has brought a lot of my unconscious behaviour and thoughts to the conscious level; increasing my self awareness. With that increased level of self awareness comes more choice in my life to stop before automatically reacting and pause. With more choice comes the ability to act with more kindness and compassion towards myself and others. Therapy has also taught me that everyone, myself included, struggles with something in their life. That knowledge has given me a great level of comfort. and connection with my fellow humans.

I believe I can only take my clients as far as I have gone myself. I am of the view that as therapists we have to practice what we preach. So I regularly see my own IFS therapist. It has given me a...

I believe I can only take my clients as far as I have gone myself. I am of the view that as therapists we have to practice what we preach. So I regularly see my own IFS therapist. It has given me a way of being with my own internal system in a completely new way. I am no longer trying to tame or remove parts of myself that other parts of me don't like. I am now able to be with them with curiosity, compassion, and openness. And in the light of my awareness, they soften and take on new and valuable roles for me. I have become more connected to my internal system in all ways. More connected to others. And I feel a deep sense of purpose and value in my life. I have overcome most of my addictions and no longer feel crippled by anxiety. I have also released some burdens from my traumatised parts, this is an ongoing recovery journey for me.

For me, therapy has been like a great life tune-up, helping me pause, reflect, and grow into a better version of myself. Itâ??s supported me to understand my patterns, manage stress more effectively,...

For me, therapy has been like a great life tune-up, helping me pause, reflect, and grow into a better version of myself. Itâ??s supported me to understand my patterns, manage stress more effectively, and stay grounded through challenging times. Itâ??s also helped me shift from striving to 'fix' things, to accepting myself more fully while still wanting to grow. Therapy has given me space towards feeling more content, fulfilled, and aligned with what matters most. Itâ??s something I return to when I need clarity or feel off track, like a reset for my mind, body, and emotional wellbeing.

Knowledge is power. It has helped me be more understanding less judgemental and more able to make sense of the world. Having a very investigative personality I like to know why people act the way that...

Knowledge is power. It has helped me be more understanding less judgemental and more able to make sense of the world. Having a very investigative personality I like to know why people act the way that they do. Having gone through some very challenging times myself I have appreciated the knowledge I have gained from the study of psychology and been able to utilise the many strategies and skills to help me live a more functional, rewarding and meaningful life.

In essence, it has given me a deeper insight into understanding myself and other people which has led me to have a healthier and kinder relationship with myself. This helps me have a better...

In essence, it has given me a deeper insight into understanding myself and other people which has led me to have a healthier and kinder relationship with myself. This helps me have a better relationship with others and the world around me and helps me navigate life's countless challenges. It has improved my quality of life in so many ways.

Therapy, especially with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach, has been a truly transformative experience. It's not just about my clients' growth; it has also profoundly impacted my journey....

Therapy, especially with the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach, has been a truly transformative experience. It's not just about my clients' growth; it has also profoundly impacted my journey. It's a mutual process of learning and development that deepens my insight into human nature and the complexities of the human mind. Here's how therapy, and IFS in particular, has contributed to my personal growth: 1. **Heightened Empathy:** Collaborating with clients who have faced severe trauma, mood disorders, and life's various challenges has significantly expanded my capacity for empathy. Witnessing their struggles and achievements has deepened my understanding of the human experience and the resilience of the human spirit. 2. **Self-Exploration:** Guiding clients through their self-discovery journeys has also prompted me to engage in self-reflection. It serves as a reminder that personal growth is an ongoing process, and the valuable tools I share with my clients are equally beneficial for my self-improvement. 3. **Enhanced Communication:** IFS, with its focus on the communication of emotions and parts, has improved my therapeutic skills and enhanced my communication abilities in personal relationships. It fosters better listening, empathetic understanding, and constructive dialogue. 4. **Self-Compassion:** As I assist clients in developing self-compassion, I've also learned to extend this kindness and understanding towards myself. It's vital to maintaining emotional well-being and resilience in a demanding field like therapy. 5. **Holistic Understanding:** My immersion in IFS and other therapeutic modalities has provided me with a more holistic understanding of the human psyche and the body-mind connection. This knowledge has broadened my perspective on health and personal growth. 6. **Strengthened Resilience:** Witnessing the transformative power of IFS in clients' lives has reinforced my belief in the human capacity for change and healing. This has bolstered my resilience and determination to support clients through their own journeys. Ultimately, therapy, particularly through the lens of IFS, has been a deeply enriching journey. It's enhanced my effectiveness as a therapist and nurtured qualities like compassion, self-awareness, and empathy within me. This experience has broadened my horizons, professionally and personally, and it's an ongoing process of growth that aligns with each client's distinctive path.

Psychoanalysis, Jungian analysis, Hillmanian analysis, buddhist-oriented psychotherapy: these have all been extremely important in me finding my way. From a very idealistic young man to a much more...

Psychoanalysis, Jungian analysis, Hillmanian analysis, buddhist-oriented psychotherapy: these have all been extremely important in me finding my way. From a very idealistic young man to a much more grounded, reflective participant in life in all its facets - as a husband, father, psychotherapist, artist.

Therapy calls me to grow, reflect, learn, be honest with myself and others and go ever deeper into the complexity of the human experience. It continues to open my mind and perspective on the world and...

Therapy calls me to grow, reflect, learn, be honest with myself and others and go ever deeper into the complexity of the human experience. It continues to open my mind and perspective on the world and people's incredible resilience and wisdom in the midst of trauma and pain. Therapy calls me to integrity in all my relationships - at work, home and in life. Therapy teaches me humility - to accept and see myself as I humanly am - a fellow human travelling alongside other humans.

It continues to make me a better human beingâ?¦.

It continues to make me a better human beingâ?¦.

Learning to be present to my own process (through working in a Process Oriented way), and to respect it's message is a powerful tool for working with life's challenges. I don't waste much time in the...

Learning to be present to my own process (through working in a Process Oriented way), and to respect it's message is a powerful tool for working with life's challenges. I don't waste much time in the victim mode since learning how to work this way. This also means I can be available to understanding and not reacting to others in my life when they become destabilised by life events and act in ways that can create conflict. This way I can contribute to a different way of seeing that can help to navigate through seemingly overwhelming circumstances. Perhaps biggest of all wise learnings for me has been to accept every aspect of who I am, and to consciously work with the parts I dislike because they have important messages for how I can live my authentic self.

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.

I think there is something quite powerful in the reflective surface that therapy offers us. When we feel safe and acknowledged with a therapist, we are in a position where we can speak more freely...

I think there is something quite powerful in the reflective surface that therapy offers us. When we feel safe and acknowledged with a therapist, we are in a position where we can speak more freely about things that have just been in our heads for a long time. My own journey with therapy - and I speak about this in a broad way as I see therapy having very broad possibilities - has made it possible for me to make better choices about how I spend my time, put my hopes for my life into action and improved my relationships with others. It has helped me to relax in stressful situations and to respond to others in more open-hearted ways.

Therapy has helped me better understand and appreciate myself, but also be more accountable and genuine with myself in areas in which I still need to grow and learn.

Therapy has helped me better understand and appreciate myself, but also be more accountable and genuine with myself in areas in which I still need to grow and learn.

I am more resilient; I have fewer highs and lows and the peaks and troughs are no longer extreme; I can think my way through dilemmas, as well as feeling the feelings, and I don't need to rely on...

I am more resilient; I have fewer highs and lows and the peaks and troughs are no longer extreme; I can think my way through dilemmas, as well as feeling the feelings, and I don't need to rely on others for soothing and comfort (even though I sometimes choose to, but consciously so, not out of panic or overwhelm); I am okay to cry for as long as necessary and not to be afraid of my feelings; I am happy with my own company and with being alone, or just still. And I love having friends with whom I can share humour, affection and lightness of mood, or deep conversation as the need arises. I have learned to be more generous and more compassionate. And stronger.

I feel calmer, more connected and centered in myself.

I feel calmer, more connected and centered in myself.

Being in therapy has supported me to understand what makes me tick! I can finally face those thoughts and feelings that I used to hide away from, and this has improved the relationships I have with...

Being in therapy has supported me to understand what makes me tick! I can finally face those thoughts and feelings that I used to hide away from, and this has improved the relationships I have with myself and my family and the people around me.

Yes, definitely! Doing ongoing personal therapy and self-exploration is something I really value. It keeps me grounded, reminds me how far Iâ??ve come, and shows me thereâ??s always more room to...

Yes, definitely! Doing ongoing personal therapy and self-exploration is something I really value. It keeps me grounded, reminds me how far Iâ??ve come, and shows me thereâ??s always more room to grow. Plus, it gives me a real sense of what itâ??s like to be on the other side of the therapy room, which helps me connect with my clients in a more genuine way.

Therapy has been transformative in my own journey of healing and personal development. Itâ??s helped me process lifeâ??s challenges, understand myself more deeply, and build stronger, more authentic...

Therapy has been transformative in my own journey of healing and personal development. Itâ??s helped me process lifeâ??s challenges, understand myself more deeply, and build stronger, more authentic connections with others. Most importantly, therapy supported me in shifting my mindset from self-doubt and worry to a much more positive, hopeful outlook. This experience fuels my belief in peopleâ??s capacity to grow, heal, and thrive, no matter where they start.

I have personally experienced the Gordian Pillars method and can attest that it has changed my life. In fact because it helped me so profoundly I decided to learn how to help others using this...

I have personally experienced the Gordian Pillars method and can attest that it has changed my life. In fact because it helped me so profoundly I decided to learn how to help others using this therapy and have never looked back.

I've personally used therapy in life coaching, career coaching, parental coaching, debriefing and reflecting. I also engage in professional supervision. I believe therapy can provide the best space...

I've personally used therapy in life coaching, career coaching, parental coaching, debriefing and reflecting. I also engage in professional supervision. I believe therapy can provide the best space for reflection, guidance and clarity.

I am now able to reconise when I am in a triggered state, to name it, to step back and support myself with compassion rather than attack the nearest person, who is usually someone I love dearly. In...

I am now able to reconise when I am in a triggered state, to name it, to step back and support myself with compassion rather than attack the nearest person, who is usually someone I love dearly. In many ways therapy has helped me recognise the underlying drivers for my own self-destructive behaviours; and through the incredibly healing nature of the therapeutic alliance, to gradually build a new way of being, based on a new reality of being safe and nurtured.

Having one's own personal therapy is a great leveller. It fosters humility and makes one more appreciative of the unique situations and heroic - and not so heroic - efforts of others. Therapy puts you...

Having one's own personal therapy is a great leveller. It fosters humility and makes one more appreciative of the unique situations and heroic - and not so heroic - efforts of others. Therapy puts you in touch with your own vulnerability as well as your strengths. Clients usually find it heartening that I seem to 'know', in a deep experiential sense, something of what it is like to be 'on the other side of the couch' - so to speak. Overall, therapy has made me more receptive of others and other points of view. It has broadened and deepened my understanding of life and interpersonal relations and enhanced my understanding of myself as a human being.

From the skills learned at Lifeline in crisis support, to counselling studies and Hakomi, I feel I have immeasurably improved my self-awareness and ability to down-regulate when heightened or the...

From the skills learned at Lifeline in crisis support, to counselling studies and Hakomi, I feel I have immeasurably improved my self-awareness and ability to down-regulate when heightened or the going gets tough, and to more effectively understand, respect and express my needs. Always up for new skills and knowledge, I know have much more to learn, and a significant amount of this will come from interacting with the clients themselves during consultations. More specifically, I have become a better, more active listener, and hope I can validate others' perspectives even if I disagree. In an increasingly fragmented and polarised world, these have become increasingly important. Outside of family and work, finding common ground with strangers in order to problem solve through conversation, is something I'll continue to work on.

I now consult myself when making decisions in life, I have emotional agility and can go with the flow. I also am able to process difficult situations and sit with difficult feelings. Most importantly...

I now consult myself when making decisions in life, I have emotional agility and can go with the flow. I also am able to process difficult situations and sit with difficult feelings. Most importantly I have support in my life to do this both inwardly and outwardly.

I think that we are all good people, its just that stuff gets in the way of our making our goodness and creativity felt in the world. I have managed to remove some of the obstacles, especially around...

I think that we are all good people, its just that stuff gets in the way of our making our goodness and creativity felt in the world. I have managed to remove some of the obstacles, especially around taking responsibility for myself and my needs. Somatic work particularly has helped me deepen self awareness and become better at self-regulation (looking after my own well-being), hopefully making me a better friend, partner and member of the community.

I try to be more mindful of others, more accepting, more patient with loved ones eg partner, friends and family and I aim to foster self-worth in my son.

I try to be more mindful of others, more accepting, more patient with loved ones eg partner, friends and family and I aim to foster self-worth in my son.

Yes I definitely feel and see the changes that have happened in my life. When I look back on my journey as a client, then student, and professional therapist I can see how I have developed as a human....

Yes I definitely feel and see the changes that have happened in my life. When I look back on my journey as a client, then student, and professional therapist I can see how I have developed as a human. I believe it has been a culmination of healing moments that have enabled me to be at this place in my life. I feel blessed to have met the therapists that I met that helped shape my choices and transformation. I realise now that life continues to be an amazing opportunity to learn and grow utilizing meditation, and body-mind psychotherapy to evolve as a better person.

Therapy has allowed me to access a space to process events in my own life, that would otherwise not have been available to me. It has allowed me to process, and to reflect.

Therapy has allowed me to access a space to process events in my own life, that would otherwise not have been available to me. It has allowed me to process, and to reflect.

My personal therapy helps me to identify response and relationship patterns that are hindering me from giving and receiving love. Like everyone, I am a work in progress.

My personal therapy helps me to identify response and relationship patterns that are hindering me from giving and receiving love. Like everyone, I am a work in progress.

My own experience as a client in therapy has allowed me to bring out the best in me. It has given me a sense of self confidence and self-worth. I have found meaning and purpose through psychotherapy....

My own experience as a client in therapy has allowed me to bring out the best in me. It has given me a sense of self confidence and self-worth. I have found meaning and purpose through psychotherapy. It has made interpersonal relationships so much richer and meaningful. It has also enabled me to understand others in a more focused way and to listen before I speak so that I really understand the other persons point of view and then make suggestions based on this understanding. Therapy has also enabled me to be more spontaneous and present.

In so many ways. Yet not without a serious effort and a commitment to working on myself. All of what I am about to say is a work in progress and by no means am I able to do this all the time. It...

In so many ways. Yet not without a serious effort and a commitment to working on myself. All of what I am about to say is a work in progress and by no means am I able to do this all the time. It speaks to my best self when I am able to be that best self. I have changed dramatically since my first ever therapy session. I have learned to be aware of my thinking, my feelings, my nervous system's threat responses, my perceptions, my judgements, my narratives and commentaries. I have learned to differentiate between thoughts and feelings. I have learned to understand when I get triggered and what I need to calm myself down when I am. I have learned to self-regulate, to calm my nervous system down. and to take more responsibility for myself as an adult in the world. As a result I am less anxious and more able to tolerate distress, disappointment, upset, failure and stress. I have lived through major losses in my life and know in myself that I can still thrive and grow in resilience. I have learned to understand my limitations, to respect other people's limitations, to know how I impact relationships and see my part in my relationship patterns with family and friends. I have accepted the cards I have been dealt with in life and know how to manage my expectations. I have learned to function for myself and know when I am asking others to function for me. I have learned to understand how I function for others and what is not useful about that. I have learned to hold myself when no one else will or can. I know deep in myself that I can live through incredible pain and not be broken down by it but rather be broken open.

While I think I am a work in progress. I think both being a therapist and having my own therapy, I have personally benefited and like to believe I am a more informed, mature, kinder and wiser person...

While I think I am a work in progress. I think both being a therapist and having my own therapy, I have personally benefited and like to believe I am a more informed, mature, kinder and wiser person as a result. I believe in authenticity and connection. I strive to live a decent life with my motto being to serve others.

I have problems with the assumptions behind this question. What really is a better' person? We are who we are, and over time we change, sometimes more and sometimes less intentionally. Whilst therapy...

I have problems with the assumptions behind this question. What really is a better' person? We are who we are, and over time we change, sometimes more and sometimes less intentionally. Whilst therapy is one potential vehicle for intentional change, it doesn't necessarily lead to being a better' person. Hopefully a more self-aware person, however, who is able to take responsibility for their own actions and inactions. This I think is what it has done for me. I am more aware and accepting of positive as well as negative aspects within myself, and know that having both is quite normal. It has given me a greater appreciation of people's motivations for doing things, which aren't necessarily obvious or sensible to the people around them, and the complexities and many dilemmas involved in living. Seeing people's struggles has also made me a more empathic, compassionate, and caring person. Having had plenty of therapy myself I know from personal experience what it's like.

* Improved my connection with myself, including boundaries, purpose, healing my personal wounds and traumas * Improved my relationships, communication and connection with others and lots more.......

* Improved my connection with myself, including boundaries, purpose, healing my personal wounds and traumas * Improved my relationships, communication and connection with others and lots more.......

It is a privilege to hear people stories and sharing this process has been inspiring . It has encouraged me to appreciate those around me and connect with values I hold as important and the culture...

It is a privilege to hear people stories and sharing this process has been inspiring . It has encouraged me to appreciate those around me and connect with values I hold as important and the culture and community that sustains me. It has reminded me to not make assumptions and be curious and surprised by people and allows me to examine power relationships and seek social justice.

It builds self-awareness, which allows us to choose how we relate to ourselves and others. Being able to hear how we talk to ourselves is necessary for listening to ourselves and improving our...

It builds self-awareness, which allows us to choose how we relate to ourselves and others. Being able to hear how we talk to ourselves is necessary for listening to ourselves and improving our situations.

Overall therapy has supported me to love myself more. Self-love is at the core of all the amazing help I have received from therapy and all of the other ongoing training, workshops, self development...

Overall therapy has supported me to love myself more. Self-love is at the core of all the amazing help I have received from therapy and all of the other ongoing training, workshops, self development courses, body and movement based methods I learn and experience from. The specific help over the years has included: increase in confidence; helpful new skills in relating; insights into issues and problems; learning from dreams and other mysterious experiences; support to follow what is right for myself; healing from past pain including trauma, shame, guilt, grief and loss; trusting my body; finding new attitudes to approach problems'; and accepting and loving all the parts of who I am (this is ongoing of course! Ha ha!)

Therapy has made me a better person because it has given me knowledge and understanding of our patterning and our programming. Being a therapist requires ongoing professional development. I take this...

Therapy has made me a better person because it has given me knowledge and understanding of our patterning and our programming. Being a therapist requires ongoing professional development. I take this seriously, and it keeps me up to date not only with industry standards, but with new developments too. My knowledge is always up to date, and ready for more learning.

It has allowed me to have more clarity about what is important to me as a person and how I want to live my life. By having more compassion for myself I have achieved a lovely work/life balance where I...

It has allowed me to have more clarity about what is important to me as a person and how I want to live my life. By having more compassion for myself I have achieved a lovely work/life balance where I can devote my time and energy to the people and activities that touch my heart and make it sing

More self and other awareness and compassion.

More self and other awareness and compassion.

Yes! Therapy is essential for humans and super important for human therapists. It has helped me in my relationships with family, friends and most importantly, my children. Through therapy and a...

Yes! Therapy is essential for humans and super important for human therapists. It has helped me in my relationships with family, friends and most importantly, my children. Through therapy and a strong positive relationship with my therapist, I have been able to make big and consistent changes.

As a result of my own healing journey I have much more compassion and understanding for others, am less I-centred, I work with purpose and seldom feel exhausted or overwhelmed as I have much better...

As a result of my own healing journey I have much more compassion and understanding for others, am less I-centred, I work with purpose and seldom feel exhausted or overwhelmed as I have much better boundaries since undertaking psychotherapy. I have learned to really look after myself and make loving choices around how I live. I seldom react to people or events and am generally aware and connected with my thoughts and feelings. I feel so much more joy and purpose in life and appreciate all that the world around me offers - in the city, the country, the night sky and the ocean.

Self-reflection is an important part of practicing as a psychologist both in my work and in my personal life, and has helped me to always ensure I am being an effective practitioner whilst being...

Self-reflection is an important part of practicing as a psychologist both in my work and in my personal life, and has helped me to always ensure I am being an effective practitioner whilst being self-caring. There is also a lot to learn both professionally and personally from the people I work with.

Therapy has made me a better person through greater self-awareness, emotional understanding and awareness and also resolution of past issues.

Therapy has made me a better person through greater self-awareness, emotional understanding and awareness and also resolution of past issues.

Overcoming poor self-esteem as well as fully returning to my body. Both allowed me to live the life I always dreamed of having: A functioning and loving family/ still having fun exploring new things...

Overcoming poor self-esteem as well as fully returning to my body. Both allowed me to live the life I always dreamed of having: A functioning and loving family/ still having fun exploring new things such as becoming an extra in film and advertisement, playing music and simply feeling alive and supporting others to feel alive too.

To become a qualified psychotherapist it is mandatory that you also receive psychotherapy. In part, this is so you can understand the vulnerability that comes along with opening yourself up to another...

To become a qualified psychotherapist it is mandatory that you also receive psychotherapy. In part, this is so you can understand the vulnerability that comes along with opening yourself up to another person. I found this to be one of my most humbling experiences. To sit in front of another human and remove my mask or my shield and share some of the parts of me that are so deep and vulnerable and to experience the courage I needed to be able to do that. Those experiences have enabled me to understand and respect what my clients go through in order to share with me some aspects of their life or themselves that is very difficult and to do so without judgement and or criticism.

Therapy for me has bee a great journey of self-discovery. Through it I have gained more self awareness and composure. I have experienced relief from issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem, and to...

Therapy for me has bee a great journey of self-discovery. Through it I have gained more self awareness and composure. I have experienced relief from issues such as anxiety and low self-esteem, and to have healing of past traumas. I have learned to be more self-reliant. More importantly it has been a journey of becoming more empowered and able to be more useful in the world. And still more importantly for me personally, it has given me the opportunity to find that the very different aspects or dynamics in my nature can co-exist productively. Overall, I think I am more present to myself and those I'm close to. I'm more realistic and flexible, and manage my practical affairs better. I handle stressful situations better than I used to. And going through therapy has made it possible for me to be a therapist to myself, and of course to have the great privilege of working closely with others with awareness and skill, to assist them where they are most troubled.