Relationship Difficulties
Low Self-Esteem & Self-Criticism
Anxiety (general, social and panic attacks)
Lack of Confidence
Depression
Loss, Grief & Bereavement
Trauma and unresolved childhood experiences
Burnout, chronic stress and life transitions
Addiction and compulsive behaviours
Self-harm
Suicidal thoughts
Neurodiversity ( including ADHD & Autism)
Cultural differences and cultural conflict
Childfree by choice or circumstance
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Relationship Difficulties
Perhaps you have noticed that a familiar pattern keeps repeating in your relationships and you might be wondering what is going on. Sometimes this can be a sense of losing your identity or losing sight of your needs and feeling that you are being overlooked. Or you might be struggling to assert yourself and speak up. You might have a sense of feeling responsible for your partner, feeling anxious or preoccupied or are finding it hard to trust. Maybe you have lost trust in your own judgement and decision making. Sometimes you might know in your heart that you are being treated poorly and not in the way you desrve but are struggling to end the relationship. Sometimes these patterns and difficulties are linked to our earliest relationships. I can help you make sense of what may be going on and together we can work out a way to make the changes you want and move forward.
If you would like to explore this topic, please have a look at my blog on relationship patterns.
Unresolved Issues From Childhood
Some of the issues we face as adults can find their roots in our childhood experiences. From the critical self talk, judgements we make of ourselves and of others, our way of relating, the relationships we choose or don’t choose. Often these patterns go back to things we learned or experienced growing up. Some of us went through very difficult experiences which we weren’t equipped to handle at the time. We might have tried to push those memories aside but they still show up in how we feel and cope as adults. Sometimes the way we learned to manage just stops working. I offer a space where you can talk honestly about your experiences and together we can start making sense of how they might be shaping you now. We can work toward healing and change at a pace that is right for you. For further reading about this -read two of my blogs on low self-esteem and the pain of rejection from a psychodynamic perspective.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression aren’t just symptoms to get rid of – they can be signals from deep inside asking us to slow down and pay attention. Sometimes these feelings can be shaped from our earlier experiences which need to be thought about rather than fought against. The inner critic, pressure to keep it together or the fear of not being enough. Anxiety and depression can be leave us feel stuck and confused. I offer a supportive space where we can explore what may be under the surface of these issues to help you reach a deeper understanding of yourself. If you would like to explore this further, you might find my blog on anxiety helpful.
Loss & Grief
Loss can take many forms – the death of a loved one , the end of a relationship, unsuccessful IVF, losing a job, a decline in health or independence. Whatever the form loss can shake our sense of who we are. It can leave us feel unsettled and unanchored. Together we can explore your feelings around your loss, what this means for you, creating a space where all your feelings can be listened to and thought about. I have written a blog about coping with the loss of someone who dies young and how therapy can help. Please have a look if you think it might be helpful – Grief a Complicated Business.
Childfree by Choice or Circumstance
Whether you are living without children by choice or circumstance this can bring up a range of feelings. You might be navigating questions about purpose or belonging especially in a world that often assumes a certain path is to be taken. I offer a space where we can explore your feelings and what this means for you with respect and free of any judgement.
Cultural Differences & Cultural Conflicts
I very much welcome clients from all religious, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and work with sensitivity and respect for difference. I am especially experienced in supporting people who grew up with diverse or conflicting cultural values. I’m experienced in helping clients explore their identity, sense of belonging, issues of generational expectations and the complexities of navigating multiple cultural influences.
Neurodiversity
I have experience working with neurodiversity and I recognise how this can shape each client’s sense of self and ways of relating to others. I think there is a deep emotional impact of growing up neuro-divergent in a world that might not have understand you or validated your experiences. I can offer you a space where those messages can be explored and healed, helping you to feel accepted and safe for being you.