Chrissie Henson of Counselling with Chrissie tells us about writing her own book, and why being told ‘no’ spurs her forward.
How do you identify as disabled, and what does it mean to you?
I have had cerebral palsy since birth, which means I walk and talk a little differently.
Tell us a little about your business.
Counselling with Chrissie was founded in April 2018 and offers private 1:1 therapy for adults both in person and online.
I am a person-cantered therapist who believes that we all have the ability to find the answer for ourselves, but sometimes we get stuck and need help.
I work together with clients to find ways to overcome their obstacles and improve their lives by exploring their inner thoughts, feelings, emotions and experiences, and learning how to have a better understanding of them.
I provide a confidential, safe space where clients can feel heard, understood and respected without feeling judged.
Why did you start the business? Share your story so far.
I have been working as a therapist since 2015, working with adults from late teens to retirement age. My experience includes working with relationship and attachment issues, bereavement, sexual and/or physical abuse, and domestic violence, and I am trained in the “rewind” technique for people with traumatic memories.
After qualifying, I continued to volunteer at my student placement for a year. After my experience as a volunteer counsellor, I decided that it was now or never to begin my own private therapy business and have my own clients.
What do you see as the main challenges facing your business and its continued operation or growth?
Having to continuously look for new clients. Creating a reputation can be difficult as there is a need to get yourself out there and to market the business, and it can be difficult to do this as the only person working in the business. Lockdown due to Covid also made things more challenging, as I then had to move to online work.
What can we do to encourage more disabled entrepreneurs to start businesses – what is holding them back and what can we all do to help change that?
From my experience as a disabled entrepreneur, I noticed a lack of support for people like me. I had no idea where to look for help or where to go: any support that I have had has been a result of networking with other disabled entrepreneurs.
In general, I think it is important to attract people who have not already established themselves in the business world. It can be difficult for people to get started, as a lot of support is aimed at those with experience and who have already built a brand. It is also important to be aware and mindful of the barriers and stigma that disabled individuals experience and to minimise this, so that starting businesses is more accessible and tailored to their individual needs.
What do you consider your greatest achievement or the proudest moment in your life so far?
There have been many achievements and moments in my life that I have been proud of, and it is difficult to choose which one is the greatest.
One of my greatest personal achievements so far has been buying my own house and paying off the mortgage in 10 years. Another proud professional achievement was writing and publishing my book, A Look Inside the Therapy Room.
If there was one thing you could change about peoples’ perception of disability what would it be and why?
When people see someone with a disability, it is common to see the disability rather than the person, especially if the disability is visible. It would be better if people could see the person first, rather than the disability. People often presume what I am and am not able to do.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by me. Throughout my life, I have had to motivate and challenge myself to achieve what I have achieved. As said previously, people often have presumptions about what I am able to achieve, which has led to limited expectations. Being told ‘no’ or that I ‘can’t’ do or achieve something inspires me to go and do it: to prove that I can, to them and me.
Do you have a recommendation for a book or a podcast which has helped you along your journey?
Dibs in Search of Self: Personality Development in Play Therapy by Virginia Axline and Counselling for Toads: A Psychological Adventure by Robert de Board. Both tell the stories of individuals in therapy and the outcomes, which inspired me to become a therapist.
