What can therapy help with?

Grief, loss, bereavement

The death of someone close to us is one of the hardest experiences we can go through as human beings. I’ve extensive experience in being alongside people who are grieving, whoever the person who died and whatever the circumstances. This includes people who have been bereaved in the challenging context of the COVID19 pandemic. I also have particular experience supporting those bereaved as a result of someone’s drug or alcohol use.

I’ve also supported many people mourning more hidden grief and losses, like childlessness, miscarriage and fertility issues; the legacy of being brought up in care; and survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.

Life decisions, transitions, life-crises

There are times when we all face challenging events, dilemmas, difficult decisions in life and transitions. I can support you through these times to grieve for what may be lost, explore new possibilities and arrive somewhere that is right for you in your life now. These times can be deeply painful and testing. They can throw up profound existential questions around life purpose, meaning and mortality, yet also offer unexpected opportunities too. 

I’ve worked with many people facing a diagnosis of a chronic or life-limiting illness; adjusting to different stages of parenthood; and people facing retirement and other work-related issues.

Relationships

Human relationships can be a source of great joy, connection, and happiness. Yet they can also generate deep distress and unhappiness. You may be struggling in your relationships generally or finding a particular relationship difficult, whether a partner, parent, child (including adult children), colleague, sibling, friend or others. Relationships may have become more strained and challenging as a result of the COVID19 crisis.

You may want to explore conflict, relationship breakdown, infidelity, abuse, intimacy and a host of other interpersonal issues. I can support you to become more aware of what your needs and choices are in your relationships and explore ways to experience more enriching relationships.

Self-compassion

Sometimes it’s how you feel about yourself that is making life less satisfying than you would like. Maybe you find yourself blaming yourself when things go wrong. Perhaps you feel guilty and ashamed. You may be highly critical of yourself or perfectionist in how you approach certain aspects of life. In my experience, one of the greatest benefits of therapy is an increase in self-acceptance and that, as you start to treat yourself more kindly and compassionately, many other difficulties recede and resolve.

Anxiety

We are living in anxious and uncertain times. Anxiety can make everyday life feel daunting and frightening, taking away joy and closing down possibilities. It can affect your thoughts, feelings, body, quality of life and relationships. You may be struggling with a generalised feeling of anxiety or something more specific like health anxiety, social anxiety, panic or death anxiety. I will support you to explore what’s underlying your experience of anxiety and find ways to alleviate it.