What motivated you to become a therapist?
Having therapy myself and seeing how it changed my perspective and gave me confidence after a difficult relationship. I also realised that I loved helping and supporting people. My job at the time didn’t allow me to do that. I felt like I couldn’t reach my full potential in the corporate world.
Do you have a specialist field of practice?
I’d define myself as a person-centred psychotherapist, with a focus on transcultural approaches. When I market my practice, I describe myself as a body and trauma therapist, as I have been integrating sensorimotor and body work. A lot of my experience over the years has been with adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.
Has being a therapist changed you?
It has made me more patient, I’ve let go of trying to be perfect and it has helped me to be more conscious of self-care.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Having published a book and a few articles, doing some visiting tutor work and workshops for universities and organisations on race and equality. Perhaps a few babies too.
What do you find challenging about being a therapist?
At the moment, because of COVID-19 and working from home, I sometimes find it hard to have clear work and home/life boundaries. Also, making sure I get enough self-care to match the output I give to clients.
And rewarding?
I love seeing the transformation and sitting alongside a client when they realise there is hope, that they are enough, or get acquainted with what makes them unique and special. I also love learning about myself through the therapeutic relationship I share with my clients.
What is the most recent CPD you’ve undertaken? Was it worthwhile?
I did some peer CPD with a few people I trained with and one of them shared information from a course they went on – how to incorporate sensorimotor psychotherapy for virtual sessions. It helped me be more conscious of body-related communication during video calls with clients.
Next in this issue
What’s the longest you’ve seen a client?
Two years.
What book/blog/podcast do you recommend most often?
Books I often recommend are Why Love Matters by Sue Gerhardt and The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk. The first is great for parenting and therapy; the second is great for therapists and counsellors working with trauma.
What is your favourite piece of music and why?
At the moment, it’s ‘Let Love Rule’ by Ledisi. That song arrests my attention every time I hear it. My younger sister sang backing for her once, so she plays it often. It makes me feel relaxed and happy. I’d recommend you have a listen if you have never heard it before.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
I used to be a lyrical dancer (a combination of ballet and jazz dance that often uses music with lyrics to inspire the movements of the dancer), and my family say I still am. I may have stopped performing, but I still love dancing.
What do you do for self-care/to relax?
I read, write in my journal and write poetry or watch movies. I love being around friends and family, with some good food and wine.
What is the meaning of life?
To find your purpose and live that out. I believe everyone is here for a unique reason.