When we are born, we are a blank canvas with only our most primitive needs – warmth, food, water and love.
Throughout our early lives, each interaction and each experience influences the development of this canvas and helps frame the person we eventually become. As we mature, hopefully we are nurtured and guided into a rounded, well-balanced adult. However, this is not always the case. Some early experiences leave their mark on our past and may underpin troublesome underlying behaviours, feelings, and emotions. In turn, these may hinder our development and the way we lead our lives and interact with others.
Psychologists believe that our past experiences, stored in the unconscious, powerfully influence our feelings, motives, and decisions. Our personality is shaped and modified by different conflicts at different times in childhood. As a result, we can develop a number of traits later in life that can be detrimental to our mental wellbeing, such as social anxiety, lack of confidence or self-esteem, and relationship issues.
You remain in control
In all therapies it is important that the client feels listened to and in control. But in the presence of these conditions it is extremely important that the client leads the direction of the therapy and the treatment. After all, no one knows you better then you know yourself. Consequently, my role as therapist is to help you to reflect on your past experiences and make connections with the way that you view situations today.
For example, we are not born with a fear of spiders. Something, some learned behaviour or experience, gives us that fear. To deal with that fear just at face value is only to mask its depth. It’s like lancing a wart that will eventually regrow. I believe that with some conditions we need to tackle the root cause of the issue in order to be able to deal with the presenting problem.
Psychoanalysis helps with this process. I work with my clients to help them reflect on their past experiences and realign their coping mechanisms to deal with their current issues. Using psychodynamics, I can help you make the connection between your beliefs and thought processes of today and those which influenced you in your past.
A confidential and friendly environment
At Free Your Mind you can expect to feel safe and comfortable in confidential and friendly surroundings. We offer an environment that gives you the opportunity to explore the areas of your life that are causing obstacles and preventing you from moving forward. In addition, we will work together to find the best way forward for you.
As a psychotherapeutic counsellor, I implement effective methods to instil self-awareness and understanding within my clients. In this way, I encourage them to adopt new attitudes and feelings towards life situations.
I live and practice in the Whittlesey Area.
WORDS Suzanne Knowles
NCS Advanced Accredited Counsellor & Hypnotherapist
