Alice Bradford is a therapist in Warwickshire and online

What attracted you to become a therapist?

It’s been a while getting to this point. Nearly 20 years ago, a desire to help people in a more tangible way than my job allowed at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, led me to volunteer at ChildLine.

When I thought deeply what this was about, I had a sense of wanting to help those most vulnerable, those most without a voice in our society – namely children and young people – who, while facing those barriers, were also having to contend with the difficulties of growing up, often without support or care.

This experience was profound for me; it is the most rewarding work I have done and the most humbling. It showed me the incredible resilience of children and also how the simple act of listening and acknowledging someone’s situation can have a significant impact. Everyone deserves to have this experience; this led me to retrain as a psychotherapist.

Where did you train? 

I trained for my foundation degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy at the Warwickshire College University Centre. Previously I had studied at the University of Westminster for a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?

I practice person-centred therapy, which was founded by Carl Rogers in America in the 1950s and 1960s. It embraced a move away from an ‘expert’ telling you ‘what was wrong’ and empowered the client to understand themselves, their problems and their solutions by providing a relationship in which the client felt listened to, without judgement.

Anyone experiencing person-centred therapy should feel valued, heard, accepted. Through the relationship that develops between counsellor and client, they should come to better know themselves and how to help themselves.

My experience volunteering at ChildLine cemented my belief in the transformative power of the simple act of listening, and trying to understand a child’s experience. Many of the skills I learnt there, were grounded in the person-centred approach and so it was a natural choice for me to study this form of therapy.

How does person-centred therapy help with symptoms of trauma?

The person-centred approach can help with trauma because it is a therapy grounded in the relationship and this can help heal trauma from previous relationships. By experiencing a safe, non-judgemental, trusting relationship, parts previously wounded, or exiled, can be seen and re-absorbed into the self, creating a more balanced, accepting and peaceful view of self and an easier way to interact with the world.

What sort of people do you usually see?

I mainly work with women, often with historic trauma, and those trying to find their place in the world. I also work with couples.

Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?

I find a lot more women in mid-life are struggling with their identity and confidence, heightened by children leaving home, the onset of perimenopause or menopause and societal beliefs around older woman. 

What do you like about being a therapist?

I like the connection with others and feeling my work can make a difference. I enjoy the challenge of every client being different and getting to understand the unique life story and perspective that they bring. It is enriching and inspiring to learn about others and what each client brings to my own personal development.

I love reading about new theories, therapies and ways to understand the human mind – I have recently become interested in Internal Family Systems therapy and the idea we all have multiple parts operating within us which need our love and attention.

What is less pleasant?

It can be really exhausting and so I have to manage my workload carefully, which can be frustrating. When you work on your own in private practice there is less camaraderie than from working in an organisation, which I do miss.

How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?

I have been with Welldoing for three months. I am keen to make use of the CPD they offer.

What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you ever recommend books to clients?

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

Introduction to Internal Family Systems by Richard Schwartz

What you do for your own mental health? 

I am a huge advocate of being active and run, swim, bike regularly. I try to maintain a daily yoga practice as I find it helps switch off my busy mind.

You are a therapist in Leamington Spa. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?

I see a range of clients with a range of issues. Women in mid-life, couples and because we are near a large university there are many students too.

As I work in a primary school, I also see lots of children, although I don’t currently work with this age group in private practice.

What’s your consultation room like?

My room is in a small building where many different therapists work. The room is cosy, with neutral décor and natural light, encouraging a calming and peaceful atmosphere.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

That it is not just important if you have a ‘mental health’ problem, or are facing a big life issue – the ripple effects on all aspects of your life (work, parenting, relationships etc.) from understanding yourself and your reactions and behaviours better, are priceless. If we understood ourselves, we would have more compassion for others and a kinder society.

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

I learnt that there were so many parts of myself that I was not aware of, or not fully explored, but that kept being present in my daily life, often causing problems. I found a way to make peace with certain things in my past with the power of acceptance and forgiveness.

I now understand that how I behave is a reflection of me, and how others react and behave is largely down to them and not something I have to feel responsible for.