Zoe Revell is a counsellor in Maidstone and online
What attracted you to become a therapist?
I saw a lot of people suffering and have had a very difficult life at times. Making someone smile makes my soul happy. I received counselling at a time in my life when I was going through troubles and the person I saw just didn't seem like they understood when it came to my story.
I am in long-term recovery from drugs and alcohol and I felt judged and unable to open up properly so I decided to train in counselling at a time when I was unfulfilled and unhappy working in sales. I wanted to use my trauma and turn it into a positive to help others.
Where did you train?
Chrysalis online and classroom which suited me as I was working full-time and also being a mum, I couldn't commit to full-time education.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I use an integrative modality, using person-centred talking therapy and CBT. I have also trained in recovery coaching, IEMT, and EFT as I deal with trauma. I like to be able to have a toolbox of skills so I have something to suit everyone.
How does your type of therapy help?
I work with my clients in a variety of ways. By making a plan together, the support can be tailored to how they are feeling at the time. My initial sessions are talking therapy and questioning and I welcome clients asking me questions. I am happy to share my experiences if I feel there is a therapeutic benefit for the client.
I am a practitioner of IEMT integral eye movement therapy which can help reduce the emotional response to a memory. I am also an EFT practitioner tapping which clients find a nice, gentle way to work on emotions.
Suffering with chronic pain fibromyalgia , I also trained in working with pain as I found it is often misunderstood.
I am also a qualified recovery coach where I share my lived experience and training to help people overcome addictions, mainly to drugs and alcohol.
What sort of people do you usually see?
I work predominantly with women and girls from secondary school and above.
Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?
I am happy to see that mental health has been discussed more since Covid. People seem to discuss their own mental health challenges more openly over social media.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I love meeting new people and seeing people smile. Seeing someone open up and realise they are not the negative view they may have had of themselves is fantastic.
What is less pleasant?
Hearing of people suffering is challenging.
How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?
I have been with Welldoing only one month. I plan to take part in peer support groups and will look at CPD sessions.
What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development? Do you ever recommend books to clients?
I love reading. I can't choose a specific book, I do love Gabor Mate though The Myth of Normal; The Body Says No; Scattered Minds .
What you do for your own mental health?
I have personal therapy, self-care days, I practice Yin yoga, have been in a flotation tank, had cryotherapy, massages and lots of walking in nature with my dogs.
What's your consultation room like?
A cozy zen den.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
It is not only for people with mental health issues.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
I learnt that everyone makes mistakes and it is OK, it is all part of the learning curve of life
