The road to psychological wellbeing is challenging and not straightforward.
I believe, however, it is both achievable and rewarding.
If you are struggling….. perhaps now is a good time to seek help.
Counselling
Whether you are contemplating having counselling or are in the process of choosing a counsellor, you are one important step closer to making a commitment to yourself and your own wellbeing. Many individuals experience difficult circumstances at some point, and life is not always easy or straightforward. Some have experienced trauma, particularly early in life, and may be living with negative and debilitating thoughts and feelings. Perhaps there were addiction problems within the family, parental neglect, divorce, abuse, or other varieties of disturbance.
Understanding your experience
These experiences often adversely affect the way in which we develop, the type and quality of the relationships that we form, and the way in which we feel about and view ourselves. Regrettably, the impact of these early events during our development all too frequently casts a significant shadow on our teenage years and continues well into adult life. Some may feel anxious or depressed much of the time, or disconnected from family, friends and co-workers, and may feel unfulfilled in life. They are also uncertain about many things – that is, they do not know…….
- Why they feel what they feel
- Why they fear what they fear
- Why they think what they think
- Why they do what they do
Bereavement, ending of relationships, death, self-harm, and anger are also issues that people frequently experience and struggle with. I work with many people who wish to understand the nature of their difficulties, and who desire a greater understanding of themselves. This is opposed to only providing symptomatic relief, although I am acutely aware that relief of symptoms is important to most, if not all, those people seeking help. If that is the sole focus, however, the therapeutic process is commonly not as effective, and symptoms typically return, because the origin of the problem has not been addressed.
This process is generally better suited and more effective if undertaken through long-term, open-ended work. Equally, I am able to offer short-term work too. I should like to add there are people who generally cope well with life and are not experiencing any particular pressing issue(s), but attend counselling on a regularly scheduled basis so they have ‘space’ to explore the various facets of their life.
Common benefits that individuals have reported to me and that I have clinically observed are as follows:
- Anxiety is diminished
- Healthy and nurturing relationships occur
- Quality of life improves
- Broader perspective and greater personal insight ensues
- Contributes to feeling better
Working in Collaboration
I view counselling as a collaborative relationship, and each individual will have a different and unique experience of it. I work on a one-to-one basis with individuals who are experiencing difficulties in their life. As a counsellor, and as an individual, I am an empathic and compassionate listener, as well as being trustworthy, honest and dependable. I have a natural curiosity about people, and I use this, along with my broad range of clinical experience and extensive education, to help provide an environment that is both safe and confidential, and one where an individual can explore their thoughts, feelings and associated behaviours from which they seek relief.
Next: About me