Ways I can help

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Life throws challenging situations at us from time to time. Here are the ways in which I can help you deal with those challenges that you may be having difficulties with.

If we’re ever feeling disturbed, it’s natural for us to want to know what the root cause is before we seek a solution. But just like with physical pain, the cause of emotional distress is sometimes also not immediately obvious. So it’s important not to get stuck with trying to find a cause or underlying problem; the main thing is to reach out, so that your counsellor can understand how to help you heal.

Here are some of the important areas in which I can help. Click each to learn more, or click here to book an appointment.


Depression

If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, worthlessness or guilt; if you’re sleeping too little or too much; if you’ve lost your appetite, or your interest in things you once enjoyed; or if you constantly feel lethargic or tired, can’t concentrate or make decisions, it’s possible you may be suffering from depression.

Depression—far more than just ‘feeling low’—is a common but serious illness, and one that can impact how you interact with people and other aspects of your daily life. Depression may even affect you for no obvious reason. By working together, we can understand the root cause, and I can help you explore ways to work through it and emerge feeling more positive and hopeful.

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Anxiety

If you feel like you’re constantly worrying, can never relax, always assume the worst, and even have physical symptoms like dry mouth, nausea, an irregular heartbeat or sleeping difficulties, you may be suffering from excessive anxiety.

It’s normal to feel anxious or to worry about the future and about important events. But when the feeling of anxiety becomes constant and affects how you function, it’s time to reach out for help. I can help you understand the underlying thought processes causing your anxiety, and help you create a healthier and more positive mindset for yourself.

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Low self-esteem

If you feel that everything bad is your fault, that you don’t deserve good things, that your life has no meaning and that no one loves you; if you try to avoid interacting with people, and if self-doubt constantly affects your actions; you might be suffering from low self-esteem.

All of us have doubts about ourselves from time to time. But if your self-image and how you think others see you are mainly negative, and if you believe you’ve only made mistakes and will continue to do so, then you may need help to value and respect yourself the way you deserve. I can help you understand and change why you feel negatively about yourself, and help you become more confident and assertive.

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Grief and loss

All of us will, at some point in our lives, lose something or someone important to us. But sometimes, the deep sadness, anger, conflict, fear or inability to understand our loss can become overwhelming. And this can happen to anyone, no matter what the type of loss.

If you are having trouble in dealing with your loss, I can help you find your way through the pain, and help you feel better by guiding you in coping with your grief and coming to terms with your loss. This is the first step towards starting to feel more hopeful, and towards living a more fulfilling life.

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Trauma and abuse

If you have experienced an extremely distressing event in the past, and even long after the incident, find that you avoid places, sights, sounds and situations that remind you of it; feel numb or depressed; experience the same feelings as during the event; have nightmares or flashbacks; feel angry, irritable or very cautious; act aggressively or hurt yourself; have difficulty sleeping; have lost interest in things you used to enjoy; or can’t remember details of the event, then these may be signs of emotional trauma.

Extremely stressful events can sometimes undermine our sense of security and make us feel helpless and fearful long afterwards. I can help you heal from your trauma by giving you a safe and soothing space in which to understand your pain, and find ways to deal with and eventually overcome it.

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Life changes

Sudden changes in our lives, even positive ones, can be confusing and overwhelming. If you feel like you are having trouble dealing with changes like leaving home to study; having a new job or losing an old one; relocating to a new place; getting married or ending a previous relationship; becoming a parent or watching your children grow up and move away; growing older and retiring; or dealing with a major illness or the death of a loved one, therapy can be a great help.

Major changes in our lives can be stressful, but can also be opportunities to become stronger and develop new skills. I can help you deal with the challenges posed by current and future changes in your life by helping you understand the reasons for your difficulties, and by helping you develop the skills to overcome them.

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Couples’ counselling

If you feel like you and your partner are emotionally distant and are unable to communicate properly; have lost trust because one of you has been unfaithful; can’t agree on how to raise your child/children, manage your finances or deal with your in-laws; have problems with sex and intimacy; can’t seem to balance work and family commitments; or aren’t ready for a commitment in the first place; couples counselling can be of great help.

Both happy and distressed couples can benefit from counselling. No matter what state your relationship is in, I can help you deepen your connection with each other by giving you a safe and supportive space in which to explore your emotions and resolve your differences.

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Other areas in which I can help

Besides these, I can also help you with

  • Career counselling
  • Relationship concerns
  • Procrastination
  • Body image concerns
  • Anger management
  • Lack of assertiveness
  • Alcohol, tobacco and drug dependence
  • Mood swings
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • Trust and intimacy difficulties
  • Panic attacks
  • Sexual harassment
  • Stress management
  • Domestic violence
  • Exam stress
  • Concerns about health

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