Lisa Gates

Applying Psychology to the Workplace, Cambridge University

FHEQ Level 4. Philosophy of Mind, Oxford University

Postgraduate Cert.Ed.

Psychotherapist & Supervisor (UKCP, MBACP & UPCA)
Owner of award winning health & wellbeing clinic - The Mowbray Clinic
Endorsed by Her Grace the Duchess of Rutland
Voted one of the leading inspirational thought leaders in the UK (Source TV) Specialisms:

Life crises and insecurity of the self, DID and dissociative conditions, historical and developmental trauma, complex grief, death anxiety, soc

ial anxiety and general anxiety disorders. Physical health psychology - ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, Long Covid, Functional Neurological conditions, end of life situations, bereavement and loss.

Other areas: abuse, negative and challenging behaviours, communication, depression, eating disorders, emotions, goals, motivation, self esteem, OCD, phobias, relationships and couples, self harm, shame and self criticism, stress, substance misuse, unhelpful thinking styles. Current Doctoral Research:

Dissociative Identity Disorder, Complex dissociation, De-personalisation, De-realisation, Fragmentation of self, Ontological Insecurity, Existential therapeutic approaches, Phenomenology of therapist/client relationship

Research and clinical supervisors:

Dr Susan Iacovou
Dr Simon Cassar

Qualifications:

MA, Existential Psychotherapy & Counselling, Middlesex University

Postgraduate Dip Existential Psychotherapy & Counselling, Middlesex University

Transactional Analysis (Official TA 101), The Berne Institute

Cert. Further and Adult Education, Clarendon College, Nottingham

BA(Hons) Design including Critical Studies, Nottingham Trent University

Accreditations and Memberships Registered MBACP, UPCA, Society for Existential Analysis (SEA), Oxford Philosophical Society

Consultations in person and online

24/07/2026

Do you feel overwhelmed by too many demands at once? In your own space, you can protect your environment and reduce friction, allowing you to return to yourself. Boundaries are deliberate self-care and creating space around you in your environment helps you regulate your energy. This reduces noise and lets you choose what truly deserves your attention. Self-care here isn’t indulgent; it’s simply stepping back from pressure.

14/07/2026

Meditation is more effective when you observe your thoughts without getting drawn into them. Being alert and curious is key. Watch thoughts as they arise, notice patterns of overthinking and remain a calm inner observer.

Here’s a simple practice:

- Sit comfortably and breathe slowly for 1–2 minutes.
- Visualise a symbol of clear seeing, like a candle blowing in the breeze, looking through a zoom lens or using an archetype or animal known for excellent vision.
- Ask yourself, “What am I noticing right now?” and accept the answer without judgement.
- If your mind races, imagine creating a visual boundary around unwanted thoughts that cuts through confusion and brings focus.
- Choose one honest sentence you need to hear today and repeat it silently.

Afterwards, ask yourself, “What thought am I repeating and what clearer truth lies beneath it?”

11/07/2026

Standing beneath the ancient tree and ruins where Hippocrates once sat with his students, I reflected on his wisdom.

Hippocrates taught that judgement can be challenging, a lesson applicable not only to medicine but also to philosophy and life itself. Philosophy isn’t confined to academics; it’s the mind at its most vibrant – curious, searching and willing to test ideas before solidifying them.

As a lifelong student while working, I’ve realised that it’s the process, not just the conclusion, that matters. I don’t assume knowledge is fixed or complete; instead, I carefully observe, expose weak arguments and remain open to revision. In this sense, wisdom isn’t a settled body of truths but a disciplined commitment to questioning what we think we know.

An inquiring mind demands both humility and courage. Humility involves recognising our knowledge’s limits and courage involves examining inherited assumptions. Healthy scepticism isn’t cynicism; it’s a form of care. It insists that our beliefs should be tested refined and, when necessary, let go.

Returning to a beginner’s mind, asking “Why?” and “How do we know this to be true?” rather than rushing towards certainty, holds value. In this space, critical thinking becomes a practice of careful analysis and thoughtful comparison. It’s less about winning arguments and more about clarifying understanding.

Hippocratic practice also emphasises the importance of language. Just as a physician must describe symptoms precisely, we must consider whether our words reflect truth or assumption. To speak clearly, we must first think clearly. This requires discipline: slowing down, examining our ideas and grounding them before expressing them.

Philosophical inquiry, like good clinical work, is an ethical act. It asks us not only to think but to think responsibly. To question in ways that deepen understanding rather than obscure it. To remain open enough for inquiry to transform us.

A question for you to consider in your own reflection is: “What belief am I ready to examine more honestly?”

09/07/2026

A spontaneous return to the island of Kos, after nearly 30 years of my first visit. I love this relaxed Greek island, with sea, tavernas, and a buzzy harbour energy. I’ve been moving between beach buggies, cycling, and scooters for some lighthearted exploration.

Spontaneity offers freedom and a touch of adventurous fun. It was wonderful to savour the scenery at my own pace hopping between places.

20/06/2026

FOR SOME PEOPLE FATHERS DAY CAN BRING UP A WISH FOR CONNECTION WHILE HOLDING A SHADOW OF DISAPPOINTMENT, OR GRIEF.
Father’s Day may bring up both love and grief at once. The symbolism of a father figure, the support he is meant to give, the desire to feel safe, seen, and celebrated by him, may provoke mixed feelings and unresolved emotions.
You may be noticing the difference between what Father’s Day is “supposed” to feel like and what it actually feels like for you. Your inner child may be needing extra kindness, reassurance, and permission to feel more than one thing at once.
Ask yourself:
What feelings rise in me when I think about Father’s Day, and what happens when I let both the warm and painful feelings be true at the same time? Where do I feel love, gratitude, grief, disappointment, or longing in my body, and what is your inner child asking me to notice with compassion today?
What do I need from fathering, protection, or recognition that I do or don’t receive?
What part of me still wants to be seen, affirmed, or celebrated?
What small act of warmth could I offer myself today?

13/05/2026

HEARTBREAK BRINGS HIDDEN EMOTIONS TO THE SURFACE AS AN INVITATION TO SEE WHAT NEEDS TO BE RECOGNISED.

In Jungian terms, heartbreak brings hidden emotions to the surface, such as fear of abandonment, anger, jealousy, shame, or deep longing. Rather than seeing this negatively, Jung would frame it as an invitation to become more aware.

Heartbreak can also expose the ways the ego has attached itself to a person, a story, or an image of love. Shadow work, then, is the process of noticing these reactions honestly, taking responsibility for them, and allowing what was split off to be integrated with greater compassion and awareness. In that sense, pain becomes not only something to endure, but something that can deepen self-knowledge and emotional wholeness.

From this perspective, healing does not mean erasing pain; it means allowing the wound to become meaningful and psychologically transformative. The ego is able to confront the loss, followed by the possibility of individuation through honest feeling, symbolic understanding, and emotional release.

11/05/2026

HONOURING NEW LIFE AND REMEMBERED LIFE AT ONCE.
Yesterday I went to a wonderful baby shower to welcome the imminent life of a new little human with a lovely group of ladies (and some men). There was a lovely nurturing, protective and calm energy about the event. The joy of a baby’s arrival is so exciting!
Today is also the anniversary of my Mums death so I’m also sitting with my grief, trying to honour the memories whilst carrying love through loss.
It sounds like a paradox but in life, grief and love can coexist. It takes tenderness, patience and strength, the kind of strength that is soft and compassionate. Life and loss are often held in the same breath. These existential experiences help us to cope with change and vulnerability. Jean Paul Sartre would have suggested that there is a choice in how we meet these experiences. Joy and grief are companions in life and we can remain open to both.

29/04/2026

TRAUMATIC EVENTS OFTEN POINT TO A PAUSE STATE WHERE THE NERVOUS SYSTEM IS STUCK IN A SURVIVAL PATTERN.

This can feel like shutdown, or dissociation, feeling trapped, unable to make choices, or being suspended in time.

If you recognise this in yourself there is a need to stop forcing progress and let safety return first. However, this doesn’t mean you should stagnate or stay stuck for long.

Give yourself permission to be still rather than pressure to “fix it” immediately. Your trauma wound has created suspension, and healing begins when control is softened, safety is rebuilt, and a new viewpoint emerges.

Ask yourself:
- What is this pause protecting me from?
- What must I see differently before I can move?
- Where am I forcing myself past my capacity?

Address

The Mowbray Clinic, 58 Kings Street
Melton Mowbray
LE131XB

Website

http://www.lisagates.co.uk/

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