Sitting at a Crossroads
At certain points in life, we all find ourselves standing at a crossroads, unsure which path to take. For me, one of those moments came when I realised I needed support to understand myself better. Sitting in the client’s chair for the first time was both daunting and illuminating, a moment that quietly shaped the way I see therapy and ultimately, the way I practise it today.
Experiencing CBT Before Becoming a Therapist
Before I ever trained as a therapist, I first experienced CBT as a client. I reached a point in my life where I felt stuck in patterns that weren’t serving me, overwhelmed by thoughts I didn’t know how to navigate and in need of support that felt steady, clear and truly understanding.
A Vulnerable but Meaningful Step
Choosing to go to therapy was a vulnerable step but it was also one of the most meaningful I’ve taken. CBT helped me make sense of what I was experiencing in a way that felt both compassionate and practical. Instead of feeling lost inside my thoughts, I began to understand them. Instead of moving through life on autopilot, I started recognising the patterns I had been repeating for years.
Why CBT Made a Difference
What made CBT so powerful for me was the balance it offered: gentle reflection paired with real workable tools. It allowed me to explore my emotions safely while also learning skills that made everyday life feel clearer and more manageable. It wasn’t about “fixing” myself, it was about understanding myself, step by step, with support I could trust.
The Power of Being Met with Warmth and Collaboration
Through that process, I experienced firsthand how empowering it can be to have a space where you are met with warmth, respect and collaboration. Therapy gave me clarity, resilience and a deeper sense of connection to myself. Changes that stayed with me long after the sessions ended.
How My Experience Shapes My Practice Today
Sitting on both sides of the therapeutic relationship has shaped the way I work today. It’s why I value CBT so much, not just as a therapeutic approach, but as something that genuinely helps people move toward the lives they want to live. My personal experience reminds me every day of the courage it takes to reach out, the vulnerability of beginning and the hope that comes with taking that first step.
If You’re Considering Therapy
If you’re considering therapy, know that you’re not alone. I understand what it feels like to seek support, to want something to shift, and to wonder if things can truly get better. I am here to walk alongside you with the same warmth, respect and care that once supported me.
