Depression and Sadness

Many individuals experience depression at different stages of their lives. It can occur because of a life event such as grief, loss, redundancy, marital problems, gender identity issues or social isolation to name but a few. One of the biggest problems with depression is that individuals cut themselves off from others, withdrawing into themselves and this behaviour can worsen the depression. Connecting with a therapist in a safe, non-judgemental, confidential space is an important step towards healing and improved mental health. I assist individuals in gradually exploring and verbalising the underlying causes of their depression which is the beginning of their healing and reintegration with others.

Bereavement and Loss

Grief and loss impacts each person in their own way, however many emotions experienced are common to all. This includes sadness, fear, feelings of helplessness, anger, guilt and loneliness as well as many others. Bereavement can occur for many reasons, loss of a loved one, infertility, miscarriage, trauma/homicide or suicide. There is no time limit or time expectation to the grieving process.  I work with many individuals who have experienced grief and loss in their lives and assist them in working through the pain and adjusting emotionally to live with their loss.

Confidence and Self-Esteem

When people lack self-esteem and experience low confidence levels, it impacts on their quality of life in many different ways.  It can stop an individual taking chances in their careers or personal lives because their level of self-belief is so low.  For many, low self-esteem can come from a series of knocks or from a lack of positive affirming parenting from childhood.  The foundation of low self-esteem is a negative inner belief system.   I work with clients assisting them in understanding the origins of these beliefs and assist them in addressing and changing these inner truths that they have accepted for so long.

Stress, Anxiety and Panic Attacks

A little stress in our lives is normal especially in today’s fast moving world, however prolonged or extreme stress can impact on an individual’s mental health and impact negatively on their relationships.  Their work performance can also suffer eventually leading to deep anxiety.  I work with clients assisting them to identify the causes of their stress and anxiety and assist them in adapting new behaviours and techniques to deal with these causes.

Unemployment and Career Issues

For many people unemployment or difficulties in work can cause major ongoing stress and anxiety.  Unemployment can impact on self-esteem and confidence, not to mention the stress of how to cope with financial commitments.  Some people are desperately unhappy with their career choice, while others just cannot manage the work/life balance.  I work with many clients assisting them in understanding their issues and working with them to find a way through the process of changing their career paths.

TRAUMA

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event that has happened in an individuals past or present life. A traumatised person can feel a range of emotions. They can feel overwhelmed, shocked, helpless and they can find it very difficult to deal with these emotions. Trauma can have long term effects on an individuals physical and mental wellbeing.

It can occur because of a single, terrifying event, like a car crash or an act of violence. It can also occur because of prolonged neglect, and both physical and mental abuse in childhood.

Family and Relationships

Whether it is issues from the past or relationship issues in the present, family and relationships issues are the reason why many people decide to attend therapy.  As human beings, in order to survive we are programmed to connect with others from birth.  Relationships with parents, siblings, partners and friends are important but they can go wrong.  Navigating a way through them is stressful and can often be heart-breaking.  I work with individuals to assist them in understanding the roots and causes of their relationship issues and assist them in coping strategies such as the creation of healthy boundaries and sometimes the letting go of toxic relationships.

Bullying and Harassment

Bullying occurs when a person, (usually with more power) or a group of people repeatedly and intentionally seek to cause harm or hurt to another person.  It can take place in the home, workplace, amidst family members, with friends or neighbours.   It can be racist, homophobic, transphobic, sexist or religious but no matter what kind of bullying it is, the effects can shatter and individual, leaving them feeling isolated, vulnerable, alone and very afraid.  I work with clients to identify the dynamics of bullying behaviour and assist them in establishing new patterns of assertiveness to manage and cope better with difficult individuals and situations.