Last year I was, probably, at the lowest ebb I have ever experienced in my life, and I needed help, and needed it fast.
I searched the internet to find it, in much the same way as you are doing now. To me the most important thing was to find, not only a certified professional, but someone that I felt I could talk to about everything and anything, and trust them completely, a daunting prospect I know...The picture (on the Qualifications page) helped, but during the initial contact ‘phone call, and yes I hung up the phone several times before letting it be answered, I found myself feeling quite ‘safe' and I made that first, most difficult appointment. Difficult because I was admitting to myself that I couldn't cope anymore, being a failure and needing a strangers help, a big admission yes, but that acceptance was the single biggest step in moving forward, and I was never judged.
My time with Imogen has with her tact, skill and dedication to me and my problems and issues, shown me many things, given me the ‘tools' to untangle the web of confusion, hurt and doubt that filled my every waking hour, gave me strength where I felt there was none, opened my eyes to a future, when I really didn't care if there was one, and most importantly put me on a journey of self discovery, allowing me to find who I am, to move forward with a confidence, energy and self esteem that I never thought I would ever feel again.
We all want a pill to take away our pain; I tried them they just anesthetised my emotions, sometimes the fix has to come from within.
I will not say that the journey was always easy, I confronted difficult and personal issues, but was never embarrassed, made to feel inadequate or a failure. I never felt trapped by ‘therapy' there was no ‘course' to be booked, I didn't feel pressured, I came and went as I felt necessary, though advice was always given.
Imogen was always there for me, when my life felt like it was all slipping away. Then, when I got to the stage that I regained my emotional strength, focus and will to live this life, it was Imogen who suggested that there was little else she could do for me (so no mercenary strategies here), but I know that should I ever need any help, or advice, Imogen is only ever a ‘phone call away.
So, to whoever you are, reading this now, you've already made that first admission to yourself and started the journey, if you want a great guide and companion on that journey to show you the way to wherever you need, or want to be, I whole heartedly recommend Imogen Ellis-Jones to you...and I wish you well.
