Laurence McGonnell
Member Status: Accredited
Member No: NCS20-01233
Location: Bradford
I never dreamed I would end up working in Counselling and Psychotherapy. I've always been fascinated by people and different cultures, and have been fortunate over the years to have lived, studied and worked in different parts of the world. My journey has taken me to Continental Europe, East Africa, South East Asia and the United States. Returning to the UK gave me the opportunity to access Counselling for the first time. If I'm honest I was very wary of it but knew deep down that it could be useful. I'd reached a point in my life where I needed to unpick some issues that left me feeling unsettled. I found an empathic, skilled and effective therapist who helped me to put aside my scepticism. Choosing to access counselling was transformative for me, giving me the sense of clarity and vision I needed. I felt so strongly about the value of counselling and the skills I'd learned, that I decided to make this a key part of my life. I wanted to help others to access the same quality of support I'd experienced. I looked for my 'niche' once qualified, trying out a variety of specialisations. But it is the fourteen years I've spent in the world of Hospice and Palliative Care that helped me to see where my passion lies. Life is indeed precious, and over the years I have been privileged to walk with so many fascinating people trying to make sense of life-limiting illnesses. Because they are ill does not mean that they are any less passionate about life. It does not mean that they 'become' their illness. They are ordinary people, who happen to be ill. It is a privilege for me to walk with them, or with their spouses, partners, family members, or friends. I retain a strong connection with Hospice and the world of Palliative Care and am now privileged to offer my skills and experience in supporting people online, or via telephone. You will never know if this is right for you unless you try.
