As a therapist my job is to listen to you attentively as you explore what brings you to therapy. Together we will explore your life, your issues, circumstances and situations around which you want to find more understanding, a deeper self-awareness or greater clarity. We may need to examine area's that are causing anger, confusion or frustration. We may need to probe into unresolved issues from the past that are holding you back from living fully in the present. While some painful feelings may be experienced; we will also experience laughter, joy, humour and healing as we move forward with renewed hope and optimism.

I am often asked what the difference between counselling and psychotherapy is. Some will say that psychotherapy explores issues in greater depth than counselling and requires a longer time commitment. Others will tell you that counselling is used to help people cope with current or more recent events that require immediate and effective treatment in a short time span. Some therapists will say that there is no difference between the two terms and that they can be used interchangeably. Regardless of what we call it, the form the therapy takes will depend on the nature of the issues to be addressed, the client's willingness to commit themselves and participate fully to working within the therapeutic process and, will be dependent on what the client wishes to achieve through attending therapy.

The main reason people seek therapy is to ease some form of emotional distress such as:

·  Low moods, depression, general feelings of despair, helplessness, hopelessness, confusion etc
·  Pain and grief associated with loss, separation or bereavement
·  Low self-esteem, lack of confidence and inability to assert oneself
·  Worry and fear about the future
·  Anger, feelings of being powerless over a situation or issue
·  Postnatal depression
·  Suffering due to physical or sexual abuse
·  Addictions
·  Relationship difficulties
·  General feeling that something is missing in their lives
·  Feelings of dissatisfaction and unhappiness

People all over the world are continually striving to find more happiness, more satisfaction and greater pleasure in their lives. We want to have healthy relationships where we feel connected to the people we care about. We want to feel that we are doing something worthwhile with our lives and be respected by others. It can be very difficult to see a way to achieve these objectives when we are anxious, in distress and unhappy however there is help. Counselling and psychotherapy can offer a huge range of benefits.

• become more self aware
• make sense of the past for yourself and move into the present
• find the answers you seek within yourself
• work through painful feelings in a safe, supportive way
• begin to help you make sense of problems in your life
• examine your current feelings, actions and behaviours
• explore new ways of thinking about your life or situation
• find new, more satisfying behaviours to improve your situation
• see things from a different perspective
• find some new options and choices available to you that you didn't consider before
• fulfill your potential and develop your talents and skills
• find the freedom to live your life the way you want to live it
• take control of your life and your choices so that you get what you want from your life
• have healthy happy relationships
• empower your to live a happier life

Attending therapy can help you discover what it is you want from your life. It can help you evaluate what you are currently doing and whether it is working for you. It gives you the opportunity to consider and choose new perspectives and new behaviours that can improve your relationships and all area's of your life.