Meet the Therapist: Craig Budzik

Craig Budzik is a therapist in N1, London

What attracted you to become a therapist?

Initially my intention to become a therapist was to help others. That is still a big motivator for me, however I've come to understand that it goes a little deeper and is a little more self-centred. I ultimately wanted to understand myself more. Coming to this realisation did feel somewhat selfish, but I'm realising that the more I know myself, the better I can help others.

Where did you train?

I began my training with the WPF, based in London Bridge, where I completed a foundation certificate in psychodynamic counselling. I then completed my PG Dip with the University of East London in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy.

In between these two I also completed my 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Certificate, with Sampoorna in Goa, India. When completing this I discovered an intricate and close connection between counselling and the 8 Limb System created by Patanjali. The two seem to exist and compliment each other so well.

I've also completed an additional course with the Minded Institute to deepen my knowledge and experience around how Yoga can help therapeutically, specifically around anxiety.

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

I strongly believe that there's no one singular therapy for all, and I fully encourage clients to question what they get out of therapy with myself or with other therapists. Therapy for me should inspire, challenge and take into account the whole person, through safe and warm interventions. This is why I choose to work integratively with clients. This means that I pull in different ideas, concepts, approaches and skills, not only from the different schools of counselling and psychotherapy, but also from other disciplines. This allows me to better meet a client where they are.

How does integrative counselling help with symptoms of anxiety?

I've found that yoga helps massively with some of the symptoms of anxiety. There is a growing body of research into the beneficial effects of yoga for some of the common experiences we all go through. I've found that the reconnection with the breath helps immensely to calm the nervous system down, which can become agitated and over active with chronic anxiety. Using yoga to help get a person into a calmer state can help us work together in a way where defences, resistance and avoidance are lowered. Hopefully allowing for deeper insights and change.

What sort of people do you usually see?

I primarily see adults from around 18 years of age upwards. As I have predominately trained with adults on a one-to-one basis, I feel I would am better suited to work with this group.

What do you like about being a therapist?

Being able to help others through the sticky moments in their life. I also love the flexibility in work and the continual development and learning.

What is less pleasant?

Experiencing the pain and suffering of clients. Although the trust and courage clients display is beautiful and helps dull the pain, it can leave you with certain impressions.

How long you've been with welldoing.org  and what you think of us?

I've recently joined welldoing.org and found the experience of signing up and joining simple and painless. When I did need to speak with someone from the team, I received a friendly and quick response which got me up and running in no time.

Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

If and when the occasion does arise, I would ask the client first if that is something they would be interested in exploring. It would only be apps or books that I have experienced and feel it might offer greater insight for the client. These would be suggestions only and I would encourage the client to explore new or alternative books and apps. Ones that speak more to them rather than to me

What you do for your own mental health?

I exercise, meditate and make more of a conscious effort to slow down. Living in London I feel the pressures of daily life to constantly go, go, go. I try my best to take in my
surroundings, navigate to a new location without using my phone and enjoy the sights I encounter. All this without getting in the way of anyone else!

You are a therapist in Islington, London. What can you share with us about seeing clients in those areas?

I feel we are becoming increasingly connected through digital media. Images and stories from all corners of the globe can be easily discovered and shared. Bringing with it the emotions associated with it. In a way I believe that there are some shared experiences which filter through society. Although the causes may be different, the felt experiences are
similar in nature.

What's your consultation room like?

I hope it comes across as homely, cosy and comfortable. It is for me! It's the place you'd like to be in on a cold or rainy day

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

That it's nothing to be scared of...most of the time!

What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

A lot. I think the most important thing is the importance of compassion towards yourself. Allowing yourself to release some of the pressure we place on ourselves.

Contact Craig Budzik here

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