Thoughts on Therapy

Sometimes, life feels like a loop. You’re putting in the effort—working hard, maintaining relationships, and meeting responsibilities—but nothing seems to change. Maybe it’s the sense of dissatisfaction in your career, repeated negative thoughts, or a feeling of just not being where you want to be. If this resonates, you’re not alone. Many people experience this, and the good news is that change is possible.

Better Understand Yourself

One of the biggest challenges is truly understanding yourself. Often, our reactions, thoughts, and feelings are shaped by beliefs we may not even be aware of. Through therapy, we work together to explore what’s happening beneath the surface—what drives your thoughts, decisions, and feelings. A Humanistic approach, like mine, focuses on seeing you as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms. I’m here to help you connect with your values and understand your needs, desires, and motivations. This deeper understanding can often be the first step to real change.

Challenge Your Thoughts

We all have inner narratives, but sometimes these narratives are unkind or limiting. Perhaps you find yourself caught in negative self-talk, like “I’ll never be good enough” or “Things will never change.” Therapy helps you recognize and challenge these thoughts—unpacking where they come from and figuring out if they’re really true. Together, we work on developing a more compassionate and realistic inner dialogue that supports you rather than holds you back.

Build Confidence

It’s not uncommon for feelings of doubt and fear to keep us in our comfort zones. Therapy can be a space to experiment with different perspectives and actions in a supportive environment, where there’s no judgment and no pressure to “get it right.” With time, you’ll start to see your own growth, which can help build confidence and a greater belief in your ability to make changes.

How I Can Help

As a therapist, my role is to support you in a way that’s empowering and non-judgmental. I believe that you have the capacity to grow and that my job is to help you reconnect with that potential. In our sessions, you’ll be heard, understood, and accepted for who you are. Through this kind of therapeutic relationship, real self-discovery and growth can happen.

Practical Steps to Start Feeling Better

You can also start making small changes today. Here are some self-help techniques that can help you get started:

• Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you identify patterns and gain clarity.
• Mindfulness: Spending a few minutes each day being present in the moment can help you become more aware of your thoughts without getting lost in them.
• Self-Compassion: Speak to yourself as you would to a friend. Notice when you’re being overly critical and try to approach yourself with kindness instead.

If you’re feeling stuck and want to explore how to move forward, I’m here to support you. Together, we can work toward creating a life that feels more aligned with who you truly are—one that is meaningful, fulfilling, and uniquely yours. Let’s connect and take that first step forward.

Resilience is more than just a buzzword—it’s the ability to recover and grow from life’s inevitable challenges. In a world that often feels fast-paced and unpredictable, building resilience is key to maintaining mental well-being and fostering personal growth. It’s not about avoiding tough times but about facing them with courage and adaptability.

What Is Resilience?

Resilience isn’t simply about being tough. It’s a dynamic, ongoing process that involves:

• Adaptation – The ability to adjust to changes and overcome adversity.
• Positive Coping Skills – Utilising healthy strategies to manage stress and setbacks.
• Self-Reflection – Learning from experiences and emerging stronger.

Building resilience is essential for:

• Coping with Stress – Resilient people handle stress more effectively, reducing the risk of anxiety and depression.
• Enhancing Mental Well-Being – Resilience encourages a positive outlook and emotional stability, contributing to overall mental health.
• Achieving Goals – Resilient individuals are more likely to persevere through challenges, reaching their personal and professional aspirations.

How to Build Resilience

Here are some strategies to help you build resilience:

• Cultivate Self-Awareness: Pay close attention to your thoughts, emotions, and how you react to stress. Self-awareness allows you to identify triggers and develop effective coping strategies.
• Develop Problem-Solving Skills: Break challenges down into smaller, more manageable steps. Focus on finding solutions rather than getting stuck on the problem.
• Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or a therapist who can offer encouragement and guidance during tough times.
• Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for activities that nurture your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. This includes exercise, healthy eating, sleep, and relaxation techniques.
• Maintain Perspective: Reframe negative thoughts and focus on your strengths and the opportunities for growth that challenges present.

The Role of Therapy in Building Resilience

Therapy can be a powerful tool in building resilience:

• Therapeutic Support: A counsellor can help you explore your strengths, develop coping skills, and face challenges with greater confidence.
• Personalised Strategies: In therapy, you’ll have a safe space to identify specific areas where you can strengthen your resilience.
• Stress Reduction: Techniques like mindfulness meditation, learned in therapy, can help you manage stress and cultivate resilience.

Embrace Resilience in Your Life

Building resilience is a journey that requires patience, practice, and self-reflection. By strengthening your resilience, you can face life’s challenges with greater confidence and adaptability.

If you’re looking to enhance your well-being and resilience, consider reaching out to me. Together, we can explore strategies to help you thrive, even in the most challenging times. Let’s work together to cultivate the resilience you need to navigate life with strength and grace.

Navigating the world as a neurodivergent person can sometimes feel overwhelming. Whether it’s challenges in communication, social interactions, or sensory processing, these unique experiences can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, or even depression. But you don’t have to face these challenges alone.

Person-centred therapy offers a warm, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at your own pace. As a person-centred therapist, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, understanding, and a genuine commitment to helping you on your journey.

Why Person-Centred Therapy Is Ideal for Neurodivergent Individuals

• Respect for Your Individuality: This approach celebrates your unique perspective. There’s no pressure to fit into a neurotypical mold—instead, we embrace your individuality.
• Focus on Your Strengths: Together, we’ll identify and build on your strengths, helping you grow in confidence and feel more empowered in your everyday life.
• Empathic Understanding: My goal is to understand your world from your perspective, creating a space where you feel truly heard, seen, and validated.
• Building Self-Awareness: Through therapy, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, triggers, and coping mechanisms, helping you navigate life with greater ease.

Working with Me Online

Online therapy offers a flexible, convenient way to get the support you need, all from the comfort of your own space. Whether you prefer to have your pet by your side, use focus tools, or customise your environment with sensory preferences, our sessions are designed to accommodate you. Let’s make this experience as comfortable and supportive as possible.

As the Christmas lights twinkle and the world sings carols of joy, it’s important to recognize that not everyone feels the warmth of the festive season in the same way. As your therapist, I want to extend a compassionate hand during what can be a challenging time for many.

Acknowledging Mixed Emotions

Christmas can be a tapestry of emotions. While it’s a time associated with happiness and togetherness, it can also stir up feelings of stress, loneliness, and reflection on the past year’s ups and downs. If you find yourself struggling, know that it’s okay to have a different experience from the holiday cheer portrayed around you. Your feelings are valid and important.

Creating a Space for Yourself

I encourage you to carve out moments for self-care. If the holiday hustle becomes overwhelming, take a step back. Allow yourself the space to breathe, to be still, and to honour your needs. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a book or a walk in the crisp winter air, do what feels nurturing for your soul.

Connection is Key

Remember, connection doesn’t always mean being in a crowd. It’s about the quality of interaction that brings a sense of belonging. If you’re away from family or choosing to spend the season in solitude, consider reaching out in ways that feel right for you—perhaps a message to an old friend, joining a community event, or even engaging with supportive online groups.

Seeking Support

Asking for help is a brave and proactive step. If you’re finding it difficult to cope, please reach out. My door is open to you, and there are many resources available that can provide the support you need. Together, we can navigate this season in a way that prioritises your well-being.

Embracing Your Journey

Your journey is unique, and so is your way of experiencing Christmas. It’s perfectly alright to celebrate in a way that suits you, even if that means creating new traditions that feel more comfortable. You have the freedom to define what the holidays mean for you.

As we wrap up another year, I want to remind you that you’re not alone. We’re in this together, and I’m here to walk beside you through the season’s highs and lows. Let’s embrace the end of the year with hope, compassion, and care for ourselves and each other.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, many of us find ourselves battling feelings of sadness, lethargy, and a general emotional downturn, some to the extent of Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).  While there are various strategies to manage this condition, online counselling has emerged as a particularly effective and convenient approach. Here’s how it can help:

Accessibility from the Comfort of Home: For many, the cold and dark days of winter can make leaving the house feel like a monumental task. Online counselling eliminates the need for travel, allowing individuals to connect with a therapist without stepping outside. This can be particularly beneficial when the weather is dreary or when energy levels are low.

Consistent Support: Just like regular in-person therapy, online counselling provides a consistent avenue of support. Regular sessions can ensure that feelings of isolation or worsening depression are identified early and addressed immediately.

Flexibility: With a multitude of platforms and communication methods available – from video meetings and phone calls to email exchanges – online counselling caters to different preferences. This flexibility can make therapy feel less intimidating and more tailored to individual needs.

Combatting Isolation: One of the significant challenges of winter depression is the accompanying feeling of isolation. Regular online sessions provide a consistent human connection, reminding individuals that they are not alone in their feelings.

Skill-building and Coping Strategies: Online therapists can introduce various techniques and exercises to combat SAD. Having these tools can be empowering, giving those affected a proactive role in managing their condition.

Privacy and Anonymity: For some, the idea of attending a therapy session in person can be daunting due to concerns about privacy. Online counselling offers a layer of anonymity, where sessions can be held in the privacy of one’s own space, potentially increasing the comfort level.

In conclusion, while winter depression can be a challenging condition to navigate, online counselling has provided a means to access support without geographical or climatic constraints.

Low mood, often characterised by persistent sadness, hopelessness, and a general sense of unease, can cast a shadow over our lives, making it challenging to find joy and fulfillment. It’s a feeling that many of us have experienced at some point in our lives, and it can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. However, there is hope in the form of person-centered therapy, a compassionate and empathetic approach to healing that can significantly help people struggling with low mood.

Many people with low mood often feel misunderstood or invalidated by others. I can offer you a safe space to express your emotions without judgment. My empathetic listening and acceptance will help you feel heard and understood, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Low mood can be complex, and its causes vary from person to person. In person-centered therapy, clients are encouraged to explore their feelings and thoughts at your own pace. This self-exploration can lead to insights into the root causes of low mood and pave the way for healing and personal growth.

Low mood can erode self-esteem and self-worth. Through the therapeutic relationship characterised by unconditional positive regard, you can gradually rebuild your self-esteem and develop a more positive self-concept.

Person-centered therapy offers a beacon of hope for people grappling with low mood. By fostering a nurturing and empathetic therapeutic environment, this approach empowers clients to explore their emotions, rediscover their self-worth, and take control of their healing journey.

Self-esteem is a crucial aspect of mental health and well-being, affecting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. When we have healthy self-esteem, we are more confident, resilient, and able to cope with life’s challenges. However, low self-esteem can lead to negative self-talk, self-doubt, and feelings of worthlessness.

Fortunately, therapy can be an effective way to address low self-esteem and build self-confidence. I can help you explore the root causes of your low self-esteem, whether they stem from past experiences, negative self-talk, or other factors. By identifying these underlying issues, you can begin to challenge and reframe negative beliefs about yourself.

Therapy can also provide a safe and supportive space for you to express yourself without fear of judgment or criticism. I can offer empathy, validation, and encouragement as you work to build your self-esteem. I can help you identify your strengths and accomplishments, and set achievable goals for personal growth.

In therapy, you can also learn new coping strategies and develop positive habits to improve your mental well-being. This might include practicing self-care, setting healthy boundaries, and learning effective communication skills. By taking these steps, you can develop a more positive self-image and build greater resilience and self-confidence.

Ultimately, therapy can be a powerful tool for building self-esteem and improving your overall quality of life. If you struggle with low self-esteem, don’t hesitate to reach out to me.

Anxiety is a common mental health concern that can significantly impact an individual’s well-being. If left untreated, it can lead to chronic stress, physical health problems, and even depression. I understand how challenging it can be to cope with anxiety, and I am here to help.

I offer a safe and confidential space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings related to anxiety, gain tools and strategies to manage your symptoms, and work towards your personal growth and well-being goals.

One of the ways that therapy can help people with anxiety is by providing a supportive space to identify the underlying causes of anxiety. I am trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), which is one of the most effective forms of therapy for managing anxiety. Through CBT, individuals can learn to challenge negative thought patterns and develop more adaptive ways of thinking, which can help to reduce their anxiety symptoms.

Another way that therapy can help individuals with anxiety is by providing coping strategies and techniques to manage anxiety in the moment. As a therapist, I teach people deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and grounding techniques to help them manage their anxiety more effectively.