My Influences
I have attended many workshops, read many books and articles and watched many videos. But instead of writing a list of recommendations, I would rather list the people who have influenced me as a therapist. I still refer to their works for inspiration and knowledge. All of them have their own channels on YouTube.
Irvin Yalom is an American existential psychotherapist who has written many interesting and entertaining books about his profession. I like his warm, open hearted style and if I had to chose one therapist for my own personal therapy, it would be Irvin.
Gabor Maté is a Hungarian-born Canadian physician with a background in family practice and a special interest in childhood development and trauma, and in their potential lifelong impacts on physical and mental health, including autoimmune disease, cancer, ADHD, addictions and a wide range of other conditions.
Ekhart Tolle is a spiritual teacher and the author of ‘The Power of Now’ which pre-empted the mindfulness movement and which has been translated into 33 languages to date.
Tara Brach is an American psychologist and proponent of Buddhist meditation who focuses on the use of practices such as mindfulness for healing trauma.
Teal Swan is an American spiritual teacher and author.
After 35 years in the music industry, working as a record producer, I decided it was time for a change. The musicians I worked with seemed to love to talk to me, often revealing their deepest personal thoughts. I realised I was a good listener, someone people felt safe to open up to. So I decided to study at the prestigious Dartmoor Centre for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
As I studied for my Advanced Diploma, I embarked on my own journey of self-discovery through personal therapy and in group work. I discovered that therapy really does work! Sometimes it’s tough. Sometimes it’s painful. Sometimes it feels like nothing’s happening. But ultimately it is rewarding as we come to terms with and heal our trauma and pain. New possibilities open up to us as we re-discover hidden potentials. Belief systems and conditioned behaviours established in childhood that no longer serve us can be brought to the light and discarded.
I found that all it took was a willingness, a curiosity, a desire to take my inner world seriously – and the guidance of a good therapist. Ultimately, the well-being of our psyche will shape our experience of our life.
