Podcast Series
In this powerful episode of the Diversity House Podcast, Dr Zina Lehef welcomes Emma Thompson, a counsellor and supervisor based in Sittingbourne, to explore the vital themes of self-compassion, boundary setting, and managing the inner critic.
Emma’s journey into counselling began with her own experience of therapy. Initially sceptical, she discovered just how transformative talking therapy could be. The process helped her understand that she wasn’t powerless, and inspired her to change career paths and train as a counsellor herself. Now, with over 10 years in private practice, Emma supports others through similar journeys of self-discovery and healing.
A key model in Emma’s practice is Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), developed by Paul Gilbert. It’s particularly effective for those struggling with shame, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome. Emma explains that CFT is about understanding the reasons behind our self-critical thoughts—recognising them not as enemies, but as frightened parts of ourselves trying to keep us safe. Rather than silencing these inner voices, CFT teaches us to acknowledge them compassionately and move forward with self-awareness and strength.
Emma also sheds light on the importance of setting boundaries. A boundary, she clarifies, is not about controlling others, but about choosing how we will respond to a situation. Healthy boundaries begin with self-awareness—understanding our needs and communicating them clearly. It’s a dynamic, ongoing practice that strengthens our relationships with others and ourselves.
The discussion also touched on the lived experience of chronic illness and pain, and how simply having our suffering witnessed can be deeply healing. Emma emphasises the value of sitting with difficult emotions like anxiety rather than rushing to fix or dismiss them. A compassionate therapeutic space allows clients to feel seen and heard—an essential step towards healing.
Emma practices what she teaches. Each Friday, she writes herself a self-compassionate letter—a ritual that keeps her grounded and reflective. Over four years, this practice has become a vital part of her routine, much like her gratitude journaling and connection with a supportive network of friends, supervisors, and fellow therapists.
She concludes the episode with a quote from Aristotle: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” For Emma, this sums up the true essence of therapy—helping people reconnect with themselves, grow in awareness, and build the strength to thrive.
Want to learn more? Emma continues to offer one-to-one counselling both face-to-face and online, starting with a free 20-minute introductory call to see if the fit is right. Her work is a reminder that even small acts of self-kindness can ripple outward, creating change in unexpected and meaningful ways.