Wessex Therapy - Counselling and psychotherapy in Weymouth and Dorchester area, Dorset and South West England

Every river tells a story with all its twists and turns.  There is usually, for example, evidence of storm damage and also of
trying to find ways around obstacles in its path. I think of each person’s life as a meandering river that is ever changing in
response to the world around.  We can look back over the years to the people and experiences that have helped shape
(and misshaped) our lives.  But we can also look to the future with the knowledge that although our past experiences have
certainly influenced who we are - they are not our destiny. As with a river, our lives are constantly changing.

I think recovery in the context of mental health involves being open to a new perspective on our lives and a new sense of
identity.  It is my experience that it is usually most helpful to understand a person's emotional and mental distress, trauma,
and suffering within the context of his or her life and relationships, rather than as medical disorders that should be treated.

I recognise that many people find their mental health medication side-effects unbearable and feel hindered rather than
helped by these drugs.  For these people recovery might include finding other and more personalised ways of overcoming
their difficulties (following a gradual withdrawal plan under medical supervision).  Whether or not to take medications should
of course be a matter of personal choice (and I certainly do not advise anyone to stop or change their dosage without
proper consultation and advice from their health professional). I do however strongly support the need for fuller information -
so that any hoped for benefits from mental health drugs can be balanced against any risks - thereby helping us all make
more informed choices.  I find that some people, including those with longer-term mental health problems, are interested in
discussing and reviewing their lives with me from a recovery perspective.  Sometimes a parent may wish to discuss their
concerns about one of their children. In my work I support open discussion so that people can come to their own preferred
'treatment' conclusions and recovery pathway.