The encounter

It all started with a somewhat scary experience followed by a discussion that I didn’t think I needed. I recoiled from the idea of needing help; I felt fine, was able to work, carry out my normal duties and everything to me seemed to be normal. This enforced discussion felt like a hoop to jump through, to tick a box and allow someone else to feel like they’d done their bit.

So I saw a professional CBT practitioner for a ‘quick chat’ over a coffee. The sun was shining, the coffee was good and the company was compassionate. This is where it all began. I couldn’t explain why I felt so OK with what others thought was a terrible experience. There were elements that caused me concern, but I was in control! The traumatic experience was over and done with and I was safe.

We talked quietly there in the sun, but I soon became aware of some intense emotions. I had crammed them away, hidden from myself with the hope that it wouldn’t burden my family and friends.

At first, I was apprehensive about what was happening, I was afraid of what it might bring up and what I might learn. But, I soon realised that the process of this ‘chat’ was incredibly cathartic.

As the old slogan goes, ‘It’s good to talk’. I found in that moment that it really was, the connection has so much to offer. It got me thinking about and leaning towards a change in profession and brought me down a path that has been the making of the psychotherapist I am today. My experience of that single therapeutic moment inspired me to become a psychotherapist. I wanted to be able to help people the way it had helped me.

It all began with a painful experience. But, it led to a therapeutic encounter that started me on a journey of learning to be a psychotherapist.