Len, Where Have You Been? The Story Behind Unruly Therapy

The past 18 months have been a journey—messy, painful, but ultimately transformative. Let me catch you up. If you’re reading this, you probably already know that I don’t do clichés or sugar-coating. So here’s the truth about where I’ve been, what’s changed, and what’s next for Unruly Therapy.

Living With Trigeminal Neuralgia: My Unexpected Companion

Let’s rewind to when I was 24 and first diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN). At the time, it was more of a mild inconvenience than a life-altering, often called the "suicide disease," is known for intense, unpredictable pain. But for me, it was mostly numbness—like the feeling you get when you’ve sat on your foot too long? Except it wasn’t in my foot; it was in my lips, cheek or eyelid. Weird, right? That was my normal—right up until 2021.

One ordinary evening, I was eating dinner with Matt (my partner), when I was absolutely certain he’d stabbed me in the face. Right in the side, just in front of my ear. Thank God we were eating at the table, or my tea would’ve gone flying! Of course, Matt was innocent—he was sitting on my left, and the sudden, knife-like pain struck the right side of my face. It lasted less than 30 seconds, but in that moment, nothing else made sense. I was sweating, confused, and staring at my plate like it had betrayed me. That was the beginning of my first real Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) flare-up.

At the time, I was still working in schools. I learned to "function" through the shocks of pain, juggling medications that dulled the intensity but left me feeling like a zombie. Despite this, life was still livable—I went to work, met friends, and even hit the gym. I was managing.

Legit hours before the Flare up that left me house bound for 8 months!

Until the summer of 2023.

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When the World Became Too Painful

Every year, an old friend and I head to Download Festival. It’s tradition—music, laughs, and, let’s be real, a nice hotel room because we’re too old to camp (I don't feel bad about it). But that year, I woke in the middle of the night, convinced my lifelong mate had poured a boiling kettle on me. Obviously, she hadn’t. She was sound asleep, and I was having another TN attack.

That flare-up didn’t just hurt—it grounded me. For eight months, I couldn’t leave the house because even a breeze felt like agony. Wind hurt. My entire world got smaller, and I had to face some hard truths about my life and work.

Turning Pain Into Purpose

Fast forward to 2024. The pain has eased again. It’s back to numbness—manageable and no longer running the show. I made lifestyle changes to reduce my risk of flare-ups, but the biggest shift was choosing to leave my school counselling role and fully embrace private practice (PP).

I’d be lying if I said I don’t miss the chaos of schools. I, weirdly, miss kids trying to scare me by hiding under my chair,being in the chaos of the corridors or the hilarious wardrobe malfunctions caused by lunchtime football matches. But private practice has given me something just as meaningful: the chance to create something that’s 100% me—and all about you.

The Birth of Unruly Therapy

One of the big changes I made over the past year was deciding to stop going by The Teenage Therapist. It’s something I’d been mulling over for a while, but as I got serious about private practice, it became crystal clear: not all teenagers are the same. And not only that—there are adults out there, like me and the teens I work with, who live outside the usual mould. They’re the rebels, the dreamers, the ones who’ve never quite fit in with society’s idea of “normal.”

For those adults—whether they’re navigating ADHD, living authentically in alternative lifestyles, or still trying to piece together who they are—I wanted to create a space that truly reflects them. A space that says, “You’re not broken—you’re bold.”

That’s how Unruly Therapy was born. It’s a name that celebrates individuality, rebellion, and the messy, beautiful journey of figuring yourself out, whether you’re 15 or 50.

Here’s what Unruly Therapy stands for:

• Connection: Therapy doesn’t have to feel clinical or awkward. It can be honest, rebellious, and real.

• Support: I’ve built a small, trusted team to ensure my clients are never left hanging, even if TN temporarily sidelines me.

• Empowerment: Whether you’re dealing with anger, anxiety, or the pressure to fit in, we’ll figure it out together.

What’s Next?

I’ve spent the past few months developing new resources, tools, and content to support my clients better than ever. Expect blog posts like this one, tips for navigating life’s challenges, and practical advice you can actually use.

If there’s anything specific you’d like me to cover—whether it’s a burning question, a challenge you’re facing, or just something you think would help—feel free to Reach Out to me. I’m here to make Unruly Therapy a space that truly works for you.

Why Share This?

Because Unruly Therapy isn’t just about therapy—it’s about showing up, flaws and all. My journey with TN has shaped who I am as a therapist and as a person. It’s taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of having a plan when things don’t go as expected.

But just as important is my history working with young people. Over the years, I’ve supported teens through everything from self-esteem struggles to rebellious streaks and massive identity shifts. That experience has made me confident in my new direction—creating a space that’s equally powerful for adults who share those same unruly traits and challenges.

So, if you’re ready to start your own journey—whether it’s for yourself, your teen, or your family—I’m here. Reach out, book a consultation, and let’s figure out what your "unruly" path looks like.