Jennifer Broadley

> View Jennifer's HGI therapist profile

What inspired you to become a therapist?

I was already working as an executive coach inside the media industry and loved working for myself. A friend recommended a 'new thing' called Human Givens which seemed to be getting fast, effective results in mental health and in 2002 I went to hear Joe Griffin speak in London. I knew once I heard him that I'd one day like to qualify in HG therapy, however life as it is, it took me until 2012 to have the space in my business to fulfil that goal.

Why did you choose the human givens approach?

The HG approach was the most aligned with executive coaching that I could find. It was future-focused, practical, based on quality science, credible and most importantly was getting fast and effective results with clients. The training had a clear structure and I literally scheduled all of Parts 1 and 2 into my diary in March 2012 and was qualified by October of 2013 (with a lot of hard work).

Had you done any previous training?

I hadn't done any previous counselling or therapy training. I'd been a qualified executive coach since 2002 so I was already having conversations with clients as part of my every-day business.

What do you like about being a therapist?

I understand that today, more than ever in history, life can be complicated. There's uncertainty in jobs, home life, relationships, health, parenting, finances and for so many people in the UK (and internationally) that can get overwhelming. Supporting adults and young people as they untangle ideas, assumptions and choices and instead create a clear A to B road map is my absolute privilege. And I genuinely appreciate a format to do that - taught by HG - that is kind, client-orientated and consistently creates change and progress, often from the very first session.

What sort of people do you usually see?

I see adults and young people, professionals and retired men and women. Anyone who wants to get results with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, or trauma. I also have many returning clients who just want to book a one-off session to borrow a brain for an hour to create context, confidence and set of clear next steps. Like I've said counselling doesn't have to be long and drawn out - with HG it's often quick, focused and action orientated.

Do you provide online therapy sessions?

I do. In fact I only do therapy online now. It allows me to see more clients in a day, and takes away any geographical restrictions. I now work with clients from all around the UK (and internationally too).

What do you wish people knew about therapy?

That it's not like in the movies. It doesn't have to be painful or lengthy or re-traumatising. That it can be calm, light, helpful, speedy and literally life-changing within the first 60-90 minutes.

Do you use the human givens approach in another employment role?

I use HG in my private practice. That's what I do full time.

What do you do for your own self care?

I play squash every Saturday morning for 2 hours with a very cool bunch of people. I play tennis too, swim in the sea, grow vegetables (so exciting!), fend off my neighbour's chickens from my raised flower beds. I do my utmost to be conscious of how sustainably I'm living - caring for the planet is caring for us all.

What did you learn about yourself during your HG training?

That it's OK to be in a muddle sometimes and to not know the answers. That no-one lives a challenge-free life - despite what you might read online or see in the movies. And that one sentence or one story in one single moment can change everything!

Final thoughts

Human Givens therapy will change how you see yourself and your world. Each of us is a masterpiece and a work in progress all at the same time. How hopeful and reassuring is that?

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