In my experience, there is a profound difference when counselling involves someone who has personally endured captivity or whose family has dealt with hostage situations. Time and again, I’ve observed that people find it extremely beneficial to speak with someone who can directly relate to their experience. An empathetic counsellor without this background can indeed offer substantial support, but speaking with someone who truly understands what it means to be in that situation adds a unique layer of comfort and understanding.
About the Author
Dr. Vikas Shah MBE DL has significant experience in founding, leading and exiting businesses to trade, private-equity and listed groups. He is currently a Non-Executive Board Member of the UK Government's Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ). He also serves as a Non-Executive Director for the Solicitors Regulation Authority, The Institute of Directors, and Enspec Power. He is Co-Founder of leading venture lab Endgame and sits as Entrepreneur in Residence at The University of Manchester's Innovation Factory. Vikas was awarded an MBE for Services to Business and the Economy in the Queen's 2018 New Year's Honours List. In 2021, he became a Deputy Lieutenant of the Greater Manchester Lieutenancy. He holds an Honorary Professorship of Business at The Alliance Business School, University of Manchester, an Honorary Professorial Fellowship at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Salford in 2022.