Depression and Low Mood

Anxiety  (general anxiety, social anxiety and panic attacks)

Relationship difficulties and repeating relationship patterns

Living alone and navigating solo living or isolation

Childhood trauma and unresolved childhood issues

Life transitions, including midlife crisis or identity shifts

Burnout and chronic stress

Low self-esteem, self-doubt, imposter syndrome and lack of confidence

Trauma and traumatic experiences

Grief, loss and bereavement

Challenges linked with neurodiversity ( including ADHD & Autism)

Cultural differences and cultural conflict

Addiction and compulsive behaviours

Self-harm and emotional regulation difficulties

Suicidal thoughts or feelings of hopelessness

Childless not by choice or childless by circumstance

Personal Development

 

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.

Childhood Issues & Childhood Trauma

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.

Repeating relationship patterns

Perhaps you keep repeating the same relationship patterns which can leave you feeling frustrated and stuck. Maybe you are in a position where you feel you are giving so much to others but not getting much in return which can leave you feeling drained and exhausted. Often these patterns are rooted in our earliest relationships. I can help you make sense of these patterns and together we can work out a way to make the changes you want so your relationships are much more satisfying, fulfilling and balanced. If you would like to explore this topic more deeply, please have a look at my blog on relationship patterns.

Single By Choice or Circumstance

Maybe you are single by choice and want to explore other issues that are important to you beyond a romantic partnership. Or perhaps you are single and would like to be in a relationship, or are recently separated or divorced and are navigating a new stage of life.  I don’t view singlehood as a problem to be solved. Single life is increasingly common but can still feel at odds with societal expectations. Therapy can help you navigate a life that may look different from the norm but still holds much meaning, value, love and connection.

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.

Personal Development & Growth

 I believe counselling and therapy is a valuable space for personal growth and development. It can be a chance to explore your identity, values and goals, helping you create and build a foundation for a more balanced and meaningful life. It gives you the time and space to reconnect with parts of you that have overlooked or even undiscovered parts of your personality. It can be a time to figure out what is really important to you, about how you want to live your life regardless of the expectations of others. I can also help you find the confidence to make the changes you want.

Cultural Sensitivity

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.

Dreams

I have a particular interest in dreams. I do believe dreams carry important messages from our unconscious, always helping us and guiding us forward. Sometimes dreams can feel bizarre or even scary. I am very happy to discuss any dreams you may wish to bring.