Not Sure Where to Start?

Reaching out and seeking help can be a daunting step for us all. Not knowing where to start or who to turn to can also feel overwhelming.

I guess that for you to be reading this you have already taken the first step in acknowledging that you might be needing help and that you can’t continue doing it all alone. Finding the right therapist can also feel overwhelming; however this is an important part of your journey towards change.

The therapist, client relationship can be a powerful and an important one.

If you are ready for change, knowledge is power. If you are still unsure this is also fine. In both cases I would like you to know that there are times in life when all of us need support. Often we can get this by talking to a friend, to our family or  to our partner about what is worrying us. In some cases thought it is beneficial to speak to someone outside of your family or friends - someone who is trained to help.  As your therapist:

I am interested in your life 'here and now' and I am also interested to help you explore your past experiences.

I encourage curiosity and active participation. I respect and I work with the difference and diversity that each person brings.

Through exploration, a deeper awareness will develop which can lead to more fulfilling relationships and to a more fulfilling life.

Counselling and Psychotherpay involves exploring your feelings, core beliefs and relevant events.

You may wish to explore a specific issue or a more general feeling of discontent or distress.

It can also provide an opportunity to become more aware of yourself and your 'place' in the wider world.

issues that  may Worrying you or Want to Work through

Change: Change is an inevitable and normal part of life. Change is the process which enables us to more and to develop as people. But change can be also unpredictable and stressful. You may experience change in to your work or personal life. If you are finding changes stressful, it can be helpful to explore in therapy what is going on in your life as a journey; a process of transition between two places.

Loss and Bereavement: At some time in our lives we all experience bereavement - the loss of someone we know through death. We may also experience other losses, perhaps of a relationship, your belongings, home, health or country. Through life we develop attachments to people and/or belongings. When these bonds are severed, we feel pain and therefore bereavement and loss have a profound effect on us. After a loos or death, therapy can be helpful in supporting ourselves in the ‘tasks’ of grieving e.g.

to accept that the loss is a reality

to feel the emotions and pain of grief

to acquire  new skills to cope with a change life and

to withdraw emotional energy from the the person or thing that is lost, re-investing it in our lives now.

Self Care: Learning how to care for ourselves can be one of the most challenging things in life. Caring for others is usually been sees as a rewarding, stimulating and fulfilling. Caring for ourselves can be seen as a ‘selfish’ act. However, being a caretaker for prolonged periods of time can also be demanding and stressful. If you are so focussed on looking after others that you fail to look after yourself that can lead you to feel burn-out and it will take its toll on your own physical, emotional and mental self.  Therapy can help you to develop self compassion and self-care. It can also help you to become kinder towards yourself, appreciating your strengths and celebrating who you are.

Young People & Therapy (18-25 years old)

Are you struggling at University, College or Work? Feeling as if you don't fit anywhere? Are family and social relationships feel overbearing and difficult to navigate? Not feeling like yourself?

Counselling and therapy can enable you to explore and express your feelings. Conceptualise the challenges and explore different avenues to address them. Transition in to adult life can be a frightening experience and you don't need to do this alone. I can help you find words to express confusing and overwhelming emotions; to separate from school or family life and to get back enjoying your life and fulfil your potentials.

My approach is that whatever your issue, whether it is depression, anxiety or other mental health concerns; stress about deadlines and University work, or issues with parents, friends or partners, I am committed to be supportive, honest and to provide a safe space where you can open up and being listened to.

Issues that Therapy Can Help with:

Struggling with transitions

Identity Issues - Self confidence

Sexuality

Loneliness

Axious thoughts and feelings

Depression and Low mood

Relationships

Stress

Body Image

Five ways to wellbeing

Connect

Feeling close to, and valued by, other people is a fundamental human need and one that contributes to functioning well in the world

Be active

Physical Activity is associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety across all age groups

Take notice

Reminding yourself to 'take notice' can strengthen and broadens awareness

Learn

Continued learning through life enhances self-esteem and encourages social interaction and a more active life

Give

Participation in social and community life encourages feelings of belonging and reduces isolation