Aaron Marjolin is a counsellor in Kent and online


What attracted you to become a therapist?

I enjoy being able to connect with people and exploring my curiosity.

Throughout my career I have worked in a range of supportive roles and becoming a therapist was the next step for me.

Building a safe space for my clients and taking them for where they are currently, at in this moment of their life, has been rewarding for me. I feel privileged to be on the journey with my clients and have an opportunity to walk side-by-side with them.

My own trauma and grief led me down the road to training as a psychotherapist. It forced me to pay attention to my own drivers and the fear within myself, to explore my own challenges.


Where did you train? 

I trained as a humanistic therapist with the Bowden Centre.


Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise? 

The type of therapy that I use in my practice is humanistic psychotherapy, with the aim to support the individual in their self-actualisation. 

I like to work in the here-and-now. I believe first and foremost that the role of therapist is to build a trusting working relationship with the client in which the client is able to be who they want and need to be at that moment. 

Sometimes my clients can feel stuck. Within my practice I use a range of skills to help my clients feel at ease and relaxed in their sessions. I can use different methods ranging from Gestalt therapy, Solution-focused therapy and transactional analysis (TA). This enables me to meet the individual needs of each of my clients

I’ve found my clients want good therapy, regardless of the modality, training or theory. Receiving regular feedback from my clients is very important to me.


How does your style of therapy help with challenging emotions?

Some of my clients are quickly surprised that while the emotions they are feeling can be universal, their feelings are unique to them. Therapy should enable my clients to feel seen and heard.

The goal of therapy isn’t to remove one plaster and replace with a new one, but instead to help you heal from these cracks and give themselves time to feel these emotions. 

Therapy is a space where you can feel these tricky emotions and experience someone holding you, without judgement.


What sort of people do you usually see? 

I usually work with clients who are 18-55. 

Often my clients are going through some big change in their lives that has left them with a feeling of being 'stuck'. They may be experiencing long-term relationship struggles or are dealing with grief and loss of identity.

I’ve worked with clients who’ve had panic attacks, postpartum depression, identity struggles, body image issues and body dysmorphia, eating disorders and grief.

Clients who are looking for a therapist with broad lived experience, who speaks calmly and is happy to challenge perspectives, may be drawn to me.


Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?

Since Covid I have seen an increase in clients seeking support in managing different forms of anxiety, along with searching a purpose and a loss of identity. 

During Covid it was very difficult for people not being able to socialise. Then, after lockdown, there were assumptions that everything would go back to normal and people would meet again, but for some this can be a bit of a hurdle and they are left feeling lost.


What do you like about being a therapist?

There are so many things that I enjoy being a therapist, I could be here all day. Being able to work in a profession that I am passionate about, makes me happy to go to work every day.


What is less pleasant?

Short-term work. With the way I practice, I feel like completing six to eight sessions can feel like I am taking off the plaster and papering over the cracks. Although for some this does work well.


How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?

I have not been using Welldoing for long, but from what I have experienced they have been very supportive and reached out when I have needed support.


Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

Books: There are too many to suggest. Really I recommend reading any book that is good for your brain, body and soul. Read what you like.


What you do for your own mental health?

Self-care is extremely important to me, and I enjoy reading a good book (mostly auto biographies). I enjoy going out and spending time in nature and enjoy spending time fresh water fishing.


What’s your consultation room like?

I am therapist in Canterbury, Dover, Herne Bay, Thanet and Folkestone. However I see clients online throughout the country.

I mainly practice online, however I do have a space available for face-to-face, the room is large and has neutral tones that be very calming for my clients


What do you wish people knew about therapy?

There is a stigma that comes with therapy. Some people believe that when someone is having therapy it means that there is something wrong with them, but that is not the case all the time. Sometimes someone needs just that helping hand, to help them to achieve their potential.

Therapy can be for everyone. Not one therapist fits all.


What did you learn about yourself in therapy?

I have learnt through having therapy myself, the importance of having a good therapist and that therapy can work for anyone that wants to achieve their full potential.


Contact Aaron here

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