Meet the Therapist - Sue Doherty

What attracted you to become a therapist?

Having worked as a nurse, I had realised the value of listening and being with people during anxiety-provoking situations. Whilst on maternity leave, I decided to develop my skills for my CPD (continuing professional development) by undertaking a basic counselling course. I found my niche, continued my counselling training and didn’t return to nursing.

What type of therapy do you practice and what is it like?

I practice integrative counselling centred on the client’s needs. I tailor my approach to each individual.

What type of clients do you usually see?

I usually see adult clients, although I have worked extensively with young people in a college setting. I am also trained to counsel couples.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I feel privileged to work with clients as I witness the journey they take grappling with problem areas and developing the confidence and insight to find a way of overcoming difficulties and taking a new perspective of life.

If you had one piece of advice for someone thinking about therapy, what would it be?

If I had one piece of advice to someone thinking of embarking on therapy, it would be "Why not give it a go?"

I like working with people from all walks of life and being inspired by how counselling can allow people’s eyes to be opened to their own potential.

What do you do for your own mental health?

I like to read, travel, spend time friends and family, laugh, cycle.

What happens in a first session with you?

A first counselling session with me will be about assessment on both our parts. I will explain what counselling is and outline its scope and limits. This should give the potential client a flavour of what counselling is going to be like and also of whether we are "compatible" to work together as therapist and client.

How can couples therapy help?

Couples counselling can help a couple to be able to look at their relationship more objectively, by identifying problematic patterns and refocusing on the areas which may be working well despite being overshadowed by current difficulties.

Couples can work on trying to listen to each other more intently and pausing to enable each other to be heard (not as easy as it sounds!)