Meet the Therapist: Marc Bosset

Jun 25, 2019

meetthetherapist

Marc Bosset is a therapist in Bromley and Orpington

What attracted you to become a therapist?

Having grown up in different cultural contexts since an early age, I developed a keen sense of observation for the varied manifestations of human behaviour and a sensitivity for its less visible facets. After fifteen years working in competitive corporate environments across Europe and North America, I decided to make greater use of my innate sensitivities by retraining as a psychotherapist.

Where did you train?

In my twenties I obtained a BA in Sociology and an MSc in Management. When I decided to change career, I began my foray into the field of mental health by volunteering as a Samaritan for two years. I then joined Regent’s University School of Psychotherapy and Psychology, completing an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy as an integrative psychotherapist. In addition to my private practice, I also work for the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust as a counsellor treating adults suffering from anxiety and depression.

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

My approach to therapy is integrative, or in other words, multi-disciplinary. This means I adapt or customise my approach with the client in an interactive and relational process. A lot has changed in the field of psychotherapy in recent decades and research in the neurosciences has led to a convergence in traditionally ‘competing’ psychotherapeutic modalities. I believe nowadays there is a recognition that, despite wide differences in terminology, there are many overlaps among different approaches which can be assimilated for the benefit of the client.

How does integrative therapy help with symptoms of anxiety or depression?

The art in psychotherapy lies in exploring an individual’s experience of themselves and in relation to others. These experiences are often tainted by rigid belief structures which manifest as anxiety or depression. New relational experiences within an empathic therapeutic setting can help modulate the rigidity of maladaptive modes of coping with the world. I also integrate CBT to help my clients manage their day to day between sessions.

What sort of people do you usually see?

I see individual adults, ranging from the ages of 20 to 70. Clients come to see me seeking help with overwhelming anxiety, intrusive or ruminating thoughts, depression and many other forms of challenges that stem from different sources such as early or recent trauma, life challenges, bereavement, addiction, relationship issues, amongst others.

What do you like about being a therapist?

Many things – psychotherapy is a fascinating field that encompasses many disciplines such as philosophy, psychology, the neurosciences. I like keeping abreast of the latest research and I like seeing my clients reap the benefits of engaging in therapy.

What is less pleasant?

Despite the existence of governing bodies such as the UKCP or the BACP, the field of psychotherapy is still unregulated, which can make it difficult for the public to choose the type of therapy (and therapist) that could be most beneficial for them.

How long you’ve been with welldoing.org and what you think of us?

I joined welldoing.org in October 2018. I find the platform user-friendly and the content to be very accessible and helpful.

Do you ever suggest books or apps to clients?

When appropriate, I have recommended to clients workbooks in the context of Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and/or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). I have also suggested apps aimed at modulating moods and other self help audio tools for managing distress between sessions.

What you do for your own mental health?

I ride my mountain bike and I am learning to windsurf. I also read a lot of research on the topic of psychotherapy and psychology.

You are a therapist in Bromley and Orpington. What can you share with us about seeing clients in those areas?

I work from the Bromley location during daytime hours and most of the clients I see there are based in South East London and Kent – they are either self-employed or employed part-time. In Orpington I see clients in the evenings and they tend to be commuters who work in Central London.

What’s your consultation room like?

In Bromley the room has hardwood floors, a sofa and several armchairs. There are two large windows which let in a lot of natural daylight. In Orpington I see clients in a purpose-built wing in my house with a separate side entrance for optimal privacy. There is wooden flooring, a large bay window and a view into the garden.

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

Therapy can be a hugely transformative experience, but you will not leave every session feeling better. Therapy is a difficult and challenging process that requires commitment and perseverance.