The word/term ‘upstream’ has many layers to its meaning and I felt it uniquely appropriate to apply to the field of counselling/psychotherapy. When I was searching for the right name for my counselling business I wanted to evoke a sense of movement, of moving onward, of not being static, and a metaphor for there being purpose and reward in doing something that is difficult!

When a fish travels upstream it travels against the tide; it is often a difficult, arduous and perilous journey, it takes huge effort and a great deal of tenacity, determination and focus but fish do so because their beings tell them, at the deepest level, that this is what they need to do to fulfil their destiny. They swim with purpose and intent, they have a goal. Through the process of travelling upstream the fish grows in strength and resilience.

Undertaking a course of therapy takes the same amount of tenacity and perseverance, you will undoubtedly meet resistance, it can, at times be mentally and physically exhausting, but the rewards are life changing – and sometimes the alternative doesn’t bear thinking about.

The use of koi in the logo is intentional; koi’s swim upstream in waterfalls and this can symbolise overcoming obstacles which can seem impossible. In Japanese culture Koi are often associated with strength of character, perseverance, accomplishment and courage -all attributes that are useful in navigating a course of therapy.

Finally, Desmond Tutu’s quote “there comes a time where we need to stop just pulling people out of the river. We need to go upstream and find out why they’re falling in’, really speaks to me as a therapist. It is a call to action on my part to be present and to be active in the process of therapy for each and every one of my clients.

Having recently moved from the lakes of northern Italy to Perthshire, Scotland ‘Upstream’ became even more relevant as the geographical landscape in both areas is littered with lakes, lochs, rivers, streams and ‘burns’ (the old Scots word for a stream or river). The Ballo ‘burn’ flows across the front of the house where I practice from and I am, therefore, reminded daily of the power and purpose in travelling ‘upstream’.