I have trained to be a counsellor and psychotherapist as a mature student, and I feel my diverse life experiences have given me some great practical advantages in dealing with clients in all walks and stages of life. I have always been deeply interested in the theoretical aspects of psychotherapy and what certain psychological theories tell us about being human. Although not formally trained as a Jungian, I count C G Jung in particular as a major influence in my thinking and I regard his ideas about individuation--essentially, realising one’s best potential through psychological conflict-- as a touchstone for my practice as a counsellor and therapist. I am also deeply intrigued by Buddhist psychology and what it has to contribute to Western psychotherapy. A practising Buddhist myself, I feel strongly that therapy should never be used to proselytize for any religious faith. But Buddhist psychology offers many insights about consciousness and intentionality which can be used by anyone, regardless of their spiritual beliefs. The current widespread interest in secular mindfulness presents a case in point. But I believe that Buddhism offers many other insights which can be profitably taken for psychotherapeutic purposes. I am particularly interested in the Yogacara, or Mind Only school of Buddhism as a rich source of psychological insight.
Still, fascinated as I am by what both Eastern and Western psychological theories have to tell us about human nature, in my experience no theory can account for the uniqueness of each individual's life. An essential part of what therapy does is to connect the client with his or her individual experience of being human. Usually, it is the painful aspects of experience that motivates someone to try therapy. But when it succeeds, therapy not only helps someone to come to terms with what is wrong in his or her life; it also helps that person to discover the resources and strengths to connect with what is right in it. Making such discoveries is seldom easy or predictable. But helping people make those discoveries is the most rewarding and meaningful work I have ever done.
Life Experience
Still, fascinated as I am by what both Eastern and Western psychological theories have to tell us about human nature, in my experience no theory can account for the uniqueness of each individual's life. An essential part of what therapy does is to connect the client with his or her individual experience of being human. Usually, it is the painful aspects of experience that motivates someone to try therapy. But when it succeeds, therapy not only helps someone to come to terms with what is wrong in his or her life; it also helps that person to discover the resources and strengths to connect with what is right in it. Making such discoveries is seldom easy or predictable. But helping people make those discoveries is the most rewarding and meaningful work I have ever done.
Life Experience
- MA in Religious Studies with Distinction from the University of Kent at Canterbury
- Diplomas in Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Tariki Trust
- Practitioner of Mindfulness for over twenty five years. Trained in Buddhist monasteries and meditation centres in Sri Lanka, Thailand, the US, the UK and Europe
- Yoga practitioner for thirty years. Taught classes and led workshops in the UK, the US, Europe and New Zealand
- Delivered a paper at the 2014 UN sponsored Wesak conference in Vietnam entitled "Buddhadharma as Psychotherapy"
- Dual citizen of UK and USA, a global traveller with a multi-cultural perspective
- Widely read in Western and Eastern psychology, philosophy and literary fiction
- Extensive work experience in menial labour including restaurant and bar work, as well as physical labour