Louise Ennis is a therapist in SE19 & SW16 


What attracted you to become a therapist?

I began in my twenties having had an unhappy childhood. In my late thirties, I realised that life was wonderful and every moment was precious. My career in the media was no longer giving me the pleasure I once felt, I decided to go to college and begin the introduction to counselling course and see how I felt. From the onset, I had found my place in life and seventeen years later, I still feel passionate about my work as a therapist.


Where did you train?

I graduated in the Clapham Centre London in 2001.


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

I am an integrative counsellor, using the psychodynamic and person-centred models. This means that therapy is tailored to each client's individual needs. I believe talking therapy can achieve such awakening – living busy lives don’t give us the opportunity to listen to what we are really saying or feeling, until our body begins to tell us.


How does integrative therapy help support clients who have experienced abuse?

Looking at the unconscious patterns and behaviours, with those that have experienced physical or sexual abuse, can help clients move forward from connections from the past that are still affecting the present. It’s also so important to get out what’s in, so it doesn’t find another way to express itself. 


What sort of people do you usually see?

I find quite a lot of my clients are older males, often struggling with loneliness and coming to terms with age 60+.


What do you like about being a therapist?

I love to make a positive difference in people’s lives. I love the books and talks and presentations particularly on the Internet. I have a few friends that are therapists and I love to talk in-depth about the various theories or latest discoveries.


What is less pleasant?

Because I work from home I find my work can be a bit isolating, so I like to plan ahead what I am going to do on my days off.


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

I have been with welldoing.org for three months; I find they are helpful in giving tips how to improve our advertising information.


Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

I am always suggesting various books or talks on YouTube (TED Talks) and quite often print little blogs.


What you do for your own mental health?

I have an arrangement with my therapist as a top up once a month. I feel your own personal therapy is so important and should be regular when working with vulnerable people; our clients need us to be psychologically present and grounded.


What’s your consultation room like?

My therapy room is small but modern with off-white walls, little décor and a few green plants. There are two comfortable arm chairs, a small desk and a book shelf. There’s plenty of natural light coming from the window which looks out onto a garden of trees. My clients always seem to comment, “What a calm room”.


What do you wish people knew about therapy?

I recall working in secondary schools years ago and one young person said, she never wanted therapy because she thought all therapists were po-faced, weird and wore ugly shoes!

I also wish people knew that therapy is a choice – you can stay or you can leave whenever you chose.


What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

To look after the child in me and give myself enough! Life is wonderful! No one is going to knock at your door and wave a magic wand; first we need to want to change! Trust in ourselves and "trust the process” as my psychotherapy teacher used to say.

I could go on and on…..


Contact Louise here

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