TGtS Meets...Heather Garbutt - International Women's Day Special

Director of The Counselling & Psychotherapy Centre, Heather Garbutt shares with us her views on International Women's Day.

Which woman would you compare yourself to?

From a therapy point of view, making comparisons can be pretty double edged.  It can allow for positive aspiration or it can be disempowering if we compare ourselves unfavourably.  I’d go for “who do I admire?”  That woman would be Susie Orbach.  She has written so much on women’s relationships with their bodies and food, really raised awareness about our inner attitudes to ourselves and the outside, cultural context that so influences them. 

What would you say is your most valuable skill and why?

My ability to connect with people.  It helps me make the trusting relationships in which therapy can take place.  It also helps me gather people to work and create together.  The Counselling & Psychotherapy Centre is my most recent project.  With my good friend and colleague, Christine Fishlock, I have co-created a place where different sorts of counselling and psychotherapy can be accessed by the public and therapists can network, get healthy support and good training.

Why do you think it's important to have an International Women's Day?

I think it’s always an excellent idea to celebrate progress and achievements, feel our gratitude for our development as women and review what we still want to do to improve our lives and those of others around us. 

Do you have family (and/or children)? How do you maintain a work/life balance?

I'm self-employed so I can organise my own working life.  This gives me a mix of times when I work.  I choose to work some evenings so I can have free time in the days.  I love to be out in the light, especially in winter.  Walking, gardening, cooking, all sorts of creative projects nourish me. 

Have you ever had to give up or miss out on anything in order to pursue your career?

No, fortunately not.

Do you ever experience any discrimination in the work place because of your gender?

I guess the therapy world is pretty female dominated and I'm my own boss so I’m pleased to say this hasn’t arisen either!

Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to fellow females looking to get into your profession?

Seek a good, solid training that requires you to have your own therapy.  Interacting with people on a deep level is very demanding of heart and soul so needs good support and a depth of self-knowledge for the benefit of all involved.  With out the backbone of a strong training and the nourishment of deep therapy, a therapist is in danger of not being able to give good therapy at best and at worst of personal burnout.

Do men ever feel intimidated by your success?

I’ve not observed men being intimidated by my success. 

If you could have dinner with 5 inspirational women dead or alive, who would they be?

• Christine Fishlock - my co-director at The Counselling & Psychotherapy Centre
• Miriam Taylor would be my second woman.  She has just written what looks like being a key work, “Trauma Therapy and Clinical Practice.
• Sandi Toksvig.  She has a witty, warm humour about her and an “off the wall” view of humanity that would compliment the conversation beautifully.
• Marianne Williamson, the woman that wrote that truly inspirational part of Nelson Mandela’s speech and who is now running for Congress in the USA.
• Anita Roddick. In a way, that would make a dream team!  

As a successful female, where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?

I imagine myself retired, moving to France and resuming painting.  My first degree was in Fine Art and if I have a regret, it’s that I don’t set aside enough time to properly paint.  For me, it’s a full-time occupation and in that respect has been a bit all or nothing!   I would hope to be leaving a thriving therapy Centre behind me as a place of excellence and innovation for therapy in Swindon.