Meet the Therapist: Emma-Jane Kisby
Emma-Jane Kisby is a counsellor in Wolverhampton
What attracted you to become a therapist?
My own experience of therapy has been so life-changing as I realised I wasn’t happy or fulfilled so re-training as a therapist became a life goal. Since being in therapy I made so many positive changes in my life and trusting in the process of therapy even when it was really hard work showing my vulnerability this has made me a better person. I now feel proud to dedicate my working life to a profession that is a powerful force for personal growth and social change.
Where did you train?
I trained in Wolverhampton as a person-centred counsellor however I am continuing to train in Jungian analytical psychotherapy in Birmingham.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
As I've mentioned my core training has been in person-centred which is all about putting the client first and using the core conditions, however I have a real interest in Jungian analytical psycotherapy which I have found incredibly enlightening so I am continuing to learn and train in that area as well. This means I use an integrative approach which I feel is the best way as it means I have more tools in my toolkit for each individual I see.
I’m passionate about my work and the long term benefits of ‘talking therapies’ and I am committed to making a difference to my clients’ lives.
How does integrative therapy help people cope with relational trauma?
I’ve found that many clients have come to me with relational trauma, whether that be from childhood or repeated patterns of choices and behaviours in the present. The idea in therapy is that the client will show me this trauma within their relationship with me and how they relate to me session to session. I would be reacting to them in a positive and accepting way so that over time this would be reframed for the client as a positive way of relating to others. In short no matter what type of therapy it’s all about the relationship between therapist and client. I’m a firm believer in working with the ‘person’ and not the ‘label’ and this lays the foundation for the way I work.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I see individuals, young people and older adults in my private practice but I also work in local schools for a charity.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I enjoy seeing clients grow and make positive changes in their life. I love what I do and I have seen how therapy can improve people’s self-confidence and self-worth as well as help to deal with traumatic issues that have affected their lives.
I enjoy seeing clients overcome complexes and start to smile again. I enjoy supporting people to make healthier choices both physically and mentally. It is a privilege being let into the innermost parts of a persons mind.
What is less pleasant?
Sometimes the level of hurt and anguish can be difficult to to take on board but sitting with a client through this is also an honour.
How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?
I’ve been with welldoing.org for a few months and I like the tailored approach for clients and the website and social media channels it uses. I've also just joined the therapist Facebook community.
Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?
I have a wide range of books in my consulting room and yes I have often spoken of or suggested them to clients.
What you do for your own mental health?
I really value my own mental health and take time out to take my dogs for walks everyday, I run at least three times a week and have recently taken up yoga. I enjoy socialising with friends and family as well as a bit of DIY.
You are a therapist in Wolverhampton. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?
As a therapist in Wolverhampton and surrounding areas, I see clients from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds.
What’s your consultation room like?
My consulting room is quirky, cosy, eclectic, warm and free from distraction. It is a safe and warm place to be able to explore any issues my clients may be facing. My clients seem to love it as much as I do.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
Its nothing to be ashamed of or to shy away from, in fact the complete opposite - being in therapy makes you stronger not weaker, opening up to a stranger can be very difficult to start with but it is the therapists job to support you through this and It could change your life in so many ways.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
I could write a book on this question alone however I will keep it short: I learnt to love myself, I leant to be vulnerable, I learnt to be kinder to myself, I learnt that I am lovable and kind and have a lot to give people. I learnt to stop being angry at myself and the world and I learnt to grieve a multitude of losses. Above all I became aware of my defences and how they controlled choices I made. However I have not finished learning about myself, a work in progress as they say, I learn more and more each day, we all do.
