Counselling issues, challenges and life struggles I have experience helping clients with

Below are issues as a psychotherapeutic counsellor I have experience in working with. The issues, very briefly summarised here do little justice to the complex nature, range of challenges and the subsequent emotions we face. It is by no means exhaustive so if you would like to ask about any other issues or for more information about the issues listed or how I work please email me or call me.
 

In a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space as a counsellor in London and Leeds, I listen, support, work with you and help with:

​

• Abuse – can be physical, emotional, or sexual, leaving the abused person carrying feelings such as guilt, shame and usually unable to trust others. The memory of abuse can remain for years after it has ended and can affect subsequent relationships. Understanding how one’s thinking and feelings about their experience is affecting can be helpful in diminishing the pain the abuse leaves behind.

​

• Addiction – anybody is vulnerable to becoming addicted to something that on the surface offers relief and escapism. However the immediate relief of self medication can leave situations and us feeling worse not better afterwards. Counselling can help us to understand and manage the feelings we’re trying to self medicate. I can also help with techniques to cut down or stop.

​​

• Anger – is one of the primary negative emotions, but anger can have positive functions when explored, understood and expressed in more healthy ways.

​​

• Anxiety – fear of threat or perceived threat. Also relates to disorders such as panic disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

​

• Behaviour – any self-defeating behaviour ranging from addiction to simply avoiding the issue that’s causing concern.

​

• Bereavement counselling – making sense of life after the death of a loved one or significant other.

​

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – I also practice and offer cognitive behavioural therapy. CBT is a well known approach for working with depression, anxiety or other forms of unbalanced or disordered mood. This approach works by identifying how your thoughts are affecting your mood and influencing your behaviour.

​

• Communication – it is estimated that there are a quarter of a million words in the English language alone, yet finding the right words to say what you mean, need and want can be difficult. Improving communication skills can open up your world and possibilities, it can also enable you to attain your goals and fulfill your desires.

​

• Compulsiveness – any behaviour which feels like a compulsion, and which indicates a lack of control. Understanding the roots of a compulsion can be the beginning of gaining back control.

​

• Depression – is very common and it is estimated that 1 in 4 of us will experience this at some point in our life. It can take the form of an all-pervasive sense of sadness, guilt and tiredness. Some might also feel worthless and lack motivation, leading to an absence of joy and low self-esteem. There are many causes, and the various ways to treat or work with depression will be dependent on several factors including duration and preference.

​

• Eating disorders – such as anorexia and bulimia can often become a way of coping, while at the same time causing disruption to life, body and relationships.

​

• Emotional difficulties – understanding the range of your emotions can help diminish the power of the negative ones whilst building on those which can increase your confidence and self esteem.

​

• Identity – any concerns or confusion about who you are due to your race, culture, gender, sexuality or helping you with any other issue that is unique to you.

​

• Illness – any kind of illness can isolate us and lead to feelings of anxiety. This can be difficult for others who have not experienced serious illness to appreciate.

​

• Loneliness – many of us can find we’re lonely for a number of reasons, even when with family, friends or a partner.

​

• Loss – takes many forms, from losing a friendship, a dream or a significant person in our lives, the effect of which can be devastating.

​

• Making sense of the past – from our earliest beginning, to adolescence then adulthood we are preparing and forming our sense of who we are and how we orientate ourselves in the world. Things can and do go wrong, affecting our beliefs and confidence, leaving us questioning who we are and the choices we make. We can repeat patterns, something which Freud termed ‘Repetition compulsion’ which can cause ourselves and others hurt. Making sense of the past and breaking patterns is easier for you to accomplish with a professional who understands this process.

​

• Obsessions – whether it’s with people or things, obsession often manifests itself as an avoidance, focus or preoccupation of an anxiety or desire.

​

• OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder) – this includes unsettling, intrusive, often repetitive thoughts, which can lead to ritualistic and avoidance behaviour.

​

• Panic – see anxiety (above).

​

• Relationships – a very essential yet complex aspect of living. Conflicts can arise with family, partners, colleagues or friends if you first don’t understand and love yourself. Counselling helps to respect that the greatest relationship you have is with yourself and it is this that enables you to enjoy fulfilling, rewarding, rich, healthy and loving relationships with others.

​

• Self/personal development – an opportunity to examine all aspects of your life as well as the human givens. We work together to identify what are your meaning and purpose compared to the universal, your way versus the way. This method of exploration takes courage and involves a form of questioning that enables deeper discovery of who you are.

​

• Self-esteem – when your self-esteem gets low, for whatever reason, it can leave you lacking belief in yourself and counselling can help build your confidence.

​

• Self-harm – this can take many forms from binge drinking to cutting.

​

• Sexual issues – whether it’s difficulty having sex or being physically intimate with your partner, how or why this happens differs from person to person.

​

• Sexuality – confusion or negativity towards yourself regarding what you want or feel you should want when choosing a partner.

​

• Spirituality – exploration or questioning of your faith and the implications (perceived or real) for yourself and your family.

​

• Stress – find yourself constantly busy yet trying to catch up with yourself? Tired, lacking energy to meet daily demands? These are features of a stressful life and there usually is another way.

​

• Trauma – the effects of abuse or any other deeply troubling experience in the recent or distant past.

​

• Work – issues at work, and work related stress, stemming from volume of work to your relationships with your colleagues.

​

If you would like to find out how counselling can help with any issues you are facing, going through or for more information then please email me or call me on 07795 253457.