Paul Parks

I work Monday to Thursday 10am until 10pm and can be reached outside of these hours by phone or email. 

My name is Paul and I am a Level 6 qualified Psychotraumatologist, Psychotherapist and Counsellor. 

More importantly, I am a survivor! I was diagnosed with C-PTSD (Complex PTSD) due to adverse childhood experiences and PTSD from my career in the military. Having undergone trauma therapy myself and experienced first-hand the immense benefits that it can bring, I decided to study to become a qualified therapist and Retreat to Advance was born. 

 Why the name 'Retreat to Advance'? Often, we need to go back over past traumas, issues and difficulties in order then to go forward and thrive. I know from personal experience, that mental health issues can be devastating for both sufferers and those that love and care for them, as well as having significant impact on work and social life. 

You can learn to thrive again and find your authentic self.

I offer sessions in my therapy studio just outside of Ramsey, Isle of Man with toilet facilities and refreshments provided. 

I also offer confidential online sessions via Zoom, locally and internationally.

If unable to attend my studio, I am also able to provide home visits. 

My most important thought for a client of mine is that they recognise that the therapy I provide is absolutely non-judgemental, confidential and with the aim of keeping the client safe. 

I work according to the Â鶹ԭ´´ and NCIP ethical and professional standards, and am DBS checked.  

I do assessments to gather psychological formulation so that the client and I have an objective understanding of what therapy to apply. 

This may be Psychotraumatology therapy which will require three phases of work.  The first phase is safety and stablisation which includes learning about regulation as well as an education of what goes on with the brain and nervous system regarding trauma.  This enables the second phase which is trauma processing, remembrance and mourning which includes exploring issues and their symptoms in a safe way.  On completion of these two phases, we will move into an integration and reconnection phase, which deals with fostering the ability to re-engage with life and connect with themselves and others. In other words, how to deal with feeling mentally and physically well and embrace the new normality of the healing process. 

 A client may need Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on a client's thoughts and behaviours that are connected and how they affect a client's feelings.  It is a goal orientated therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative or unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours to improve their emotional well-being and manage various mental health conditions.

The third approach which may be appropriate is a person-centred therapy.  This is a non-directive form of psychotherapy, which focuses on empowering clients to explore their own feelings and find their own solutions in a safe, non-judgmental environment. 

Initial contact for a first session is usually by email or phone. If it's email first, then this will be followed up with a phone call to get a brief understanding of the presenting issues and give an opportunity for the client to ask questions so an informed decision can be made as to whether to make a first appointment.  There is no charge for the initial contact. 

At the first appointment I will take a thumbnail brief history of the client's life and any significant emotional or physical traumas either seen or experienced, as well as an understanding of the presenting issue.   There will be questionnaire assessments to complete and a therapist/client contract to agree. 

The client's file is coded so as to retain anonymity/full confidentially and all GDPR requirements are adhered to.