10 Questions with Stacey McCraw

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

• I hold personal values centered around making positive contributions to the community in meaningful ways. I have always believed that mental health is just as important as physical health and should be given more attention. Often it doesn't really feel like work!

• Which philosophical approaches have influenced your professional/personal development?

• I have found 'attachment theory' very helpful in understanding how people learn to relate to each other as they navigate their way through the world. I also enjoy the therapies that help us to access and heal our emotional worlds - which have been suppressed for years in favour of excessive thinking.

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

• I mostly see adults, but I am also interested in learning about how someone's earlier years may have influenced them up to this point, and helping people to let go of old wounds. I also enjoy watching people make positive shifts in their behaviour and gain benefits from those changes.

• What method/s do you use?

• I combine CBT (which is usually practical and solution-focused) with 'processing' - stress release which occurs moment by moment.

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

• Usually by session three. Sometimes just booking the appointment makes them feel better!

• How has therapy made you a better person?

• You won't ever find me ranting about someone's bad behaviour. I can usually think of plenty of compassionate explanations for understanding the way people are.

• What do you like most about being a therapist?

• It is a meaningful role, because mental health matters. I would continue to offer these services even if I won the lottery.

• Do you ever have 'bad hair' days?

• Not really - I make sure that I eat nutritious food, exercise often and sleep well, and balance life with a bit of fun so that come each morning, I am able to be as present as possible for the people sitting in front of me bravely sharing their inner struggles.

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

• Loneliness - a lack of authentic connection with each other. We are social mammals who belong in clans, which isn't happening in our culture as much anymore, and most people want to experience more 'togetherness'.

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

• I love art! Come to our offices at Holdsworth House Medical Practice and you will see that we have art exhibitions of all types on the walls and waiting rooms of both Level 3 and 7 - interior design is one of our passions. There is a piece of art to inspire each person who visits us. I value creativity, and so I am also learning how to paint. Please contact me if you have any further questions.