How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

 I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    Yes

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

     I would absolutely...

  • Do you offer guidance in any way? -

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    I would in fact suggest...

  • I would like to record the sessions. Do you have an issue with this, and do I need your permission to do so? -

     I would absolutely...

  • Do you offer guidance in any way? -

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    The time you are actually...

  • I am unsure about engaging in phone counselling so is there any way to have a trial session to see if this will work for me or to see if I feel I can work with you. -

    I would in fact suggest...

  • I would like to record the sessions. Do you have an issue with this, and do I need your permission to do so? -

     I would absolutely...

  • Do you offer guidance in any way? -

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

     I'm afraid I have...

  • Why does the session only last 50 minutes. -

    The time you are actually...

  • I am unsure about engaging in phone counselling so is there any way to have a trial session to see if this will work for me or to see if I feel I can work with you. -

    I would in fact suggest...

  • I would like to record the sessions. Do you have an issue with this, and do I need your permission to do so? -

     I would absolutely...

  • Do you offer guidance in any way? -

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    What I am hoping is that...

  • How strict will time-keeping be during any sessions? -

     I'm afraid I have...

  • Why does the session only last 50 minutes. -

    The time you are actually...

  • I am unsure about engaging in phone counselling so is there any way to have a trial session to see if this will work for me or to see if I feel I can work with you. -

    I would in fact suggest...

  • I would like to record the sessions. Do you have an issue with this, and do I need your permission to do so? -

     I would absolutely...

  • Do you offer guidance in any way? -

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

     I am a huge...

  • Why Doesn't your website have any feedback from other clients, testimonials, recommendations etc? -

    What I am hoping is that...

  • How strict will time-keeping be during any sessions? -

     I'm afraid I have...

  • Why does the session only last 50 minutes. -

    The time you are actually...

  • I am unsure about engaging in phone counselling so is there any way to have a trial session to see if this will work for me or to see if I feel I can work with you. -

    I would in fact suggest...

  • I would like to record the sessions. Do you have an issue with this, and do I need your permission to do so? -

     I would absolutely...

  • Do you offer guidance in any way? -

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    This list can be endless....

  • The amount you charge per session is significantly lower than other services that are on offer. Does this in any way reflect the quality of support you are offering? -

     I am a huge...

  • Why Doesn't your website have any feedback from other clients, testimonials, recommendations etc? -

    What I am hoping is that...

  • How strict will time-keeping be during any sessions? -

     I'm afraid I have...

  • Why does the session only last 50 minutes. -

    The time you are actually...

  • I am unsure about engaging in phone counselling so is there any way to have a trial session to see if this will work for me or to see if I feel I can work with you. -

    I would in fact suggest...

  • I would like to record the sessions. Do you have an issue with this, and do I need your permission to do so? -

     I would absolutely...

  • Do you offer guidance in any way? -

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    It is very important that...

  • What kind of issues can be helped by sessions with you? -

    This list can be endless....

  • The amount you charge per session is significantly lower than other services that are on offer. Does this in any way reflect the quality of support you are offering? -

     I am a huge...

  • Why Doesn't your website have any feedback from other clients, testimonials, recommendations etc? -

    What I am hoping is that...

  • How strict will time-keeping be during any sessions? -

     I'm afraid I have...

  • Why does the session only last 50 minutes. -

    The time you are actually...

  • I am unsure about engaging in phone counselling so is there any way to have a trial session to see if this will work for me or to see if I feel I can work with you. -

    I would in fact suggest...

  • I would like to record the sessions. Do you have an issue with this, and do I need your permission to do so? -

     I would absolutely...

  • Do you offer guidance in any way? -

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

     This service is...

  • You need to create protected time. This means that the time you are going to be spending speaking to me should be free of interruptions, distractions etc. What does this actually mean? -

    It is very important that...

  • What kind of issues can be helped by sessions with you? -

    This list can be endless....

  • The amount you charge per session is significantly lower than other services that are on offer. Does this in any way reflect the quality of support you are offering? -

     I am a huge...

  • Why Doesn't your website have any feedback from other clients, testimonials, recommendations etc? -

    What I am hoping is that...

  • How strict will time-keeping be during any sessions? -

     I'm afraid I have...

  • Why does the session only last 50 minutes. -

    The time you are actually...

  • I am unsure about engaging in phone counselling so is there any way to have a trial session to see if this will work for me or to see if I feel I can work with you. -

    I would in fact suggest...

  • I would like to record the sessions. Do you have an issue with this, and do I need your permission to do so? -

     I would absolutely...

  • Do you offer guidance in any way? -

    Definitely yes. But only...

  • You don’t describe yourself as a therapist, or counsellor, and yet these terms are being used all across this website? -

    Yes, I’m sorry about...

  • Do you ever share information about yourself in any way? I have spoken to people in the past where it feels very one-sided and they came across as very guarded and would not share anything about themselves. -

    Yes I do when I feel that...

  • What will we be speaking about during these sessions -

     The content of the...

  • Do you just sit there and listen to me talk about myself, or is there more to it than that? -

    And sometimes there...

  • I don’t want to get bombarded by emails, and I certainly don’t want any pressure to book sessions with you. What will I get from you if I register on this site -

    Yes I will but the...

  • I have spoken to people in the past and end up feeling worse afterwards. Is it possible to prevent this, or how would you suggest managing this if there is no alternative. -

     Unfortunately...

  • You say things to me, and then I go and talk about the same stuff with my family and friends and they say the complete opposite. What on earth is going on? Who do I listen to…. -

    And this is so often the...

  • Do I need to have any other kind of support to help me -

    We often talk about...

  • I am feeling suicidal and people struggle to speak to me because of this. Would this be a problem for you. -

    Not at all. Throughout my...

  • I'm having difficulties with getting services from my GP, mental health services etc. would you be prepared to write a report on my behalf or intercede on my behalf -

    The answer to this is no....

  • I find it very overwhelming whenever I talk about the issues in my life. It can be emotionally distressing and I feel very vulnerable and fragile at the time. Can you assure me that you will be gentle and responsive and not just keep trying to tell me what to do as most people have in the past. -

    Yes

    Actually this is one of...

  • My life feels like it's overwhelming and I just want to talk about all of the problems that I have. I just need someone to listen. -

    That is absolutely fine...

  • How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while? -

    No….because as you...

  • What comeback do I have if I feel that the time I've spent talking to you has not been useful and I have not achieved what I expected. Is there somebody to complain to, or can I get a refund? -

    I do not offer any kind...

  • I am experiencing a very difficult time and struggling with my emotions and suicidal thoughts etc. Can I make contact with you whenever I need to, to help me through these times. -

     I'm afraid this is...

  • How the mental health services work today..or don’t in many cases.. -

    Many people are having to...

  • What if I don’t want regular sessions. I may want a few, then break, and pick up when it suits down the line, would this be ok?? -

    Whatever suits you is how...

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

    When viewing on a mobile. Scroll to bottom to view answer

    How does somebody like you cope with constantly hearing about other people's lives, their pain, their problems. Doesn’t this get to you after a while?



    No….because as you pointed out…. I’m listening to other people's pain. It’s not mine, I haven’t experienced it or suffered because of it.

    When I first started to work with people in this way, I discovered that hearing people's stories could be very triggering to my own life experiences, and problems in the past (and yes, I did have my own issues) 

    But what you find over time is that, by working through your own stuff and coming into contact with other people’s, over time this has less and less impact, essentially because, as they get triggered, they get worked through, and so the trigger ceases to have the same impact. 

    In many ways it's an analogy for any form of therapy in itself. As you speak about, and work through stuff, it diminishes, triggers reduce, the impact is less, and the main point is that this allows you to get on with the rest of your life and live it. 

    But also because of the amount of exposure I’ve had to such things, I am comfortable with other people's pain, misery, discomfort, anxiety etc.

    This doesn’t mean that I’m insensitive or uncaring because I don't believe that I’m either, it just means that my reaction can be very neutral, and I have found this to be very effective, and that it really allows people to feel free to express themselves and to some degree,open themselves up.

    For most people, the way that others react to them is usually the biggest reason why they end up not sharing, and so keep things bottled up.

    That’s the difference between someone like me and most other people, and one of the biggest reasons that people give for not sharing stuff with other people. Most people don’t want to have such a powerful emotional reaction on other people, and particularly those close to them. It's normally very uncomfortable when that happens.

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