Steph Cole is an online therapist who also works in FY5
What attracted you to become a therapist?
I have always been interested in people and trying to help them move on with their worries. I am non judgmental and have an empathic nature.
Where did you train?
I trained at Blackpool & Fylde College and enjoyed it very much.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I practice person-centred therapy which means it is centred around my clients building up a warm therapeutic relationship with them in a safe listened to confidential space. It is non judgmental and supportive.
I chose this as I feel it provides my clients the therapy to feel better accepted and encouraged to move forward in their lives. I also work in an Integrative way which combines aspects of other approaches to provide the most effective way of helping my clients. This includes art therapy, assertiveness and anxiety management.
What sort of people do you usually see?
My clients are children and adults with issues including bereavement, anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I also work with the LGBT community to help with sexuality issues as well as helping with drug dependency worries.
What do you like about being a therapist?
Meeting people and trying to help them by understanding their worries and concerns so they can move forward with their lives.
What is less pleasant?
Seeing how our modern way of living can in itself cause clients to feel overwhelmed and not accepted in society and so have little or no self-esteem and feel vulnerable and frightened of life.
How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?
I have only been with welldoing.org since the end of December 2018 but have had a client who I am currently seeing so I am pleased so far with the ease to access it. As it is early days I have not used the booking system. However I have joined the Facebook community.
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
No I never have done. We may discuss parts of books within the therapy sessions but it has never been a topic I have really covered. If my client did ask me directly to make suggestions then I would help.
What you do for your own mental health?
I swim and enjoy walking. I also enjoy watching TV.
You are a therapist in the FY5 area. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?
My clients are a mix of ages, sexes and present with various issues. The area itself is a quiet residential area .
What’s your consultation room like?
It is extremely comfortable and private and was purpose-built and has drinking and toilet facilities. It allows the client to talk openly and in a confidential space. I can offer various times to attend both day and evening sessions.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
I feel we underestimate the power of talking and that it can help so much to get clarity on our issues. The therapist, though initially a stranger, can become through sessions, a person to trust and discuss our worries with to allow us to move forward in a positive way with our lives.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
I never really did listen very well, although I thought I did. I do listen well now. I became self-aware of my own core beliefs and values, my weaknesses and my strengths.
Twitter: @StephCo41901087
