Issues Covered

Being human in the modern world is fraught with struggles. Here are a number of common mental health issues people struggle with, that we may be able to discuss and help with:

Anxiety and Panic

Anxiety is a universal human experience. It is worry about the future and about being in particular situations that will produce unpleasant reactions (sweating, shaking, a racing heart). Though it’s intended to protect you, it becomes a problem when it stops you engaging in normal activities (going to school or work, socializing). Then your world gets smaller. Anxiety is basic fear, a lack of safety, that can also show up as OCD, panic attacks, or a specific phobia. An empathic therapeutic relationship will grow your capacity to face and resolve it.

Depression

Depression, which is a lingering sadness, is a difficult but normal emotion. It has its roots in your particular environment and the impact of that environment on you. If you can see depression as coming from your personal story, rather than as a medical disease, you can successfully work with it in therapy.  Sadness/depression exists on a continuum of normality.  You are suffering. Let’s look at what your problems are, their causes, and what you can change in order to get well. There’s a very good chance your depression will get better.

Bereavement and Loss

Bereavement Loss is a hole left behind in your family and social system following a death or other loss. It has psychological and physical health effects that are normal and painful. You can suffer an array of symptoms affecting physical, mental and emotional health following the death or loss of a person who was important to you. If the death was sudden or traumatic, grief may last longer. Either way, it takes a long time for the bereaved parts of you to come back together. Grief is painful, you just want to be ok. An empathic, deep-listening therapeutic relationship offers powerful support in the grief process.

Adolescent Problems

Adolescent Problems are those experienced by 12-18 year olds. As well as the normal relational and identity issues, they face overwhelming  influence from an always-on online world. Adolescents need therapy that addresses their fears, offers them clear direction, truly empowers them and that supports their parents to be there for them as they grow. Creative Arts and Nature-Based Approaches that I use are especially helpful in adolescent psychotherapy.

Trauma

Trauma is a severe emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape or natural disaster or to multiple childhood events. The response doesn’t seem to go away. Instead, it gets triggered by other stressful events. Trauma, PTSD, brings a bewildering array of symptoms that are different for everyone. The symptoms may last for years if the trauma is not addressed in a safe psychotherapeutic relationship. Trauma throws the nervous system into chaos. It needs a particular nervous-system-focused treatment to unwind the effects of trauma on the body and mind. This is the specialist work I do and it includes Creative and Nature-Based Interventions

Abuse

Abuse is assault. According to TUSLA, it can be physical, emotional, sexual or related to neglect or cyberbullying. It can be gender based. Abuse is on the increase throughout the world (Biancolli 2023). Children and adults alike deserve therapeutic support that undoes the impact of abuse on their mental wellbeing Creative, Nature, and Body-Based Approaches may be part of the counselling process.

Parent Coaching

Parent Coaching is a service that aims to empower parents and help them navigate the complex family terrain of modern times. Skills and tools are taught in our sessions, based on up-to-date research

Couples and Other Relationships

Couples and Other Relationships. When we think of relationships, we think first of the challenges facing intimate couples. In my practice, I also meet singles, siblings, parents, adult children who have difficult relationships with parents, and all those struggling to manage relationships including with friends and former partners. Therapy provides a safe space to unburden and move through challenges.

Childhood Issues

Childhood Issues related to physical, sexual, or emotional maltreatment have a significant impact on adult mental health. Addressing this burden in a safe therapeutic relationship is of critical importance in order to heal adult pain. The pain experienced is often physical as well as psychological. That is to say, health conditions that emerge in adulthood often have their roots in childhood emotional distress, from what is known medically as Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs). I am a specialist in this area.

Sexuality Issues

Sexual problems prevent an individual or couple from enjoying sexual activity. Counselling psychotherapy will support you with diverse issues related to sex and sexuality. In therapy, you’ll explore your physical, psychological and emotional challenges that may have their origins in childhood, adolescence or adult experiences. Sexual and gender abuse are common sources of distress as is distorted love from porn and sexualization.

Shame, isolation and a sense of failure come when doubt, stress and anxiety concerning sexual challenges are not shared. These impact your daily life and relationships.

Sex counselling psychotherapy provides a trusting, caring and confidential space in which to explore triggers, de-shaming and how all kinds of stress impact your sex life.