Meet the Therapist: John Garrow
John Garrow is a therapist in Enfield and online
What attracted you to become a therapist?
I had always been fascinated by the idea that everyone has a private inner-world of which others might truly know very little, each one with its own enigmatic uniqueness and idiosyncrasies, but also each with its own sensitivities, memories and experiences.
I wanted to be in a career that truly values the individual, one where people’s feelings and experiences can be honoured, and their potential given a supportive space to flourish.
Where did you train? y
I did my BA in Psychology in UCD, Dublin. Following that I took my MA in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy at Roehampton University.
Can you tell us about the type of therapy you practise?
I work in a way that is essentially integrative, but also person-centred. As each person is unique, the integration of different approaches is useful to allow the client and I to work on an approach that fits them and respects their sense of their needs as an individual.
As person-centred therapy is humanistic, it values the individual’s intuitions and potential for growth. Recognising our clients’ individual strengths facilitates a secure and trusting alliance, one free of judgement and expectations, and enables them to really focus on their goals in therapy and difficult feelings in a safe way.
How does person-centred therapy help those who are struggling?
People can often become unhappy when the ways they coped with life in the past no longer seem to work like they used to. They can also try to ignore or deny difficult feelings, memories and truths in their lives that threaten their happiness.
Person-centred therapy seeks to accept the client as an individual, just as they are, for all their perceived flaws and self-judgements, helping them to come to terms with themselves and their lives. It can also help them focus on their needs with a clarity and confidence that can be very liberating.
What sort of people do you usually see?
From young adults and upwards, I am glad for the opportunity to work with a range of clients. It is a wonderful aspect of the profession that I meet people of all demographics and types. This ranges from those experiencing depression, anxiety, work and relationship stresses, neurodiversity, challenges from the past, and many physical and mental health concerns.
Have you noticed any recent mental health trends or wider changes in attitude?
Society’s growing acceptance and understanding of neurodiversity is incredibly important. I also like seeing that people in general are becoming more aware of mental health as something that is to be valued and taken seriously. There are still many, however, who find the language that can sometimes be used to discuss mental health somewhat alienating. I think at every level of the industry we can be vigilant about finding new ways to reach out to people who are struggling in a way that makes sense to them.
What do you like about being a therapist?
I enjoy the therapeutic alliance that develops between myself and clients. I find the honesty and commitment they bring each day to their therapy and personal development to be inspiring and very humbling. It is the most satisfying career I can imagine.
What is less pleasant?
It can be difficult seeing clients struggle with themselves, and hearing of the painful experiences that have happened to them. It is impossible not to feel for others, but the opportunity to share their burden is a privilege. If you are a therapist you quickly stop taking things for granted.
How long have you been with Welldoing and what you think of us?
I have only been with Welldoing a short time, but I am impressed with the organised and clear structure of their site and the available support for both clients and therapists.
What books have been important to you in terms of your professional and personal development?
I like to read therapists’ accounts of their work and experience with clients. Irvin Yalom’s The Gift of Therapy is particularly enjoyable, and relatable. It was fascinating to understand how a very experienced therapist understood the profession.
What you do for your own mental health?
I live in the city, so opportunities for the outdoors, downtime and reflection, a swim or a game of tennis are always really refreshing. As is taking a moment to savour a coffee and a book. I think that way in life the little things can be the big things.
You are a therapist in Enfield and online. What can you share with us about seeing clients in this area?
This is a particularly diverse and busy part of London, especially where I practice in Enfield. I love the opportunity to work with all kinds of people.
What’s your consultation room like?
I work in a bright, cosy office located quite handily in Enfield Town.
What do you wish people knew about therapy?
I wish people knew how helpful it can be, and understood it less as a kind of rigorous self-dissection, and more as an act of really valuing yourself and your needs.
What did you learn about yourself in therapy?
How powerful self-acceptance can be, and to take my own side more often.
