The Minster Centre 20 Lonsdale Road, London NW6 6RD

"I completed the 1 year therapy with a trainee therapist in November last year. I want to offer some feedback on my experience, in the hope that this could be of use to the institution- with regards to their training program- as well as to prospective patients (like I was) Looking back, The trainee therapist I was assigned didn't have very strong questioning style: it felt a bit clumsy (using mainly/ only closed questions- and leading questions, such as an impulsive: 'Are you sure that you want to continue doing XYZ ?' rather than the better, more open version of that which could be, for instance: 'What do you think is the best course of action?'). That did not help with creating a rapport, and felt slightly patronising: as if I was forcibly being manoeuvred to a certain conclusion that were set out by the trainee therapist. This made me feel that this was not really the kind of non-judgmental space I was looking for to allow me to express myself, like it wasn't really MY space, but rather a space in which I need to stay vigilant, to parry and/or try to accommodate my therapists frequent bouts of 'masked opinions' and attempts to manoeuvre me into whatever they believe is best for me. So over all, I think communication technique/skills could be improved: with some basic tools such as: more repeating back/ playing back to me what they have heard me say (or what they think they heard me say): that would be a good start in making me feel heard and understood. Then, better questions (open questions and TED questions), then, taking more time to explore the issue, and around the issue, before jumping into advice offering mode, OR, maybe just refraining from jumping into advice offering mode/ personal opinions offering mode altogether. It does strike me as odd that this kind of basic training doesn't seem to be part of the curriculum. Or if it is part of the curriculum already- then it is not efficiently taught."

"With regards to training; deficiencies in leadership marred what promised to be a valuable experience. Disorganised at times, where expectations did not meet the capacity of this training institute to deliver a well-run course."

"I went to the Minster Centre's open day. They practise therapy as lifestyle accessory rather than vocation. Their values are sterile and uncaring, only showing passion in their desperation to appear professional via academic certification. The oppressive conventional atmosphere among trainee therapists is palpable - its really just a middle class ponzi scheme for exploiting vulnerable people."

"My issues were related to childhood abuse by parents and relations. My autism added to my issues. I now live an independent life at 65. Thank the Lord for Minster Center."