A new therapeutic home

This month I moved into a cosy loft room in the heart of St Albans, Hertfordshire. Having spent my training using ad-hoc rental rooms, it feels wonderful to be making a room my own, along with a gifted counsellor colleague; gifted not just as a therapist but also as an interior designer! We've built the comfiest chairs, assembled cabinets, installed silent clocks, created ambient lighting and added a dash of sage paint. A therapeutic environment really matters, as does consistency. It's great to feel I can now offer the same space to clients, week on week, as well as a clean and welcoming waiting area and access to amenities, such as sofas, reading materials, loos and chilled water, all provided for their comfort and wellbeing. Consistency is especially important for autistic and ADHD clients, who often value routine and familiarity. We can feel more affected by light, sound, clutter, colour, smells and atmosphere. So to create an optimal space feels vital, not just for my own peace of mind but, most importantly, for that of my clients.