"Profoundly grateful for this time of our working together"

My story is about my experience of therapy by Older People's Psychological Services in Doncaster.

I began working with a male Clinical Associate Psychologist early December 2024 and our therapeutic work together ended recently, mid September 2025.

Because of adverse childhood experiences, although I had had some previous counselling, I had always chosen to work with women. But after an initial phone call with my future therapist when he asked me if I was willing to work with him I decided that the time was right to see what it would be like to work with a man. 

It was a leap of faith in him and myself as I knew that to heal I needed to be honest and to be voluntarily vulnerable. 

Because of boundaries and the safety that was built into our sessions and the kindness and respect my male therapist unfailingly showed me, I was able to form a strong therapeutic relationship with him that has proved to be both healing and transformational. 

I was able to connect with my authentic self, to embrace my values and goals, and to practise healthy self care, which is massive. I learnt so much that will serve me well going forward. After being asked to do something creative for an exercise at home, I was reluctant and not at all convinced that I was capable of doing it

However, we uncovered an ability to draw, which surprised and delighted me and has brought the joy of creativity into my life. 

I have gained so much in the way of insight, self awareness, learning, healing and growing. I am now in a period of reflection on what has been given and done during our time together. I think it honours our therapeutic relationship that I am feeling his loss deeply. I will always be profoundly grateful for this time of our working together. There are no words for such a gift.