INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING:
It is natural that everyone will experience times when they feel low, anxious, sad or angry. These are normal reactions to life events such as trauma, loss, stress or relationship issues.
However if the answer is yes to any of the following questions, then it may be the right time to consider counselling:
-Are you experiencing persistent anxiety, irritability, anger, low motivation or sadness that you’re unable to shake? Do you feel ‘not quite yourself’ or overwhelmed, but unable to pinpoint why?
-Are you concerned that you seem to be repeating the same negative behaviours or habits either personally or professionally?
-Are you going round in circles in your relationships, career and day to day habits and can’t seem to break unhelpful cycles?
-Are you using alcohol, food, drugs etc…. as a means of managing your emotions, and feel that you are dependent on these things in order to be able to cope?
-Have you experienced a painful or traumatic life event that is affecting you in an overwhelmingly distressing way every day or most days?
-Are you experiencing niggling health issues that medical tests can’t explain?
Counselling provides the opportunity:
- To learn coping strategies for managing the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression.
I help clients explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours, seeing them from a different perspective and identifying important themes in what may be a complex web of issues and emotions.
Looking at past experiences and relationships can help unearth the origin of emotions such as sadness, guilt, shame, anxiety or anger.
I help clients identify their true needs and wants, and explore new possibilities. Brainstorming scenarios and setting goals can lead to change that is realistic and in keeping with personal values and practical constraints.
By helping clients understand the neuroscience behind anxiety, panic attacks and depression, there is often a drastic reduction in symptoms.
Counselling can help you explore how you relate to others such as your partner, family and colleagues. Improved communication skills and assertiveness will lead to more fulfilling relationships.
RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING:
Whether your relationship is rife with conflict and unhappiness, or you simply feel stuck in a rut and have stopped having any fun together, problems in your primary relationship can begin to feel all-consuming and cast a cloud over day-to-day life.
Relationships evolve and life happens. What worked in the beginning may not work now. Other distractions and life events mean the relationship can fall to the bottom of the ‘to do’ list. But neglecting to invest in each other, update and adapt will inevitably lead to problems.
Have you both swept things under the carpet that actually need to be aired out and worked through? Are you avoiding the elephant in the room?
There will always be times of conflict between two separate people each with their own needs and wants, along with all the other responsibilities of life. How you deal with this is important. Walking on eggshells and avoiding conflict can be as damaging as constant volatility. Knowing how to communicate and argue well, create intimacy through honesty and understand the various phases of relationships is vital.
Be curious rather than furious.
(See the Relationship Counselling page for information about my Couples MOT, Couples SOS and Separating with Dignity).
