Muriel Lahor

	Who I Am?

		I was born in a town near Brussels in the late sixties, and as a Belgian citizen I had my training in Antwerp at 'Educatieve Academie', which is a member of the European Association for Psychotherapy. At the 'Educatieve Academie' therapists are trained following the 'interactionist' model. This refers to the idea that things take shape in interaction : interaction between the therapist and the client, interaction within the environment and in the case of 'interactionism', also between different theoretical frameworks. Indeed, 'interactionism' is a new and eclectic therapeutic model, in which classic theories cross-fertilize each other. I have spent a number of years living abroad and moved to Cairo at the end of the summer of 2005. Adapting to different cultures and languages comes naturally to me and I am grateful for the numerous learning opportunities this has provided. I am a native Flemish speaker and am also fluent in Dutch, French and English. I am a mother of two and have dedicated several years to family and study. I hold a Masters in Business Administration and a B.Sc. Honours in Psychology, both with the Open University.
	I have a number of years experience as a counselor and have also worked in a residential therapeutic centre. I am an associate member of the Association of Humanistic Psychology Practitioners, working towards full accreditation. I have been trained to use creative techniques in therapeutic work, such as drama, drawing and painting, visualization, music or stories. As a prerequisite for practicing, I have had extensive therapy within different frameworks myself, and I subscribe to ongoing supervision as a commitment to my clients. On my personal quest for self-actualisation and meaning, I now find most peace in the belief that it is my responsibility as a human being to take care, as best as I can, of myself and the people around me. For me, life is about improving little things in our immediate surroundings. What begins small can have a significant impact. Hence, my emblem of C.R. Mackintosh's 'Tree of Influence'. From very early on, I have felt that learning and self-development was of utmost importance. After all, a high awareness is a prerequisite in order to understand the needs of oneself, others and the environment. Therefore, personal growth, in all its forms, is my main drive. I try to regard life's difficulties as challenges, that can be turned into positive lessons. This also makes me grateful for the learning opportunities provided to me by my clients. I find it is exciting to go on a journey together. Healing 'Consciously or unconsciously, every living being is capable to heal itself and others. This instinct is inborn to insects, birds and also humans. All beings are capable of discovering their own medicine and cure themselves and others in different ways. Healing means making whole and integrate.' Hazrat Inayat Khan