INDIVIDUAL AND COUPLE THERAPY

If you suffer from anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, trauma, bereavement, abuse or at times you do not feel like yourself I can help you find a “better place”. Together, we can explore challenges in your life; potential changes that you may wish to make, and to reach decisions about your current situation. In our sessions I will help you in being more confident and aim for a happier and better life. I can support you to make positive and informed choices for yourself at difficult times in your life.

It can feel challenging to reach out for help. One of my clients said: "I meant to contact you for months. I had your number and your website in my favourites. I just needed to build up the confidence to do so. I am so glad we have started. Just making a call to you made a significant difference for me. I wish I'd called you sooner". 

I am experienced integrative therapist, with interest in anxiety and long lasting specialism in Couples Therapy. I integrate affective, systemic, cognitive and physiological therapeutic work with client’s social values. That means that I adapt the therapy to my client and not the client to the therapy.

Over a number of years I have seen many individuals and couples either in private practice, Relate Centre or through Employee assistance programme (EAP). I help clients to make positive and informed choices for themselves at difficult times in their lives. 

LATEST about CORONAVIRUS ANXIETY:  

Following the most recent government guidelines about coronavirus advising social distancing, I am now offering phone and online sessions. Online counselling is a convenient and confidential platform that can enable people to have a safe space to share their concerns and fears from their own home.

With the increasing media coverage of the COVID-19 coronavirus, it can be difficult to maintain our mental health and wellbeing when coping with so much uncertainty and turmoil at home and at work. There are simple steps you can take to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Here are some self care tips:

·          - Limit your exposure to social media if you find it is heightening your anxiety

- Make sure you are getting your news from trusted sources, limit it to once a day

- Think self-care: You may find yourself working longer hours or more shifts so take care of your physical health as best you can.

- Stay connected to family and friends by phone, email or video calls

- Be kind to yourself

- Follow a daily structure/routine

- Allow yourself time to relax, rest and sleep

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If you are still experiencing new levels of distress, worry or anxiety as a result of what’s happening right now, know that help is available. Please feel free to contact me. Similarly if you know somebody in need of counselling please share this with them.

RELAXATION SESSIONS

In addition to counselling sessions, I have recently started to support my clients with 30min guided relaxation via Zoom at 9pm on Fridays. By relaxing mind and body, we reduce stress and support the body's immune system which is very important for fighting disease and keeping us healthy. I combine mindfulness, guided imaginary, relaxation and light psychotherapeutic insights.

To do these weekly sessions you need a peaceful space to lay down and listen via Zoom. After the session you will be ready for a good restful sleep. Payment is by donation between £5-£10. NHS staff and keyworkers are welcome to join for FREE. 

Please let me know if you are interested so I can add you to the Zoom invitation list. 

LOCKDOWN IS A STRESS TEST FOR RELATIONSHIPS

 “A recent survey in the UK revealed that 22 per cent of men and 31 per cent of women are finding their partner irritating at the moment, and that almost a quarter of couples were having more rows than normal.”

The reasons for this varies; from having no time for oneself, working from home whilst also having to manage children, worry about job security and money, feeling  isolated, and then there are also existential fears.

I have found that some of the couples I work with have become closer and valued the time together, many others are saying that the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown have magnified existing issues and brought up new ones. Lockdown is definitely a challenge for all relationships.

Whether you bicker or have full-blown arguments, or you've simply stopped feeling that you are a “team” there is a need for you to talk about it. When one of our most important relationships begins to falter, our health and happiness often suffers. While for many of us our first instinct is to try and work through problems alone, it can be incredibly useful to seek outside help. One route you may choose is couple counselling. The lockdown is an opportunity to get closer and to be together as a “team”. Once the lockdown is over you will be ready to embrace the new world. Here are some tips on how to protect your relationship during this time of stress and uncertainty:

·          Accept this will be challenging

·           Set a routine and expectations

·           Acknowledge that you might need a new routine (for examples go for a 1h walk every day)

·           Assign roles for each day (who cooks, who cleans, who does home schooling etc)

·           Designate different - areas of your living space into work and relaxation areas to create some sense of boundaries and movement.

·           Having different spaces in your home will also help you to shape some time apart from your partner, which can be hugely beneficial for your relationship.

·           Allow a short amount of time to talk about each other’s needs

·           Review the day together before you go to sleep. Use two words to praise and appreciate each other. 

·           Communicate openly about your and your partner’s emotional needs, coping mechanisms, and how to support each other.

·           Don’t check the news and social media constantly for updates. Limit yourself to once a day

·           Leave the phone or your laptop outside your bedroom

·           Don’t feel guilty for needing time to yourself

·           Stay connected with each other

Of course these are general tips and if you talk with your loved one and choose a couple of these to work on in the next week this is a good sign for your relationship. If you are not able to move to a “better place” and need extra support with these or any other challenges please make a contact with me. Seeking support IS doing something for your relationship.