Key Principles
No two therapists work in quite the same way! Even therapists who have trained in the same approach have their own distinctive way of working which grows out of countless personal and professional experiences. It is important to find a therapist who you connect with; with whom you feel safe and comfortable but also someone you feel challenged and inspired by.
Meeting person to person is the best way of judging this, but I will try to give you a flavour of the personal philosophy that I bring to my work as therapist and supervisor.
"Deborah has played an immense role in my life and I’m forever grateful for her kindnesses and support. Professional, warm and so very generous, she has supported me unconditionally throughout my therapy, through two bereavements, dreadful employment issues, personal and work relationships and with difficulties around eating. Always encouraging and nurturing Deborah has helped me navigate and find ways through some extremely tough times; she’ll always be a source of strength, inspiration and comfort for me."
People are endlessly creative.....Despite damaging childhoods, adverse life experiences, painful losses and difficulties in navigating an increasingly complex world, we are innately drawn to meeting the challenge of creatively overcoming problems.. With the right kind of help, our natural inborn capacity for growth is re-awakened.
The process of making life better is just as worthwhile as the outcome. Somehow the whole process of confronting and solving the apparently insurmountable problems that bring us to therapy can also bring renewed meaning and poignancy into our lives.
My commitment to my own personal growth is, by far, my most important asset.
My commitment to my own supervision ensures that I am practising safely and ethically. It provides me with the support necessary to meet the emotional and intellectual demands of my work.
Being inspired by new ideas is an important part of me approaching my work in a creative and resourceful way. This may come though ongoing personal research, through dialogue with valued peers and colleagues, or more formally through my continuing professional development training.
I believe that:
"Problems call forth our courage and our wisdom; indeed, they create our courage and our wisdom." M. Scott Peck