A Journey to healing through interpersonal therapy

Dec 18, 2024

A Journey to Healing Through Interpersonal Therapy

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Angeline Hennessy-Thompson on her podcast. Speaking about sleep, one of the six elements of Living Medicine.
I am delighted to share this post from Angeline.

Find the podcasts here The sleep episodes are released 18th & 26th of December.
Angeline Hennessy-Thompson’s path to becoming a respected counsellor and interpersonal psychotherapist is a testament to the power of purpose and passion in transforming personal adversity into professional success. With a career spanning various high-impact roles—from working with the NHS to Lincoln University.  Angeline’s journey is about career progression and deep, introspective transformation.

Early Challenges and the Spark of Change

 

Angeline’s career began far from the therapy room. Initially engaged in various jobs, from factory work to managing a fish and chip shop, she found herself continuously searching for something more fulfilling. It wasn’t until a personal crisis brought on by overwhelming work stress and financial difficulties that Angeline found her calling. This period of intense personal struggle was the catalyst for her future in psychology and counselling.

 

The Turning Point

 

The true turning point came when Angeline, facing health issues and burnout, realised the need for a drastic change in her life. This realisation led her to enrol in a basic counselling skills course, which ignited a profound passion for understanding human behaviour and mental health. The course not only offered her tools to begin helping others but also started her on a path of self-discovery and healing.

 

Deepening Knowledge and Expanding Impact

Angeline Hennessey-Thompson

 

As Angeline delved deeper into her training, she became acutely aware of how her own past experiences had subconsciously shaped her interactions and relationships. This self-awareness was both challenging and enlightening, driving her to specialise in interpersonal therapy—a field that focuses on the impact of relationships on a person’s mental well-being.

 

Interpersonal Therapy: A Focus on Relationships

 

In her practice, Angeline emphasises the importance of healthy relationships in fostering mental health. She explores how deep-seated fears of vulnerability and rejection can severely affect one’s ability to maintain meaningful connections. Through her therapeutic work, she helps clients understand and navigate these complex dynamics, empowering them to build stronger, healthier relationships.

 

Advocating for Mental Health Awareness

 

Beyond her therapy sessions, Angeline is a staunch advocate for mental health awareness. She uses her voice to educate and inspire others about the importance of interpersonal connections, self-awareness, and the courage to seek help. Her work underscores the concept that mental health struggles are a normal part of the human experience, and that healing is not only possible but profoundly life-changing.

 

A Living Proof and a Voice for Change

 

Angeline has also channelled her expertise into a podcast focused on the six elements of Living Medicine, which advocate for reducing stress, improving nutrition, fostering healthy sleep, engaging in regular exercise, minimising addictive substances, and nurturing healthy relationships. She is living proof of the efficacy of these principles.