1. is experience as a client important for being an effective cognitive therapist? “to my mind, personal psychotherapy is, by far, the most important part of psychotherapy training.” Prof Irvin Yalom

2. very little research data, so … ► last summer tried booking sessions with 5 therapists ► … but kate was too busy ► so ended with 4 therapists ► had 2 – 3 sessions with each of them (10 in total)

3. really surprised by my experience ► by how nervous I was at first meetings ► by how archetypal the relationship felt ► “is this person holding me (a baby) with warmth & confidence” this feels like re-parenting for example:

4. discord between cbt & what I did immerse in experiences (emotions & body) reflect and learn from experiences

5. some key issues explored so far ► emphasising encouragement, “acceptance” and warmth … noting how I feel I’ve done & “attitudes to therapy” scale ► facilitating patients getting more information from their emotions & bodily feelings ► getting patients to reflect on their experience more … see the session reflection sheet & yes I believe I’m more helpful