b'DEBUNKINGTHE FEAR OF THERAPYO ur sense of self starts the moment we are born and provides a backdrop for how we approach our life and events along the way can either nurture self-esteem or damage it. When self-esteem is damaged, you can experience symptoms of stress, anxiety, panic attacks, disordered thinking, depression or unhealthy behaviours such as OCD or self -harm. your healing will always be the ability to build trust - andThere is a common myth and fear around therapy whichI find it always helps to have a cuppa on offer! prevents people from seeking support when they needAll sessions are done at your pace with the first one to. This is usually that once therapists have got you in thesimply allowing you space to sit, to ask questions while chair, you will spend all your time crying and in distress.collecting some background information. Add to this fear a stern looking therapist with a clipboardWhen you start talking, its a crucial.You only talk about sitting aside from you in judgement, secretly shocked andwhat you feel comfortable with and your therapist helps taking copious notes whilst you go into all the awful thingsyou to become curious so you can start exploring your that have happened.thoughts, feelings, emotions and reactions.Add to this the possibility that you may never have spokenMy style is a mixture of traditional talk therapy and about your feelings before and the fear is increasing mindfulness-based practise which means I take you back When I first explored the concept of therapy for myself,through your timelines of life events. You learn to focus I had no idea what to expect and the thought of sharingyour busy thoughts on simply breathingthis encourages what was going on (especially as I wasnt even clearyou to relaxyou learn you can choose what you think what that was) filled me with a huge anxiety. (If this is oneand how you feel, and when you feel safe and present of the symptoms you are experiencing, this doesnt help!)you can start to explore what has happened to you in the The Therapists Couch past without the fear of the emotions you experienced at The truth is, there is rarely, if ever, a couch on which youthe time becoming too painful or overwhelming.lie and stare at a high white ceiling!Many therapistsTo make real permanent change to you holistically, offer warm, open, welcoming rooms with chairs placedyou need to address past events which cause present to encourage two-way dialogue. The biggest impact onchallenges leading you to a fulfilled life. Many therapists now use positive psychology and are future-focused. It is crucial to not only listen but to be a Ali Moore is an accredited and award- voice who questions and helps you see things from a winning Therapist and Coach specialisingdifferent perspective. allowing you to release negative in the science of self-esteem and self-worth.thinking.She is the founder of the ReconnectionIt often gets emotional, thats true but tears and release Programme, Author of bestselling bookof emotions are part of the healing process. There is Reconnect Your Life and Creator of Findan incredible difference in feeling overwhelmed and lost in your emotion to being able to express yourself Your Roar, one of the leading confidenceemotionally whilst being supported by your therapist.workshops for women. An advancedIt can be scary stepping on that bridge to recovery but if member of the International Association fora part of you has already decided the other side could evidence-based Psychotherapists, Ali studiesbe better and you are finding it hard to cope, then it is with the British Psychological Society intime to make that step. Clinical and Forensic Psychology and is aRemember, recovery is always possible.well-respected speaker in her field.bemoore.uk12'