Today’s self discovery 💕
Today I summarised to myself my recent feedback. I’m so happy that I’ve managed to translate exactly the service I once wanted and needed into a tangible experience, for my clients.
When I first started seeing clients, I got a lot of feedback. Not bad feedback it was actually really good but just curious, feedback. And what it highlighted was clear: I’m not a conventional listener, and that’s absolutely fine.
I’ve always been sociable and personable, and people often comment that I’m down-to-earth. These are qualities that you don’t always feel from your typical therapist, coach, or listener. There’s usually a certain level of professional distance, which is important but it can also make sessions feel a bit formal or even like a chore. That formality can sometimes lead to burnout for the client.
My goal is different. When you come to chat with me, I want you to feel comfortable, relaxed, and engaged. Our sessions aren’t about ticking boxes or going through a script they’re like a regular catch-up or a brain dump, where I can offer insight from my own personal, lived experience, not just from a textbook but only if I feel that’s relevant or helpful to you.
I still maintain professionalism, but I also make sure you don’t burn out or get bored coming to talk with me. I aim to make every session feel human, real, and refreshingly relatable.
When I listen to someone, it’s not just about hearing words it’s about hearing the person.
1. Radical Presence
I notice not only what you say, but how you say it the tone, the pauses, and even the unspoken feelings. My focus is on helping you feel completely seen, not just heard.
2. Gentle Guidance Without Fixing
I don’t give advice unless you ask for it. Instead, I help you explore your own answers and feel empowered in your choices. You get support, not solutions forced upon you or that’s unobtainable and not good for either of us.
3. Personal Authenticity
I share pieces of my own experiences when it helps you feel less alone. Being open and honest creates trust and connection, and shows that vulnerability is a strength.
4. Focus on Emotional Vocabulary
I help people name and explore their emotions, so they can understand themselves more deeply. It’s not just talking it’s processing, reflecting, and growing. It’s a whole experience.
5. Safe, Gentle Space
Every conversation is a calm, welcoming space. I create small rituals like grounding questions or gentle reminders that signal this is your time to be fully heard. You use it in your best way possible.
6. Humor and Warmth
Even in serious moments, I bring gentle lightness. A smile, a laugh, or a soft joke can remind you that it’s okay to breathe, smile, and feel everything at the same time. Sometimes you can either laugh or cry and sometimes it’s better to laugh but of course crying is more then fine too.
7. Reflection & Follow-Up
I remember details from previous conversations and check in on them. Asking, “Last time you mentioned X, how’s that going?” shows that you are seen over time, not just in one moment.
8. Encouraging Growth Through Self-Awareness
I help you notice patterns in your thoughts and feelings. The goal is to guide you toward clarity and self-empowerment, without ever pushing or judging. This is a big takeaway I got from my own therapy and I’m passionate about others getting this too.
9.Celebration of Small Wins
I notice and celebrate even the tiniest progress and this is what I really pride myself on. I am proud of your brave words, moments of honesty, a small emotional shift. Every small win is acknowledged and valued by me , because it matters. I really feel like a proud mum or a cheerleader at times. I can wear many hats!
Listening isn’t just responding it’s about creating a space where emotions are honoured, it’s listening to someone the way you’d want them to listen to your mother, father or sister, and every moment matters. That’s how I listen, that’s how I show up, and that’s what makes my approach uniquely me. Uniquely Ellie.