At the prime of my life I was retrenched, my marriage fell apart and I suddenly found myself in crippling debt. Earnest in caring for my family, I neglected myself. To be honest, I believed I could turn things around – I had always come out on top before. Surely that would continue.

It didn’t. I couldn’t.

I did find a good job, but the bills where overwhelming. It was embarrassing for a financial whiz. I found solace in drinking. Then one day at 52 years old, my ‘can do’ cool head, imploded. I sat at my computer and sobbed. I had no idea what was happening.

Thankfully a friend guided me into therapy. I remember her saying “Peter, you can’t do this alone.” These wise words have stayed with me ever since.

The experience of safety and support I experienced in a therapeutic context changed everything for me. I knew early on that this was something I wanted for everyone.

Over the next five years I soul searched in closed rooms and on long walks in the sunshine. I learned how to move my body (and lost a few kilos!). I qualified as a Lifeline counsellor and trained in Gestalt psychotherapy. I embarked on a path I had no idea existed until then. While my external world had seemed so complete, my inner world was hidden even from me. I know now that this disconnect was unsustainable and eventually sabotaged my life.

In therapy I forgave the scared 5-year-old stutterer I once was and made peace with my past. I released myself from the expectations of others and became more in tune with my gut. I became more myself. Now, I have never felt more integrated, accepting and equipped to live and communicate freely. I’m still the open-minded explorer with a knack for process. I just engage it with new purpose.

In my therapeutic practice I provide a safe space for others to explore their humanness, make peace with their pains and open to a more authentic, connected and joyful life.

I know the journey, and I know it’s worth taking.  And it’s not one to take alone.