“ Having overcome many traumas and upsetting life incidents from an early age in life to adulthood and from my job, I have always believed myself to be a strong, resilient and a logical person, picking myself up after each fall and just getting on with it. That’s what us guys do. Or so I thought.
A recent and unexpected situation hit me hard, so hard that it affected my personal and family life so much it literally knocked me off my feet. I was so lost, so scared, so alone, so isolated, I had hit rock bottom and could not see a way out. My usual coping strategies hadn’t worked, I had no family to ask for help and the few close friends I had still saw me as the strong, ‘get up and brush my knees off’ type of guy whom they would ask for help. My job had become overwhelming too. I couldn’t see a way out and it was like I was sinking fast.
I was desperate and needed help. I really did. I sought help from my GP and occupational health department at work
This is where I was introduced to Beth as my therapist. My comfort zone no longer existed, I was so desperate, so low, I needed to do this to save myself. Literally.
Beth was approachable, listened to what I had to say, but was realistic with her expectations. She has an easy going and fun style that you easily warm to. The sessions were via Zoom video calls as opposed to being in person, owing to Covid 19 but they were still personal and professional.
Beth has a unique style regarding the way she conducted her sessions with me. I really couldn’t hide from myself and had to be honest and open when performing the task and homework set. I trusted her views and opinions and advice.
My lack of self-respect, lack of positiveness, feeling guilty, and low self-esteem had impacted on me far more deeply than I could have ever imagined. Beth saw past this and she could see the real person under layers of hurt and guilt. Beth could see the origins of deeply embedded negative and self-defeating thinking, which proved essential in enabling her to then work with me to develop practical strategies
Beth introduced her CBT program and at first, I found it difficult to look deeply at myself but as the sessions developed and Beth used her expertise and training to a positive effect, I too began to see a difference in me.
I can honestly say that, the hours I’ve spent working with Beth have been the most valuable of my life. Not only did we form a trusting, patient relationship, but she helped me slowly understand what had happened to me.
Thanks to Beth, I have come a long way from when I first started my sessions with her. I have put into practice her CBT methods for coping and now, I can reflect on situations and consider the impacts of my reactions before reacting. I am feeling stronger, more positive about myself and beginning to find compassion for me, the first time in my life. I’m beginning to love me.
I can honestly say that with the passion, dedication and devotion Beth has shines through in her sessions and this makes the session, no matter how emotionally tough they are, they enabled me to fully participate and learn from her. I now feel equipped to do things differently. It’s been the most liberating and empowering experience and I’ve learnt things that will stay with me forever.
— D.E.
