Anxiety
Feelings of anxiety (worry, fear and unease) are very common and affect everyone during their lifetime. Being anxious before an important event, such as sitting an exam or getting married is a normal part of life. However, for some people, anxiety can become overwhelming and never seems to go away. This can be focused around a particular situation, such as social situations in groups, or it can just be an all-pervading sense of anxiety without an obvious focus. It may start to manifest in a very physical way with symptoms such as tension, upset stomach and panic attacks. Psychotherapy can help you explore your anxiety and understand how and why it plays out in your life. Integrating some CBT techniques can also give you some practical pointers on how to manage your anxiety and enable you to live a more fulfilling life.
Depression
Depression, in its mildest form, is a low mood where you might feel sad or miserable. This can pass with time and for some it is a sign to step back from the world and reflect on life. At other times the feelings of depression don’t go away and it starts to interfere with your normal life and you might find that you cannot cope with everyday tasks that normally you would be able to. In its most severe form, depression can be life-threatening as you can feel suicidal or lose the will to carry on. Psychotherapy can be hugely beneficial for those experiencing depression, not only to understand and work through the depression, but to understand the factors that might have caused it in the first place, giving you the skills and tools to notice when you are starting to feel low and avoid it becoming worse.
Relationship Difficulties
Relationships can be a big source of stress for many people as they try to get along with their significant others. Seemingly small disagreements can become tense arguments as you try and navigate the complex emotions that exist in relationships. Finding ways to communicate in relationships is key to finding harmony – understanding your own emotions and expressing them to your partner. I can offer psychotherapy to individuals – to understand your own dynamics and issues in relationships, and to couples – to help you both understand how you are relating to each other and find ways to get both of your needs met.
Student Mental Health
Being at university can be some of the most exciting and defining years of your life. It can be a time to expand your thinking, meet new people and develop your own individual awareness.
This new, exciting time can also be quite daunting. Universities can be frenetic, daunting places and the stress of deadlines, meeting new people, navigating the university structure and academic performance can impact on your mental health. I have extensive experience in working with students of all ages and a good understanding of the stresses and issues you may face as a student. Finding the right support can be vital to your academic career and keeping you mentally healthy while at university.
Read my blog post on Student Mental Health.
Workplace Issues and Conflicts
We spend a large proportion of our lives at work and issues that arise in the workplace can bring stress and difficulties to our life.
As a team member, you might experience issues with colleagues and managers that effect both your work performance and you home life.
If you are a manager or leader, you will know that interpersonal issues can take a lot of your time and can be extremely stressful. Managing teams can be an isolating and difficult experience at times.
I have many years of experience managing and leading teams and working with the complex team dynamics that can arise. If you are experiencing workplace issues, psychotherapy can help you navigate the complexities that arise in the workplace and find ways to understand your place within this and help you find solutions.
Read my blog post on Managing Work Stress.
Anger Management
Everybody experiences feelings of anger from time to time. However, for some people, their anger has a strong negative effect on their lives and relationships. This can be because anger is expressed inappropriately or alternatively, can be when anger is suppressed and hidden from others and from yourself. If you’re finding that your anger is affecting your wellbeing and relationships, it may help to examine and process your feelings with a therapist in a safe, judgement-free setting. Together, we can explore your feelings of anger and find more helpful ways for you to express your feelings. It may be that your feelings of anger are masking other issues, such as shame, grief and low self-esteem. We can work our way through these issues as and when they arise.
Spiritual and Religious Issues
In today’s society, it can be difficult to find a place to discuss and express spiritual and religious issues without fear of judgement. Spirituality is an important part of life for many people and can be fundamental in finding meaning and purpose. There can often be conflicts between our wish to express our spirituality and our place in the everyday world. Exploring these issues in psychotherapy can help to resolve them, and allow us to grow both spiritually and emotionally.
Meaning and Purpose
The search for meaning and purpose in life has become increasingly important in today’s society. As an existential psychotherapist, I work with how you position yourself in the world and how you view the world around you. You may find yourself asking some of life’s ‘big questions’ – such as “What is my purpose?” “Why is there no meaning in my life?” “What is my relationship towards my own mortality?” Exploring your life experiences openly and honestly can help you obtain a sense of the meanings they may hold for you and enable you to make changes to lead a more fulfilling life.
Mental Health Conditions
If you have a previously diagnosed mental health condition such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder or a personality disorder, it is even more important to find a therapist you can trust and be honest and open with without fear of feeling judged. I have extensive experience in working with people who have diagnosed mental health conditions, both in the NHS and in private practice.
Read my blog post on Bipolar Disorder.