Malcolm Bower-Brown

In my experience, we often come to therapy when we feel stuck in a way of living which is becoming increasingly difficult and painful to sustain. Perhaps you have some of the following thoughts and feelings: - my life is simply surviving rather than thriving. - my future seems more scary than exciting. - my self-esteem is fragile and I worry too much about what others might be thinking about me. - I wonder if I am 'normal'. - personal relationships feel like a battlefield or a prison. - I find it hard to trust myself and others. - I have a harsh inner voice which is constantly criticising and belittling me. - I can't seem to move on from the past. - I am struggling to let go of behaviours and attitudes which I know don't serve me well. - I've lost meaning, purpose or passion in my life. - my true self has gone missing, somewhere along the way. If any of this resonates with you, my existential approach to therapy will provide you with a safe place in which to explore and process any trauma in your past; pain in the present and anxiety about the future. Helping you to bring the 'real you' out of hiding and find a more joyful and authentic way of living. Within a non-judgemental therapeutic relationship, I will encourage you to practice self-acceptance and to examine issues and feelings you may have been avoiding for too long. Reflecting my belief in Irvin Yalom's view that 'The act of revealing ourself fully to another and still being accepted may be the major vehicle of therapeutic help.' I have particular expertise in working with people who have experienced significant trauma, including physical, psychological and sexual abuse. When working in this area, I share Jean Paul Sartre's view that, 'Freedom is what we do with what has been done to us.' I will support you to safely explore past trauma and any associated feelings of shame or unworthiness; helping you to find ways to release yourself from any control the past still exerts on your present and future.

In 2023 I set up Open Door - my private therapy practice, offering in-person and online existential talking therapy to adults of all ages, backgrounds and current circumstances. As part of my professional training, I worked with a not-for-profit organisation providing therapy to people who have experienced physical, sexual or psychological abuse - as children, as adults or both. This gave me expertise in working with these types of trauma and this remains a significant focus in my work.

Accredited Member of the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS) Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Signatory of the ERNI (Emotions Are Not Illnesses) Declaration