Integrative Counsellor in Exeter and Online

What does freedom mean to you? Where in your life do you experience freedom and where in your life do you experience a lack of freedom? How is that for you - is it good, overwhelming, oppressive?

Freedom is a big topic. Nina Simone described true freedom as 'no fear,' a stance that fueled her music and her role as a voice for the Civil Rights Movement. Erich Fromm the psychoanalyst wrote about how too much freedom, without purpose, contributed to the rise of Nazism and the second world war.
 
Trauma and marginalisation are external realities that physically shut down freedom, and the experience then becomes internalised.  When someone experiences childhood neglect, assault, or systemic abuse, the natural response is to become fearful as a way to protect the self.

Over time, this protective fear can become an internal barrier that remains even when the environment changes. Therapy, alongside creativity and self-reflection can transform that fear back into a sense of freedom and agency.

Fear is always fear of something. Sometimes, we need to clarify and externalize those fears, to get clear about what is threatening and how to deal with that. Exploring this with a therapist who is on your side can be deeply validating; allowing the fear to be named and placed where it belongs. This process itself brings a sense of freedom.

When you next feel afraid, notice what it is you are reacting to. Do you need more support? Can you allow yourself some space from it, or express it in some way?

Furthermore, if you were free from oppressive constraints and fears—both internal and external—what would you really like to do with that freedom?


Anxiety is different from fear - hear about how I approach Anxiety...