There are certain moments in life that ask us to pause—to take a breath, look back at the ground we have covered, and honour the path that has brought us to where we now stand. Opening Thrive Psychotherapy and Counselling is one of those moments for me. It is not just the beginning of a private practice. It feels like the quiet flowering of a journey that has been years in the making, rooted in study, healing, growth, and deep gratitude.
When I first set out to train as a psychotherapist, I could not have fully imagined the ways in which the work would shape me, challenge me, and ultimately call me into a deeper relationship with myself and others. The theories and frameworks—psychodynamic, trauma-informed, attachment-focused—gave me tools, yes. But it was the personal work, the sitting with discomfort, the learning to listen in a more attuned and human way, that transformed those tools into something living and real. Every lecture, every reading, every hour spent with clients has been part of this unfolding. It has not always been easy. There were times of doubt, moments of feeling overwhelmed, and the quiet, necessary work of turning inward to meet my own vulnerabilities so that I could sit more fully with others in theirs. Through it all, what carried me was the support of those who believed in this path: teachers, supervisors, mentors, loved ones, and—most profoundly—my clients themselves.
To my clients, past and present: thank you. Thank you for your trust, your courage, your willingness to show up even when it felt hard. Each of you has taught me something about what it means to be human, to endure, to heal, and to hope. Your stories have shaped my practice far beyond anything that could be learned from a book.
As I open the doors to Thrive Psychotherapy, I do so with a heart full of gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. This is more than a professional milestone—it is a commitment to continue growing, learning, and meeting each person who walks through the door with presence, curiosity, and respect. I believe that healing is not about quick fixes or rushing through pain. It is about creating spaces where people can be exactly as they are, where new possibilities can gently take root and grow over time. My hope for Thrive is that it becomes one of those spaces—a place where the slow work of healing is honoured, where resilience is nurtured, and where each person's journey is deeply respected.
To everyone who has supported me along the way: thank you. And to those considering beginning or continuing their journey with me: you are warmly welcome here. It would be my privilege to walk alongside you.