""I feel lighter"- The weight of past pain gone"

I wanted to take a moment to share how incredibly fortunate I have been to receive EMDR and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) through Newham Talking Therapies.

Prior to starting therapy, I was unsure if I would be able to communicate the things that brought me there. I was overwhelmed and didn’t think anyone would be able to make sense of it. My therapist, Tony, however, was calm and personable and listened in a way that showed genuine curiosity and attentiveness throughout our sessions. This sense of being heard and understood felt like the beginning of my healing journey. My feelings of being overwhelmed dissipated.

I didn’t know much about EMDR and CFT, but time was taken during the first few sessions to help me understand them. This was helpful as I began to understand the importance of processing painful past experiences. I also learnt of the restorative power of compassion on the mind and body, and the significance of learning how to harness it. At the time, I was isolated, socially anxious and low, but I could see how these approaches could help me.

When it was time to start the exercises, Tony guided me in a clear and structured way that made me feel safe and open. It is not like any therapy I have had before. It involves being aware of how thoughts, feelings, and memories are experienced in the body and how they can change as a result of processing them. 

I can honestly say that from the first session of working on a specific memory, I felt a tangible relief from the emotional pain I had been carrying for many years. A tightness in my chest loosened, and I felt like I could breathe more easily. The feeling of being gripped was gone. There was still more work to be done, but I knew from this point that a significant shift had taken place.

I have now finished the course of therapy and continue to experience the changes made. I don’t feel the weight of past pain like I used to. I feel lighter. My inner critic is a lot kinder. I am finding that I spend less time overthinking and have begun to recognise achievements and things I can be proud of. I am less concerned about what others think of me, which has freed me to be more myself around others. I give people the benefit of the doubt more instead of thinking the worst. I feel I’ve matured and also feel more empowered. These changes are both new and refreshing.

I am incredibly grateful to Tony for his expertise, professionalism, and compassion throughout his work with me. I have experienced the effectiveness of EMDR and CFT when delivered by a highly skilled therapist. 

NHS, please protect and support the invaluable work of Tony and therapists like him, who facilitate profound and positive changes in people's lives. I am greatly thankful to have had access to this vital service.