Meet the Therapist: Glen Gibson
Mar 20, 2024
Glen Gibson
Mar 20, 2024
Two main reasons really: before training as a therapist, I worked in homelessness and after a while it felt like I was just putting sticking plasters on people, that deep and lasting change wasn't possible without often long-term therapy. And it was my own therapy that so influenced me about its effectiveness.
I trained at the Institute of Psychosynthesis, accredited by The University of Middlesex, with the MA in Psychotherapy and Diploma in Counselling.
Psychosynthesis is described as a psychology of the soul - this spoke to me. Psychosynthesis works with not only the symptoms we bring to therapy and our life now including the impact of our past, but also acknowledges our future potential
I chose a holistic, integrative approach - meaning that I don't hold one, particular theory and acknowledge that different methods, interventions, work for different people, because we are complex human beings, all unique, I recognise that no one model, approach, is adequate in all situations or specifically works for us.
My integrative approach includes acknowledging all aspects of us - our behaviour, body, feelings, mind, sexuality, spirituality - whatever this means for us. This form of therapy acknowledges that in some ways everything in life is connected, interdependent. I value the therapeutic relationship as a containing, co-operative space.
Integrative therapy holds that we know ourself best - we are the expert of our life and take responsibility for our choices.
Respecting people's uniqueness, diversity, I work at people's own pace and aim to bring clarity, creativity and sensitivity to my work with warmth, humour and maturity. With my passionate beliefs of self-determination and responsibility, I offer fresh insight in an affirming, supportive and jargon-free way.
Having an impartial perspective, I usually work both intuitively and with knowledge, experience, understanding of what brings people to therapy. I recognise a person can't simply be reduced down to a label, diagnosis, symptoms or issues. I value the humanity in us all and acknowledge our own resources, qualities and strengths alongside our frailties, limitations and vulnerabilities.
By understanding ourself, the therapy helps us manage stress, fear and anxiety and live in a healthy relationship with ourself and in relationships out in the world.
I see adults, from 18 to 80, with a wide range of issues.
The impact of Covid, climate change, unsustainability, wars, spending a lot of time online, AI, working from home, doing alienating work - all of this impacts on our psyche.
Meaningful connections and lasting change.
Working late evenings, weekends which I no longer do .
I have been with Welldoing twice now and like its positive approach.
There are so many. I particularly liked Viktor Frankl's Man's Search For Meaning and I have a whole list of books, films, etc. to recommend clients.
Cycling, indoor football, pilates, personal trainer, qigong, being out in nature, being with family and friends, reading.
The pace of life can be quick. People come from all walks of life.
Containing, calm, with good light, comfortable chairs and lots of minerals, rocks from around the world.
How helpful and life-changing it can be.
Self-acceptance.
Glen Gibson