There are times when the sharing and understanding of a good friend may be just what you need. However when the degree of emotional pain and the severity of symptoms suggest a problem of greater depth, then your pain, anger or confusion may be too painful for a friend to listen to without judgement. Even the best of friends may want you to cheer up or to not go on about the same thing for too long. But sometimes it is important to not cheer up and to keep going on until things are really understood. That is when you may need the help of a professional listener.
Therapy offers you the opportunity to discuss what you may not be able to share elsewhere. I have seen repeatedly that once people have a safe confidential space to put their experience into words, they are able to manage and deal with how they feel more effectively. They become more emotionally resilient and find new options in relation to old behaviours. Most pressing issues represent a struggle with underlying historical issues and conflicts – self-awareness provides the opportunity to move away from the resulting patterns and repetitions.
As well as dealing with the past, therapy provides the space to give some attention to your current relationships and how you wish to pursue your life. People are extremely varied in what they desire, what troubles them, and what makes them happier. Each therapy has to reflect the unique needs of each person. I believe that anyone can benefit from discussing what is meaningful to them and what they want from their life. I’ve worked with people from all walks of life, and I’m sensitive to the wide variety of values and lifestyles that people pursue in contemporary society.
I work with a wide variety of issues, including:
- Depression, Anxiety, Fear and Panic Attacks
- Anger, Sadness and Feelings of Emptiness
- Childhood Issues, Unresolved Issues and Abuse
- Grief, Loss, Bereavement and Divorce
- Obsessions and Compulsive Behaviours
- Insomnia and Nightmares
- Personal Relationships, Personality Difficulties, Sexuality & Sexual Identity, Co-dependence
- Social Anxiety, Loneliness, Low Self-Confidence, Low Self-Esteem and Inhibitions
- Pregnancy and Post Natal Depression
- Identity, Personal Growth, Self Development, Creativity
- Lack of Meaning in Life, Transitions and Midlife Issues
- Physical Symptoms & Psychosomatic Illnesses
- Work Issues & Relationships and Assertiveness
- Stress, Bullying and Redundancy
Psychotherapy can be an important experience for anyone who would like to get to know themselves better and reflect upon their current life and relationships.
