Therapy Can Be Different

Therapy with a difference...and a pug!

When I first stepped into the world of counselling, I had only a surface-level understanding of what individual clients might need to make their therapeutic journey truly rewarding. I knew it required connection, respect, and a safe, ethical framework—but I hadn’t yet grasped the depth of difference, sameness, and everything in between that I would come to witness.

After years of working with families, children, adolescents, and adults, I’ve learned that therapy isn’t just about models or methods—it’s about people. Real people, with real stories. I often laugh to myself when a client walks in with the exact same issue I’m wrestling with. I’ll say, “I understand completely,” and we’ll laugh together at the simplicity and power of being truly heard.

Sometimes, a story moves me so deeply that a small tear escapes—just subtle enough not to be seen, but felt. My clients sense that I’m with them, not just professionally, but humanly.

I’m not always conventional in my approach. But I understand people. And they often understand me.

I don’t want to sit nodding, pen in hand, trying to capture every word while losing the essence of connection. I want to be present, open, vulnerable. To witness someone else’s challenges and hold space for them—if only for 50 minutes.

Discovering Myself, Supporting Others

Since discovering my own neuro-divergence, I’ve been on a personal journey—trying to understand how this diagnosis shaped my past and how it will influence my future. It’s given me the chance to do things differently: to be more aware, more open, and more forgiving of myself. That forgiveness flows outward to my clients, each with their own unique struggles.

I’m grateful to share space with others who need to be seen, respected, and assured that they matter. In this dynamic and sometimes chaotic world, we all need to feel connected—to know someone has us in mind, that we are cared for and loved, and that can come from many kinds of relationships.

Therapy That Fits the Person

Some clients need to sit by a window. Others stretch out on a long sofa. Some prefer silence; others need background noise. One client brings her beloved Pug, Bobby, to every session—and what a difference she makes. Bobby’s presence brings comfort and safety, allowing my client to be fully present. We laugh at her antics, and if I’ve brought lunch, Bobby will surely sniff it out. If we change rooms, she looks around with a knowing glance: This isn’t my room! what if I had said no to my clients request? It isn't conventional to bring your beloved pug to therapy.  What would have been the outcome for my client? If I chose a traditional route then maybe my client wouldn't have settled well, her past experiences meant that safety and trust was everything to her.   I took a more open minded approach, knowing fully well that to create the right space for change, we need to understand our clients need and where ever possible met them there.    

Thank you, Bobby, for bringing joy to your loving owner—and to me—on a Monday morning.

Walking Together, Walking Alone

We’re all on a journey of change and discovery. Sometimes we need someone to walk beside us, to make the path more meaningful and therapy can be that for some. Others walk alone, finding peace in solitude. But no matter the path, we all need a watchful eye, a tender smile, and a warm hug, hopefully from a pug. If you are ever worried about starting therapy,  rest assured theres a therapist for you, that does therapy your way. Do your research, ask a friend and never settle for what seems like good enough therapy, you are worthy of a transformational experience and it could be waiting for you this very moment.

Book an appointment today