I offer counselling sessions for:
• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem and body esteem
• Shame and guilt
• Codependency
• Anger issues
• Mental health
• Wellbeing at work
• Navigating Life After Split: The Power of Divorce
What is counselling for?
Counselling is a type of talking therapy that allows people to talk about their problems and feelings in a confidential, non-judgmental and safe environment in order to resolve personal or psychological problems. A counsellor is trained to listen with empathy to help clients deal with any negative thoughts, mental health issues and emotions they may have and help to find clarity, self-empowerment and solutions.
In a recent study done by University University College London, over 2,000 men were questioned about their values and aspirations. Mental health was considered to be more important than physical health and personal traits such as reliability and dependability were esteemed above athleticism. This study also suggests that British men, despite their emotional reserve, are secretly romantics who crave affection and companionship, shattering the myths of masculinity.
Stress
One of the many definitions of stress is that anything that you don’t enjoy or find upsetting can be a stressor. Stress is responsible for work absenteeism and is a root cause of many emotional and health problems. There are many solutions to build resilience to stress.
Depression
Depression is a disorder that can negatively affect how you feel, think and how you act. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, low mood, feeling down, low energy, apathy and a loss of interest. Depression can vary from mild to severe and can be treated successfully.
Anxiety
Anxiety is a very common emotion that usually stems from past unresolved issues such as abandonment, lack of love or care, existential fears, perceptions that life is unfair or feelings of not belonging. Some researchers suggest that 80% of serious illnesses seem to develop when the individual feels helpless or hopeless.
Low self-esteem issues and body esteem
Low self-esteem issues are quite often the root cause of many other problems, including addiction, relationship and marital problems and co-dependency. Low self-esteem can impact your life in many ways. During the therapy sessions, we’ll look at what is affecting your self-esteem, how to avoid negative self-talk, how to connect meaningfully with people who are important to you. You will discover how to learn to be more assertive and have proper boundaries and how to set realistic challenges and goals for yourself. How to focus on your positive characteristics and tendencies and, ultimately, how to take good care of yourself is another part of the counselling process. In short, we’ll look at how to empower yourself – starting with self-respect for yourself and acceptance – then building your confidence, competence and achievement so you can become the person you want to become.
Research by Dove suggests that almost two-thirds of girls (61%) in the UK don’t have high body esteem and, as a result, can be missing out on key life experiences. Among UK girls with low body esteem, 85% avoid social activities such as team sports or joining clubs and 88% will risk their health by not seeing a doctor or missing meals.
Shame and guilt
Shame and guilt can hinder any personal and professional development. Although we can’t change the past, we can change how we feel about past events. Punishing yourself prolongs guilt and shame and can damage your self-esteem. On the other hand, taking responsibility and remedial action improves it. In counselling, we look at how to overcome any negative thoughts, feelings and behaviours in order to grow and thrive so one doesn’t have to be burdened by past events but learn from these and move on with one’s life.
Codependency
Codependency, as a behaviour, can be learnt in childhood or later in life. Codependency can be rooted in strong caretaking traits, low self-esteem, depression, obsessions, controlling behaviours, denial, poor communication, lack of trust, anger issues, sex problems, weak boundaries and dependency. Codependency is closely related to addictive behaviours, which may also be the root cause and may dictate recovery.
Anger issues
Anger can be triggered by many things and situations. Anger can be seen as a completely normal, natural and usually healthy human emotion with the purpose of promoting change and creating safety. But when it gets out of control, is not expressed safely and gets distorted, it can become destructive – leading to all kinds of problems such as rage, bitterness, self-criticism, resentments, vengefulness, depression, feelings of self-hatred and passive aggression. Managing your emotions and especially anger, is one of the key objectives of counselling.
Mental health
Mental health is becoming a big problem both personally and professionally. Counselling is one way of helping a host of mental health issues.
Wellbeing at work
To cut staff absenteeism, companies provide mental health support. The support may include stress management, mindfulness, anonymous helplines and counselling and even dance classes for employees who like physical activities.
Navigating Life After Split: The Power of Divorce Therapy
Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging phases, leaving those in its wake grappling with a cascade of emotions – guilt, fear, anxiety, depression, and grief, to name a few. It’s a significant life transition that alters a person’s social, financial, and emotional landscapes. It’s, therefore, not surprising that navigating this intricate labyrinth of feelings often requires guidance. This is where divorce therapy steps in, a crucial form of psychological support that helps individuals cope with turbulence and regain equilibrium.
Divorce therapy, often carried out on a one-on-one basis, is not merely about venting or expressing feelings, although these are undeniably important elements. Rather, it’s a structured process aimed at providing a goal-oriented and rational perspective. This therapeutic journey allows individuals to understand and process their emotions, enabling them to move forward with clarity and strength.
The guilt and fear that frequently accompany divorce can be paralyzing, inhibiting the individuals’ ability to function and preventing them from making sound decisions. The therapist’s role is to help the person understand the roots of these feelings, challenging and reframing irrational thoughts. This understanding can be an empowering tool, liberating the person from the shackles of guilt and fear.
Similarly, anxiety and depression, often comorbid with divorce, can make this phase even more difficult. A therapist can equip the person with effective coping mechanisms and strategies to manage these debilitating emotions. It might include learning relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, or cognitive behavioural therapy strategies.
Grieving is a normal response to loss, and divorce represents a significant loss. However, not everyone understands or acknowledges the necessity to grieve after a divorce. A therapist can facilitate this process, helping the individual grieve in a healthy and constructive way.
Through divorce therapy, individuals gain the skills needed to work through the difficulties that arise during and after a divorce. It provides them with the necessary resources to manage their emotions, mend their sense of self-worth, and rebuild their lives. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the person comes out of this challenging time stronger, more self-aware, and ready to embark on new life adventures.
In conclusion, while divorce may mark the end of a marital relationship, it need not signify the end of happiness or personal growth. With the right therapeutic intervention, individuals can navigate this tumultuous period and emerge resilient, confident, and equipped to face the future. Divorce therapy embodies the adage that in every crisis lies an opportunity – an opportunity for personal growth, understanding, and healing.
I work as a counsellor in London, Chelsea and Kensington SW3 – online/telephone sessions are also available.
Call/text/Whatsapp me on 07737 745 684 or email me if you would like to know more. More about how I work.