Hannah The Therapist: A Comprehensive Look

Starting a career as a therapist is more than just a job; it’s a powerful commitment to personal growth and compassion. I strive to create a nurturing environment where individuals can find healing and support. This post shares my background, explores my therapeutic approach, and highlights the resources available on my website.

As a therapist, I view connection and understanding as fundamental to the healing process. I aim to provide a welcoming space where clients can freely explore their feelings and thoughts.

My Background and Journey

My interest in therapy began with a longing to help people in their deepest valleys, working towards growth and restoration. Growing up, I listened to people’s stories, which sparked my desire to understand the complexities of the mind. This passion led me to earn a degree in Theology where my interest in counselling was sparked.

Following my education, I gained valuable experience in community centres including churches, charities and mental health centres like Mind.

Throughout my career, I have been inspired by centre users and my clients by their ability to grow and develop, having changed mindsets, habits and their view of themselves, resulting in improved mental health. Their strength encourages me to emphasize empathy, active listening, and collaboration in my practice.

My Therapeutic Approach

Central to my practice is a holistic approach to therapy, which means I focus on the mind, body, and spirit. I integrate various therapeutic styles such as psychodynamic therapy, creative therapies, and person-centred therapy into my work.

Psychodynamic Approach

The psychodynamic approach is a theoretical framework that emphasizes the influence of the unconscious mind on behaviour, thoughts, and emotions. Rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud, this approach posits that human behaviour is largely shaped by unconscious motivations and early childhood experiences. It seeks to explore the complex interplay between conscious and unconscious processes, revealing how past experiences shape present behaviour and emotional responses.

Person-Centred Approach

The person-centred approach to counselling is a humanistic method that prioritizes the client's perspective, fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for personal growth and self-discovery.

Core Principles

1. Empathy: The counsellor strives to understand the client's feelings and experiences from their perspective.

2. Unconditional Positive Regard: The therapist accepts and values the client without judgment, fostering a safe environment for self-exploration.

3. Congruence: The counsellor is genuine and transparent, sharing their true thoughts and feelings when appropriate, which helps build trust.

Goals of Person-Centred Counselling

• Facilitating personal growth and self-acceptance.

• Encouraging clients to understand their feelings and experiences.

• Helping clients develop a sense of agency and autonomy in their lives.

Contact Information

For those considering therapy, my website includes easy-to-find contact information. I encourage potential clients to reach out with questions or concerns, as open communication is vital for the therapeutic process.

Hannah sitting in her therapy room.

The Importance of Connection

One of the joys of being a therapist is the chance to connect with people from various backgrounds. I believe the therapeutic relationship serves as a powerful catalyst for change. Establishing trust allows clients to explore their thoughts and emotions openly.

Trust-building takes time and patience. I work hard to create an environment where clients feel validated and heard. This foundation of trust is essential for effective therapy, allowing for open communication.

Empathy is at the core of my practice. I strive to understand my clients' experiences through their eyes. This helps them feel less alone in their struggles, reinforcing their connection with the therapeutic process.

Client-Centred Goals

I prioritize client-centred goals tailored to each individual's needs and aspirations. Together, we identify objectives that will guide our sessions and measure progress effectively.

Collaboration is vital in my approach. I encourage clients to participate actively in goal setting, ensuring their voices are heard. This involvement fosters a sense of ownership and accountability, empowering clients to take charge of their healing journey.

As clients work toward their goals, I celebrate their achievements, no matter how small. This acknowledgment boosts motivation and encourages continued growth. Each step forward is a testament to the strength and resilience of my clients.

Self-care is critical for mental health and well-being. I stress the importance of incorporating self-care practices into daily life, as they significantly enhance the therapeutic process.

Continuing Education and Growth

As a therapist, I believe in lifelong learning and professional development. As I work towards completing my MA I strive to develop my work further, specialising in Spiritual Abuse and look to develop my own programme out of this to raise awareness, generate tools, help and educate those where needed.

Supervision and Peer Support

I also value the role of supervision and peer support in my growth. Engaging in regular supervision allows me to reflect on my practice and gain new insights. This collaborative approach strengthens my effectiveness as a therapist and benefits my clients.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on my journey as a therapist, I see it filled with growth, learning, and connection. I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate their challenges and discover their inner strength. My website serves as a resource for those seeking support, offering insights into my services, therapeutic approach, and useful resources.

I invite you to explore my website and reach out if you have any questions or would like to schedule a session. Together, we can begin a journey of healing and self-discovery, aiming for a brighter and more fulfilling future.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about my journey and approach to therapy. I look forward to the opportunity to connect and support you on your journey.