Meet the Therapist - Gemma

We caught up with Senior Suicide Therapist at James’ Place Liverpool, Gemma, about her motivation for working at James’ Place and what a typical day is like for her.

Tell us about your background as a therapist
I have worked as a therapist within a cancer support charity with people who are terminally ill or chronically ill, and with their friends and loved ones, also as a bereavement counsellor which is such a difficult but rewarding job. I also have my own private practice where I specialise in working with LGBTQ+ clients, Neurodivergent people and I am a qualified fertility counsellor. I also work at James’ Place part time as a senior therapist.

Why did you want to work at James’ Place?
I became aware of James’ Place following my own bereavement, which my family and friends raised some funds for James’ Place around 5 years ago, at this time I had just began my training to be a therapist. During my training I began volunteering as a mentor at James’ Place supporting some of the men who had recently completed their intervention. I knew then how special the environment was and how welcoming the team were and how dedicated to the cause everyone was, that’s what inspired me to apply to work at James’ Place when I saw the chance. That coupled with my belief that suicide is preventable and wanting to be able to support people in their time of need made the perfect reason to want to work at James’ Place.

What is your average day like at James’ Place?
A typical day is busy, we have therapy sessions with different clients, each of which bring their own unique workload from writing up notes, to liaising with other charities or GP practices about support for someone. I typically have around 3 or 4 sessions, some meetings and emails to respond to, days go really fast here.

What do you find most rewarding about the work at James’ Place?
Being the person that gets to be by someone’s side, to hear the things they can’t talk about to others and to support them through that time is a privilege. I can offer support and solutions, help them to create change in their lives or just to feel heard for the first time, that is what I find most rewarding.

Is there anything you’d say to encourage a man in crisis, or his friend and family, to reach out to James’ Place?
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us, I know things must feel really difficult right now. We know asking for help takes great strength, and the help is there for you. We are here every weekday and we know what we do works, so please get in touch and let us support you.

What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I like to go for walks, I love being out by nature so I love going to Formby beach or to the lakes walking. I love to travel when I can and I am hoping to go to Japan next.