Jade Padgham

A conversation with Jade Padgham

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

  Throughout my life I have often been the person that friends and others naturally turn to when they need someone to talk to. I have always been curious about human behaviour and what shapes the way people think, feel, and respond to the world around them. Over time I also noticed gaps within systems and services where people were not always receiving the understanding or support they needed. These experiences, along with my professional background and lived experience, led me to pursue counselling. I am deeply motivated to support people to better understand themselves, navigate life’s challenges, and move toward a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with their values.

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional development?

  My thinking has been shaped by a range of philosophical traditions over time. Earlier in my life I was drawn to the work of Carl Jung and his exploration of the unconscious and the symbolic aspects of human experience. I was also influenced by classical philosophy, particularly the questioning approach of Socrates, which encourages curiosity, reflection, and deeper examination of our beliefs and assumptions.
  
  Over time my perspective has also been influenced by existential philosophy, which emphasises meaning, responsibility, and the human search for purpose. More recently I have resonated with the reflective and mindful principles found in Zen Buddhism, particularly the value of awareness, presence, and acceptance.
  
  Together these influences shape a therapeutic outlook that values curiosity, self-reflection, personal responsibility, and the possibility of growth and transformation.

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

  I am particularly interested in the process of people discovering who they truly are and developing the confidence to live in alignment with their values. Much of my work focuses on personal growth, self-understanding, and supporting people to rebuild a sense of identity during times of transition. For example, I am interested in the experiences of women rediscovering themselves after major life changes such as relationship breakdowns, as well as individuals reflecting on cultural or societal expectations and redefining what feels authentic for them.
  
  I am also deeply interested in neurodiversity and the journey many people experience when coming to terms with a late diagnosis. This includes supporting neurodivergent individuals as they better understand themselves, as well as supporting parents and carers of neurodivergent children who are navigating the challenges and rewards of long-term caregiving.
  
  More broadly, I am interested in resilience, trauma recovery, and post-traumatic growth, the ways people can rebuild meaning and strength following difficult experiences such as grief, burnout, or significant life stress. I am passionate about helping people develop self-esteem, self-efficacy, and clarity around their core values so they can set meaningful goals and realise their potential.

• What methods do you use?

  My work is integrative, meaning I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches and adapt them to the needs of each individual rather than following a single model. I often incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based practices, and narrative approaches to help clients understand patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
  
  I also integrate strengths-based and person-centred approaches, creating a collaborative and supportive environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences at their own pace. Techniques such as motivational interviewing and experiential approaches may also be used to support insight, emotional processing, and meaningful change.
  
  Overall, my aim is to combine practical strategies with deeper reflection so clients can develop greater self-understanding, build resilience, and move toward the life they want to create.

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

  The experience of progress can look different for each person and depends on their circumstances, goals, and the effort they put into the therapeutic process. For some people, progress begins quite early through the simple experience of being heard and understood. For others, it may take time as trust develops and deeper patterns begin to emerge.
  
  Meaningful change often happens gradually as insight develops, new perspectives are explored, and practical strategies are applied in everyday life. Therapy is a collaborative process, and progress tends to grow when clients actively engage in reflection and experimentation with new ways of thinking, responding, and approaching challenges.
  
  Over time, many clients notice changes such as greater self-understanding, improved emotional regulation, clearer boundaries, and a stronger sense of direction and confidence.

• How has therapy made a difference in your life?

  Therapy has deepened my understanding of myself and the ways that past experiences can shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. It has helped me develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and compassion both for myself and for others. Through therapy I have also learned the value of reflection, perspective, and intentional change. These experiences have strengthened my belief in the therapeutic process and continue to influence the way I work with clients today.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

  What I appreciate most about being a therapist is the opportunity to explore the complexity of the human experience alongside another person. Therapy often involves moments of reflection, insight, and personal discovery, and it is meaningful to witness people reconnect with their values, resilience, and sense of possibility.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

  Absolutely. Therapists are human too, and like everyone else we have days that are more challenging than others. What matters is having the self-awareness and support systems in place to manage those moments responsibly. For me, this includes reflection, supervision, and the same kinds of wellbeing practices I encourage my clients to develop. These experiences also remind me how important compassion and patience are, both for ourselves and for others.

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

  One of the most significant challenges I see today is a growing sense of disconnection, from ourselves, from one another, and from a deeper sense of meaning or purpose. Many people feel overwhelmed by the pace and complexity of modern life, yet lack spaces where they can pause, reflect, and make sense of their experiences. I believe that reconnecting with our values, our communities, and our capacity for empathy and understanding is an important part of addressing many of the challenges we face, both individually and collectively.

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

  One artwork that has stayed with me is Witch on a Broomstick by Albert Joseph Pénot. What I find interesting about the piece is the sense of individuality and freedom it conveys. It reminds me of the importance of authenticity and the courage it takes to live outside expectations or social norms, themes that often arise in personal growth and self-discovery.