Charlotte Tipping is a therapist in Sheffield and online

What attracted you to become a therapist?

I went to therapy myself and was so impacted by it. My therapist could tell I was very curious about the theory of transactional analysis and recommended a taster two day course. I went on it and left feeling excited and energised at the thought of being able to work with others in this way. To offer a safe space to listen to peoples stories and walk with them till they felt like themselves again.

Where did you train?

I trained at SMCP South Manchester Centre of Psychotherapy .

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

I use transactional analysis, helping clients explore their 'internal world' and understanding who impacts their thoughts feelings, both past and present.

I also use IFS internal family systems , helping the clients explore different parts of their personalities and the parts that are in conflict. Assisting clients in bringing peace compassion and curiosity to their internal world

I practise outdoor therapy, using nature to support my client's mental health and understanding of themselves.

Lastly, I also work creatively, using art and music to offer clients a space to explore their thoughts feelings and behaviours that are causing them stress and anxiety through creativity and looking more closely at songs and lyrics.

How does your way of working help?

The type of therapy I offer gives people various ways of exploring and expressing the thoughts, feelings and behaviours that are causing them anxiety, stress and issues of low self-esteem. I offer a comfortable welcoming space, complete with a cuppa and a fish tank!

What sort of people do you usually see?

I see people from ages of 15 upwards. There are lots of different reasons why people come to see me, because they feel like they are confused regarding who they really are.

People often come to see me to heal from the effects of trauma. We repeat what we don't repair.

People come to see me so we can work together to repair the beliefs about themselves that have dictated how they live, to the point that they are no longer living in a way that serves them. Through this work we find out what the person really wants in life, what needs they have and how to get them met in heathy ways

I work with a lot of neurodiverse people.

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

I think a lot of people feel so pressured to have a perfect life. So many of my clients have a large inner critic that never leaves them alone. I think people still feel that you have to be really mentally sick to see a therapist and they don't give themselves permission to seek help.

Social media and TikTok provides quick advice but it's not always long-lasting, encouraging the belief that change must happen quickly and if it doesn't then you are doing something wrong.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I get a front row seat to listen to the story of a person's life. Human beings are incredible and it's a privilege position to be given so much trust.

What is less pleasant?

Working for myself can be isolating at times which is why I work one afternoon a week in a vintage charity shop!

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

I have only just started working with Welldoing. So far the communication from the team has been excellent.

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

I am always recommending books and podcasts to clients!

For my own professional development, I would say the following:

No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz

Finding Your Own North Star by Martha Beck

Loving What Is by Byron Katie

The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté

An Introduction to Transactional Analysis by Lapworth and Sills

Podcasts for clients:

Huberman lab

We can do hard things

The gathering room

What you do for your own mental health?

I walk a lot in the woods near my home.

I swim most days and I work at local vintage shop. I run a vintage side hustle.

I see good friends regularly, spend time with my family and dance around the kitchen regularly.

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

I work with clients from Sheffield, Barnsley and Rotherham.

I have a big wood near my home which works well for the outdoor therapy sessions

What's your consultation room like?

It's cozy with lots of plants and a fish tank. A dragon fish called Simon and two others called Steve and Alan.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

That your needs matter and you're not weird or weak for finding life difficult, you're a human being.

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

That I am clever curious and kind, and that people-pleasing constantly doesn't make me kind, it makes me small.

Contact Charlotte here

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