Ella McCrystal is a survivor of intra-familial childhood sexual abuse. She’s is also a Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, EMDR practitioner, Meditation Teacher, and Mindset Coach of 15 years, working with a broad range of individuals and groups. Ella also coaches leaders in the world of business, sport, and the arts to find and reach their full potential. In addition, Ella is an Author, online course creator, TEDX speaker and she is the Owner/Director of The Northampton Clinic. The clinic (the oldest of its kind in the Country — 93 years old) is an Osteopathic and Multi-Disciplinary health clinic.
Ella McCrystal, Psychotherapist & Integrative Health Business Owner
Can you share with us how your personal experience of childhood sexual abuse has influenced your approach to psychotherapy and healing?
I am a survivor of repeated, intra-familial childhood sexual abuse, the perpetrator was my father. Even after my father admitted guilt and was sentenced, my mother decided to stay with my father. That decision was probably just as scarring as the actual sexual abuse. I understand things more now, I can take a broader view of both of my parents. However, as a child, I just felt totally unloved, unsafe and abandoned. I carried those wounds for many years and I ended up experiencing many complex mental health issues.
I really do understand that going through abuse can cause an individual to live according to the abuser’s “truths.” The individual essentially self-abandons and often feels a sense of shame or worthlessness. The ramifications of this type of abuse for the victims and survivors are often ever-present.
This lived experience, left me determined to use my pain for power. In fact I have dedicated my adult life to supporting and empowering others who have experienced sexual trauma.
I’m now a Principal Psychotherapist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, EMDR practitioner, Meditation Teacher, and Mindset Coach of almost 20 years and I work with a broad range of individuals and groups.
In addition, I am an Author, Podcast host (The New Mind), online course creator, expert commentator, TEDX speaker and I’m the Owner/Director of The Northampton Clinic. The clinic (the oldest of its kind in the Country — 93 years old) is an Osteopathic and Multi-Disciplinary health clinic.
I truly understand the link between the brain and the body. I understand that sexual abuse and trauma have long-lasting effects on an individual's mental health, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. I understand how repressed and suppressed mental pain can get trapped in the body. This deep understanding, as well knowledge, skill set and experience has been fundamental to my success.
I’m healed now. I couldn’t do the work I do if I was still triggered. This perspective has been a gift. As a psychotherapist experiencing my own trauma, I feel I have increased empathy and an 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. enhanced ability to understand and connect with my clients who have also experienced mental pain or mental blocks.
Some research suggests that therapists who have personal experience with trauma may be better equipped to understand the experiences of their clients and provide more effective treatment. This can be particularly true for therapists who have sought out their own therapy to work through their trauma and develop a deeper understanding of the healing process.
What are some of the most common misconceptions about childhood sexual abuse that you encounter in your work, and how do you address these with your clients?
There are many misconceptions about childhood sexual abuse that can be harmful to survivors and prevent them from getting the help and support they need. Some of the most common misconceptions include:
It only happens to girls: One of the most pervasive misconceptions about childhood sexual abuse is that it only happens to girls. In reality, anyone is at risk of experiencing childhood sexual abuse.
It’s strangers that commit sexual crimes: This is a common misconception about childhood sexual abuse that is not accurate. While strangers can certainly commit sexual abuse against children, the majority of perpetrators are actually known to the child and may even be family members, close family friends, teachers, coaches, religious leaders, or other trusted adults in the child's life.
It only happens to children from "broken" homes: Another common misconception is that childhood sexual abuse only happens to children from dysfunctional or "broken" families. In reality, it can happen to children from all types of families and backgrounds.
It's always violent or forced: Another misconception is that childhood sexual abuse always involves physical force or violence. While this can be the case, many instances of childhood sexual abuse involve grooming or manipulation by the abuser.
Survivors always remember the abuse: Many survivors of childhood sexual abuse may not remember the abuse or may have incomplete memories of the events. This can be due to a variety of factors, including dissociation or repression of traumatic memories.
I address these misconceptions with clients by providing accurate information about childhood sexual abuse and it’s impact on survivors. This includes taking a trauma-informed approach, as well as offering psycho education about common myths and misconceptions. Importantly, I providing a safe and supportive environment for survivors to share their experiences and work through their trauma.
Furthermore, I provide validation and support for survivors who may feel shame or guilt about their experiences, as well as helping them to develop coping strategies and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.
Additionally, I work to create a safe and non-judgemental space for clients to process their memories and emotions, and reprogram their minds, whether or not they have complete memories of the abuse.
How do you integrate brain-based techniques and principles into your psychotherapy practice, and what impact do you see this having on your clients?
Brain-based techniques and principles involve understanding the neurobiology of emotions, behaviours, and mental health conditions and using this knowledge to inform psychotherapeutic interventions. This can include techniques such as mindfulness, Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Clinical Hypnotherapy and other forms of experiential therapy that are grounded in neuroscientific research.
To integrate brain-based techniques and principles into psychotherapy practice, I use psycho-education to help clients understand the ways in which their brain and nervous system are impacted by trauma or other mental health conditions, and how this can influence their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
The impact of brain-based techniques and principles on clients can be significant, particularly for clients who may have difficulty regulating their emotions or managing symptoms of anxiety or depression. By helping clients to develop a greater understanding of their brain and body, therapists can empower them with tools and strategies to manage their symptoms more effectively and improve their overall well-being.
Brain-based techniques and principles can also help to reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions by providing a framework for understanding these conditions as a result of biological, psychological, and social factors, rather than a personal failing or weakness.
Can you share with us a particular client case that stands out to you as a transformative success story, and what techniques or approaches you used to achieve this outcome?
Sure. Let me tell you about Sarah…
Sarah was a 28-year-old woman who experienced an extremely traumatic car accident three years ago, where she witnessed her best friend die in front of her while they were both trapped in the car.
As a result, Sarah developed severe symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which included flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Her anxiety was so severe that she had not left the house or had friends into her home for three years.
Sarah sought help from me after hearing about my work from a friend. We began her treatment online as Sarah felt she couldn’t leave the house. I used a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitisation reprocessing (EMDR), and hypnotherapy to help Sarah process and heal from the trauma.
In the first session, I gathered information about Sarah’s trauma history, symptoms, and treatment goals. In subsequent sessions, we used CBT to help Sarah reframe her thought processes. We then moved on to EMDR to help Sarah desensitise and reprocess the traumatic memory.
At first, this was online only, and after just three sessions, Sarah was able to leave her home for the first time in three years and come into the clinic.
We continued to use EMDR to recall the event while engaging in a series of eye movements. This process helped Sarah's brain fully reprocess the traumatic memory and reduce the emotional distress associated with it.
Hypnotherapy was also employed to help Sarah access, reprocess, and reframe the traumatic memory in a relaxed and focused state. I guided Sarah through a relaxation exercise, induced a trance-like state, and then asked her to visualise a positive outcome related to the traumatic event. This step in the clinical process helped Sarah to permanently reframe the traumatic memory in a more positive and empowering way.
Over the course of eight sessions, Sarah's PTSD symptoms completely disappeared, and she felt more empowered with a greater sense of control over her life. She started to leave the house every day, got a new job, and started to reconnect with friends. Within 3 months Sarah was living a normal life.
This example shows how a combination of CBT, EMDR, and hypnotherapy can be used to help someone process and heal from trauma.
It’s important to note that each person's experience of trauma is unique, and treatment outcomes can vary depending on several factors, this case study illustrates how these evidence-based treatments can be effective in helping people reduce PTSD symptoms and improve their quality of life.
How do you work with clients who are resistant or skeptical of therapy, and what strategies have you found to be effective in engaging these individuals?
Working with clients who are resistant or skeptical of therapy can be challenging, but it is important to approach the therapeutic relationship with empathy, understanding, and flexibility. Some strategies that I use to engage these individuals include:
Building rapport: Developing a strong therapeutic alliance is essential for engaging clients who are resistant or skeptical of therapy. I work to establish trust and rapport with these clients by actively listening to their concerns, being non-judgemental and validating, and focusing on building a collaborative and respectful relationship.
Addressing resistance: It is important to acknowledge and address any resistance or skepticism that the client may have about therapy. This can involve exploring their concerns and working to identify any underlying fears or misconceptions about therapy, as well as providing education about the therapeutic process and addressing any barriers that may be preventing the client from engaging fully in therapy.
Tailoring the approach: Different clients may respond to different therapeutic approaches, so it is important for me to be flexible and adaptable in the therapeutic approach. I can work to identify the client's preferences and goals, and tailor thetherapy accordingly to help them feel more engaged and invested in the process.
Using motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a technique that can be used to help clients who may be ambivalent or resistant to change. It involves exploring the client's motivations and goals, and helping them to develop a sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their abilit to make positive changes.
Providing feedback: Providing regular feedback to the client about their progress in therapy can help to keep them engaged and motivated. This can involve tracking goals and progress,discussing challenges and successes, and celebrating achievements along the way.
Ultimately, engaging clients who are resistant or skeptical of therapy requires a flexible and collaborative approach that is tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual. By working to establish trust and rapport, addressing resistance, tailoring the approach, using motivational interviewing, and providing feedback, I can help to support these clients in achieving positive outcomes in therapy.
Can you talk about the importance of self-care and boundaries in the work of a psychotherapist and how you maintain your own well-being while supporting others in their healing journeys?
Self-care and maintaining boundaries are essential aspects of the work I do. Providing therapy to individuals who are dealing with mental health challenges and trauma can be emotionally and mentally demanding, and it is important for me to take care of my own well-being in order to provide effective and sustainable support to my clients.
Here are some self-care tips and some boundaries that are important for me:
Preventing burnout: Providing therapy can be emotionally demanding, and it is important for me to take care of myself in order to prevent burnout. This involves taking breaks between clients, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and engaging in activities that bring me joy and relaxation.
Modeling healthy behaviours: Psychotherapists play an important role in modeling healthy behaviours and coping strategies for their clients. For me, this means engaging in self-care practices, such as exercise, healthy eating, and prioritising my own mental health needs.
Enhancing empathy and compassion: Self-care and boundary-setting can help to enhance empathy and compassion in therapists, which can in turn improve the therapeutic relationship with clients and promote positive outcomes.
To maintain my own well-being while supporting others in their healing journeys, I engage in a variety of self-care practices. Some examples include:
Seeking supervision
Engaging in regular exercise- my favourites are running, walking and moderate strength training.
Practicing mindfulness and meditation
Pursuing hobbies and creative interests outside of work.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance
How do you work with clients who are struggling with addictions or compulsive behaviors, and what strategies have you found to be most effective in supporting them towards recovery?
Clients who are struggling with addiction or compulsive behaviors often require specialised treatment approaches that address the underlying causes of their behaviours. Some strategies that I use to support clients towards recovery include:
Addressing underlying trauma or mental health issues: Addiction or compulsive behaviours may be used as a coping mechanism for underlying trauma or mental health issues. Therefore, it is important to address these underlying issues in order to effectively treat the addiction or compulsive behavior.
Developing a relapse prevention plan: A relapse prevention plan involves developing strategies for coping with triggers or high-risk situations that may lead to a relapse. This may involve developing healthy coping strategies and identifying social support systems.
Using EMDR and CBT: EMDR and CBT are structured approaches that help clients identify and modify negative memories, thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their addiction or compulsive behaviour. They can be effective in helping clients to reprocess memories and develop healthier coping mechanisms and identify and avoid triggers that may lead to a relapse.
Using motivational interviewing: Motivational interviewing is a technique that can be used to help clients who may be ambivalent or resistant to change. It involves exploring the client's motivations and goals, and helping them to develop a sense of self-efficacy and confidence in their abilityto make positive changes.
Encouraging participation in support groups: Support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, can provide a sense of community and support for individuals struggling with addiction or compulsive behavior. Encouraging participation in these groups can be helpful in supporting recovery.
Incorporating mindfulness-based interventions: Mindfulness-based interventions, such as mindfulness meditation can help clients develop a greater awareness of their thoughts and feelings and develop healthier coping mechanisms for managing stress and triggers.
Ultimately, the most effective strategies for supporting clients towards recovery will depend on the individual's unique needs and circumstances. It is important for me to work collaboratively with clients to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Can you talk about the role of mindfulness in psychotherapy and how you incorporate this practice into your work with clients?
Mindfulness is a practice that involves developing a non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It has become increasingly popular in recent years as a tool for promoting well-being and reducing stress, anxiety, and depression.
In psychotherapy, mindfulness can be used as an adjunct to other forms of therapy to help clients develop greater self-awareness and self-acceptance and to learn to manage difficult emotions and thoughts more effectively. Some ways in which I incorporate mindfulness into my work with clients include:
Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR): MBSR is an eight-week program that teaches clients how to use mindfulness practices to reduce stress and improve well-being. It is used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT): MBCT is a structured approach that combines mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioral therapy to help clients develop more adaptive thought patterns and behaviours.
Mindful breathing: Mindful breathing involves focusing on the breath and observing any thoughts or emotions that arise without judgement. This practice can be used to help clients develop greater self-awareness and manage stress and anxiety.
Body scan meditation: Body scan meditation involves systematically scanning the body and observing any sensations or feelings without judgment. This practice can be used to help clients develop greater awareness of their physical sensations and learn to manage physical symptoms of stress or anxiety.
Incorporating mindfulness into therapy can help clients develop greater self-awareness, acceptance, and compassion for themselves and others. It can also be an effective tool for managing stress and difficult emotions, improving mood and well-being, and promoting a greater sense of calm and relaxation. As a therapist, I incorporate mindfulness into my work with clients by teaching them specific mindfulness techniques and practices, and guiding them through mindfulness exercises during therapy sessions. I also encourage clients to practice mindfulness outside of therapy, and to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives as a tool for managing stress and promoting well-being.
How do you address the intersectionality of trauma, including issues related to race, gender, sexuality, and identity, in your work as a psychotherapist? Addressing the intersectionality of trauma, including issues related to race, gender, sexuality, and identity, is an important aspect of the work of a psychotherapist. It is essential to recognise that individuals may experience trauma differently based on their unique identities and social contexts, and that these factors can impact their access to resources and support. As a psychotherapist, I strive to create a safe and inclusive space for clients to explore their experiences of trauma and how their identities intersect with these experiences. Some strategies that I use to address the intersectionality of trauma in my work with clients include:
Acknowledging the impact of systemic oppression: Systemic oppression, such as racism or homophobia, can be a source of trauma for individuals who experience it. It is important to acknowledge the impact of these forces and to provide support and validation for clients who are navigating these experiences.
Incorporating a cultural humility approach: A cultural humility approach involves recognising and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of clients, and being open to learning from their perspectives. This can help to foster a collaborative and culturally sensitive therapeutic relationship.
Addressing power dynamics in therapy: Power dynamics, such as those related to race, gender, or sexuality, can impact the therapeutic relationship and the client's sense of safety and trust. It is important to be aware of these dynamics and to actively work to create a safe and empowering environment for clients.
Incorporating intersectional perspectives into treatment: It is important to recognise that trauma can intersect with multiple aspects of a person's identity, such as race, gender, or sexuality. Incorporating an intersectional perspective into treatment can help to ensure that clients receive appropriate and sensitive care.
Advocating for social justice: As a therapist, I believe that it is important to advocate for social justice and to support clients in their efforts to address systemic oppression and promote equity and inclusion.
Can you share with us any challenges or obstacles you have faced in building and growing your psychotherapy practice,and how you overcame these challenges? I’ve been practicing for almost 20 years and during that time, I’ve also become the owner/ director of The Northampton Clinic, a multi-disciplinary health clinic. Here’s some of the challenges I’ve faced throughout my career:
Finding clients: During the first test or so, building a client base will be one of the biggest challenges for any therapist starting out in private practice. It took time for me to time to build my reputation and establish a network of referrals. I worked part-time whilst I was building the foundations. But I stayed focused on my vision.
Financial challenges: Starting a private practice can require significant financial investment, and it may take time to build a steady stream of income. Again for me, working part-time whilst I built my practice enabled me to pay my bills and took the worry out of the process.
Managing administrative tasks: Running a private practice requires managing administrative tasks such as billing, scheduling, and record-keeping, which can be time-consuming and overwhelming. In the early days, I created a time in my diary each week to catch up and complete tasks.
Here’s a variety of strategies that I feel can be invaluable to therapists who are building their practice:
Building a referral network: Developing relationships with other professionals in the community, such as physicians or other therapists, can help to generate referrals and build a client base.
Marketing and advertising: Creating a website, listing services on online directories, and engaging in social media marketing can help to increase visibility and attract new clients.
Building a supportive community: Joining professional associations or peer groups can help to connect with other therapists and receive support and guidance on practice management issues.
Outsourcing administrative tasks: Outsourcing administrative tasks such as billing or scheduling can help to free up time and energy for clinical work.
Embracing technology: Using technology such as electronic health records can help to streamline administrative tasks and increase accessibility for clients.
Building and growing a psychotherapy practice can be a challenging but rewarding process. By using effective strategies for finding clients, managing finances, and balancing administrative tasks with clinical work, therapists can overcome obstacles and build successful and fulfilling practices. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field of psychotherapy, and how do you integrate this knowledge into your practice? For me staying up to date with new developments and studying new ideas/techniques and research is part of the enjoyment of my work. I feel it’s essential for providing effective and evidence-based treatment to my clients. Some strategies that I use to stay informed about the latest research and developments in the field include:
Attending professional conferences and workshops: Professional conferences and workshops provide opportunities to learn about the latest research and developments in the field, and to connect with other professionals.
Reading professional literature: Reading professional literature, such as peer-reviewed journals and books, helps me to stay informed about the latest research and developments in the field.
Participating in continuing education: Continuing education courses help me to stay informed about new developments and best practices in the field of psychotherapy.
Participating in peer supervision or consultation groups: Peer supervision or consultation groups provide opportunities for me to discuss cases, receive feedback, and stay informed about the latest developments in the field.
Collaborating with other professionals: Collaborating with other professionals helps me to stay informed about the latest research and developments in related fields.
Finally, what advice would you give to individuals who are considering entering the field of psychotherapy, particularly those who have overcome their own traumas and are looking to help others in similar situations? My advice for individuals who are considering entering the field of psychotherapy, particularly those who have overcome their own traumas and are looking to help others in similar situations.
Seek out support: Entering the field of psychotherapy can be emotionally challenging, particularly for individuals who have overcome their own traumas. It is important to seek out support and guidance from other professionals, as well as to engage in self-care practices to maintain emotional well-being.
Pursue education and training: Becoming a psychotherapist requires a significant amount of education and training. Pursuing a degree or certification in counseling, psychology, or a related field can provide the necessary foundation for a career in psychotherapy.
Build experience: Building experience through volunteering or supervised clinical work can help to develop the skills and expertise needed to be an effective psychotherapist.
Develop a specialty: Developing a specialty or area of expertise can help to differentiate oneself in the field and attract clients with specific needs.
Maintain ongoing professional development: Staying up-to-date with the latest research and developments in the field is essential for providing effective treatment to clients. Continuing education and ongoing professional development can help to ensure that one's skills and knowledge are current and relevant.
Be patient and persistent: Building a successful career in psychotherapy takes time and persistence. It is important to be patient and to remain committed to one's goals, even in the face of challenges or setbacks.
Entering the field of psychotherapy can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path for individuals who have overcome their own traumas and are looking to help others in similar situations. With the right education, training, and support, individuals can develop the skills and expertise needed to provide effective and compassionate care to clients.
PODCAST - The New Mind (on all good platforms including Apple and Spotify)
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