In the first installment of our new feature to introduce The Oxford Development Centre’s team members, we talk to Dr. Charles Hallings-Pott about what inspired him to work in the field of psychology, and some of the rewards which he takes from his work.
What Initially attracted you to the field of psychology?
My family have always had a connection to, and interest in, spirituality, and I think that this has had a big effect on the way that I have experienced my own life. My Grandmother was born in Tibet, and her father was the first white man to meet the Dalai Lama, which led to a family interest in Eastern ideas. When I became quite seriously ill as a child I went to see a healer, and I remember being fascinated by his ability to bring about amazing change within me by talking and passing energy to me through his hands. This was in stark contrast to the usual route of being prescribed pills to try to solve a problem. This meeting had a profound effect on me and I have been interested in helping people to work through their problems using a more holistic approach ever since. From the early days at school when people would seek me out to counsel them with their problems, to the moment that I decided to train formally, being able to help others find their way through difficult times in their life has felt like my calling.
What are your primary areas of expertise?
Anything combining, mind, body and spirit, especially when this is tied to modern neuro-biology. It feels like a very exciting time within the field of psychology as modern scanning processes are beginning to prove, scientifically, many of the brain’s functions which have been intuitive to a lot of psychological practitioners for a long time.
What are the most rewarding aspects of the work you do?
For me, it is building a connection with another human who is finding themselves overwhelmed by a problem, and helping them to feel that they are no longer facing that problem alone. This connection can take on a positive energy of its own which provides a safe and strong place from which change can occur.
It is also very rewarding when a client gets to a point on their journey when they begin to feel that they have grown in a positive way by working through their trauma. This notion of a person finding deeper strength and resilience by tackling, often very deep, underlying challenges to their well-being is a very satisfying part of the healing process to be part of.
What are your aspirations for the future?
I would love to see the Oxford Development Centre grow into a bigger platform to help to deliver our unique approach to psychotherapy to more people who could benefit from our services. The crossover between psychological therapy and personal development is a big part of how we see our role in helping others, and it would be good to be able to expand into providing more group therapy and workshops to allow more people to benefit from the techniques we use.
What are some of your passions and interests outside of the field of psychology?
I love all kinds of music, walking in the woods and forests, I have a soft spot for a nice glass of wine, and I love to play any sport involving a racket.
