Anxiety and stress
Suicidal thoughts
Adolescent issues, particularly for young men
Addictions and health behaviour change
Life balance
Chronic pain management
Depression
Traumatic brain injury
Self development and growth
Relationship issues
Marriage problems
Family problems
Grief and loss
Anger
Cancellations or rescheduling:
We understand that some cancellations are unavoidable, but would appreciate as much advance notice of cancellation as possible to allow us to offer the time to another client on the waiting list. We will be happy to reschedule your appointment to a later date/time.
Fees:
I am happy to discuss the fee for a session, to assist your participation at an affordable level. I am here to help. We would appreciate prompt payment of fees at the time of counselling session. I will supply you with internet banking account information.
Couples Counselling Services
I work with couples to understand the difficulties that they are experiencing in the relationship. I invite each partner to express their individual issues, while the other partner listens. This is often the first time that each person has heard and fully understood their partners’ distress. I then invite each person in turn to describe the future they would like to see, and what they could individually do to change the situation. Summarising common goals and elements of the future, encourages partnership and collaboration on a shared journey. Communication difficulties are a common theme identified by couples, and we explore ways of developing richness and depth, greater understanding. I also suggest homework tasks, as well as ground rules on how to fight fairly.
Individual Counselling Services
When we meet, I will be curious about the problems and challenges that you currently face. I will listen well to fully understand your difficulties and your view of the world. We will also work together to imagine the different future that you would like to have, when the problems that you currently face are gone or under control. I will be interested in hearing how you will be acting or behaving differently then, too. By developing a clear view of a more positive and rounded future, we can then identify the goals to work towards in small, achievable steps. I suggest homework tasks between counselling sessions that allow you to take back control of your life, and move forward.
Group Counselling Services
Groups can be a powerful place of change and growth where people come together in a warm, supportive and positive setting. I work with groups to create a safe, confidential space that encourages sharing and participation, allowing participants to realise that they are not alone in their situation. Brief sharing of individual stories can also be a deeply affirming and bonding experience with other group members. I work as a facilitator to encourage both individual and group change. The Chronic Pain Management Group, for example, meets for 10, weekly sessions of 1-1.5 hours in a relaxed, comfortable space. The group follows a planned framework, including homework, leading to positive and healthy habits for life. Effective pain management is developed through mindfulness and a brief meditation.
Families Counselling Services
No-one exists in isolation; problematic behaviour of one family member, or interactions between family members, and how this affects family dynamics, often brings families to counselling. Any attempts at change are often best facilitated by working with, and considering the family or relationship as a whole. Therefore my approach is to comprehensively address the family as well as the individual client. It is generally really useful to observe the interaction of other family members with the client, as well as the environment and community in which the person and family live. This allows the formulation of interventions leading to changes that can help the community as well as the family and individual family members expressing distress.