PRESENTING ISSUES

In 2015 I completed the internationally recognised ASIST training (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills). Thoughts of suicide can manifest when life's problems seem insurmountable and you feel hopeless. I will work to assist you in overcoming your suicidal thoughts with the aim of recovering your life through developing your coping skills and enhancing your resilience.

I have experience in counselling adults and adolescents who engage in self harm. Self harm is a flawed coping mechanism that many people utilise when feeling extremely overwhelmed or numb. I can assist you in understanding your triggers and in doing so will facilitate you in developing more nurturing coping mechanisms.

The death of a loved one can cause an array of unfamiliar feelings and challenging emotions. Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of a loved one and a process that cannot be avoided, although it is very painful. I will ensure you are given ample time to explore, examine and understand your grief reactions and assist you in working through your grief in a safe and healthy manner.

Regardless of age, coming to terms with your sexuality or gender identity can be complex and difficult in a cisgendered heteronormative society.  Facing homophobic or transphobic attitudes and discrimination, suffering rejection from the ones we love, are all issues that have the potential to cause significant emotional and psychological distress.  I will provide a safe, non-judgmental place to help you work through and fully explore questions of gender, sexuality and identity.  

Ongoing conflict in a relationship can cause upset, frustration, anxiety and distress. If you are experiencing ongoing conflict with your partner, children, teacher, boss, work colleague, a friend, a sibling, neighbour or a parent, counselling can be extremely beneficial in working out how best to manage the distressing situation. I can support you in exploring the dynamics of your conflicting relationship through transactional analysis  and assist you in navigating a workable solution.

Depression is a very common condition which causes people to feel hopeless, worthless, disinterested and unmotivated. Working from a person centred framework, together we will uncover any limiting beliefs and particular behaviours that maybe keeping you stuck in a depressive loop. I will support and empower you to manage your depression and re-engage with life in a more meaningful way through assisting you in developing your unique emotional wellness toolkit.

Anxiety is a normal response to a threatening situation. However, some people can find themselves in an ongoing heightened state of anxiety which can have an adverse effect on their social and emotional wellbeing. I will facilitate you in identifying your triggers and any negative habitual thinking patterns that may be contributing to your anxious state. Through a process of understanding, repurposing and altering your negative habitual thinking patterns you will be enabled to better understand and manage your anxiety.

Traumatic experiences are situations that are overwhelming, frightening and difficult to control. It can be helpful to process traumas with a professional. If ignored or covered up, deeper troubles can surface later on. I can provide trauma counselling which is designed around your individual needs and specific to your traumatic symptoms whether they include anxiety, depression, guilt, sleep disturbances, flashbacks or nightmares. 

BDD can include a  significant preoccupation in physical appearance, repetitive behaviours or thoughts related to perceived flaws. I will help you find coping strategies to decrease avoidance behaviours. In time you will gain the strength to expose yourself, in a gradual manner, to situations/triggers that evoke unhelpful thoughts while refraining from the repetitive behaviours. Sometimes BDD is comorbid with eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety and depression. Therefore the counselling approach taken will be tailored to meet your individual needs.