Ms Geraldine McKay

A conversation with Geraldine McKay

• What led you to choose psychotherapy or counselling as a profession?

  The values of the profession align with my own so I am able to approach my work with a sense of ease. I appreciate the unique position I am in and it is a privilege to work closely with others in order to alleviate distress and facilitate change. Building strong relationships is an area of interest for me as safe and healthy relationships with friends, family and workmates protect us in times of adversity, change and uncertainty.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  I have been greatly influenced by systemic family therapy and it informs my approach to therapeutic work, supervision work and
  I have an appreciation for a range of approaches and can draw on these in order to provide clients with the most appropriate intervention.

• Which particular aspects of health or the human journey are you interested in?

  I am interested in all aspects of health and the human lifecycle. I have been fortunate to work with clients from a wide range of ages, backgrounds and at different stages of their development and journey. I have worked with mothers experiencing mental health concerns after the birth of a child through to supporting clients facing death and dying.

• What methods do you use?

  I use a range of methods and approaches in my therapy and supervision sessions including: systemic couple and family therapy; person centred; cognitive behaviour therapy; narrative ideas and trauma informed practice.
  

• When do you think the client will start to feel that progress is being made?

  I hope that my clients will start to feel that some progress is being made after an initial session as it is often an important first step towards seeking input and support and this can be helpful in itself. I also hope that over time the client/s experiences changes in how they are viewing their concerns and ways to manage them.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  Therapy has given me so much more insight into myself and the experience of being a "client".

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  I love that I can connect with clients in a way to help them feel listened to and understood.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Absolutely!!

• What do you think is the most significant problem we face, in the world today?

  I would say that poverty, climate change, health care, mental health, and ageing are issues that we face as a society.

• Can you share the name of a book, film, song, event or work of art that inspires you?

  I am an avid reader of different novels and non-fiction work. I am inspired by new ideas.