The question of “Who I am?” is an excellent existential question that we have probably have all asked ourselves at some point in our lives. There is no one answer to this question that will apply to everyone. Ultimately, the answer is a life-long journey, not a destination. Existential psychotherapy can help you to explore this journey and develop a deeper understanding of yourself along the way.
I have always been fascinated by people’s stories; each one is unique, each journey different. It felt only natural to me that following my own challenging life experiences, I would retrain as a psychotherapist to help others, as I was once helped myself. I went to Regent’s University in London where I first obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Psychotherapy followed by an Advanced Diploma in Existential Psychotherapy.
I practise existential psychotherapy because it rhymes so closely with my views on life and my own experiences in therapy. Not knowing what tomorrow will bring, realising that we have no control over anything except ourselves, and recognising that life is essentially without meaning, is a tricky pill to swallow. Harder still is learning that we alone are responsible for our choices, and that we only have a relatively short life to create our purpose and meaning. By helping you consider these questions and many more, and finding your own answers, existential psychotherapy can help you live a more meaningful and satisfying life.
I have a strong interest in loss and transitions stemming from my own personal experiences. I believe that they are part of the human condition, natural and inevitable, but also difficult and painful at times. This is because life is never static, we are always in motion/transition. Loss belongs with transition: every change implies something left behind as well as something newly gained. When we do not mourn our losses, be that the loss of a job, lover, or a dream, depression may take hold. It pulls us away from the world and our engagement with others. We become trapped in a meaningless void, lacking past and future. It becomes all the harder as others often do not understand us, making us feel deeply alone and isolated. Existential psychotherapy can help you to make sense of their experiences and to find meaning and purpose in their lives, even in the midst of suffering.
I work phenomenologically, which means that I focus on your experience rather than on seeking a truth. This bridges the gap of isolation, allows me to establish a connection with you and a feeling of understanding. I shine a light in the darker corners and will help you to (re)create yourself. This process can help you to face what it means to live and be human, and will slowly guide you towards finding value and meaning in future projects and people.
In addition to the benefits mentioned above, existential psychotherapy can also help you to develop a greater sense of self-awareness, improve your relationships with others and become more resilient in the face of challenges. If you are interested in learning more about existential psychotherapy, I encourage you to contact a qualified therapist in your area.
