Compassionate, integrative support for your mental health and wellbeing journey
Anxiety
Anxiety is one of the most common presenting problems that brings individuals to seek help. It manifests as persistent worry, fear, and unease that can significantly impact daily life. While it's normal to experience anxiety in certain situations, anxiety is disabling when these feelings become overwhelming, disproportionate to the actual threat, and interfere with your ability to function normally.
The Benefits You'll Gain
Breaking the cycle of worry, fear, and physical symptoms
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Break the Anxiety Cycle
Learn to interrupt the cycle where fear of symptoms—racing heart, muscle tension, shortness of breath—creates more anxiety
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Challenge Catastrophic Thinking
Develop skills to manage constant worry about the future and reduce overwhelming feelings of dread or impending doom
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Reclaim Your Daily Life
Move from overwhelming, disproportionate fear that interferes with functioning to managing anxiety in healthy, sustainable ways
The symptoms of anxiety are both physical and psychological. You might experience restlessness, a racing heart, shortness of breath, muscle tension, sweating, and difficulty concentrating. These physical symptoms can be particularly distressing, often creating a cycle where fear of the symptoms themselves increases anxiety levels. Psychologically, anxiety can manifest as constant worry about the future, catastrophic thinking, and an overwhelming sense of dread or impending doom.
Types of Anxiety
Anxiety comes in many forms including generalised anxiety, panic states, social anxiety, and specific phobias. Each type presents its own unique challenges, but all share the common thread of excessive fear or worry, that disrupts normal functioning.
Anxiety affects each person differently. I provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can explore these feelings without shame or guilt. I draw from various therapeutic approaches to help you understand the root causes of your anxiety and develop practical coping strategies. My approach recognises that anxiety often stems from a complex interaction of past experiences, current stressors, and personal vulnerabilities.
Breathing Rhythm
Find your natural flow
Inhale
4 seconds
Hold
4 seconds
Exhale
4 seconds
Follow the moving dot to regulate your breathing pattern
I will be working collaboratively with you to identify triggers and patterns that contribute to your anxiety. I also incorporate practical information helping you to understand the physiology of anxiety. Breathwork and grounding techniques are really important to help with regulating your nervous system. Learning to understand anxiety as an early warning system and not something to be feared, can help you gain a different perspective on it. I will help you identify the early warning signs before dysregulation takes hold. We will explore your thought patterns, whilst noticing your somatic responses. Thus identifying that whatever your current thinking is , be it past or future, it is affecting your physiology in the present.
From Storm to Sunshine
Your journey toward emotional balance
Anxiety
Storm of overwhelming emotions
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Transformation
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Management
Calm clarity and control
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Just as weather changes, so can your emotional state with the right support and tools
Whether your anxiety is related to work stress, relationships, health concerns, or general life pressures, I can help you recognise that healing from anxiety is not about eliminating worry entirely, but about developing a healthier relationship with uncertainty and building resilience for the future. Thus helping you to move from a place of fear and avoidance to one of confidence and empowerment.
Depression
Recovery from depression is often a gradual process that requires patience, compassion and professional guidance.
Depression is far more than feeling sad or having a difficult day. It is characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, despair and loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Depression affects how you think, feel, and behave, and can lead to significant impairment in your personal, social, and everyday functioning.
Benefits of Healing
Psychological
Enhanced mental clarity and emotional regulation
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Physical
Improved body awareness and somatic release
VitalityWellness
The symptoms of depression are varied and can affect every aspect of your life. You might experience persistent low mood, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and in some cases, thoughts of death or suicide. Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, and unexplained aches and pains are also common, demonstrating how depression affects both mind and body.
Different Forms of Depression
Depression can manifest differently in each person. Some people experience major depressive episodes with severe symptoms that significantly impact their ability to function, whereby even everyday tasks regarding personal hygiene are insurmountable. Others may have persistent depressive disorder with milder but longer-lasting symptoms. Seasonal affective disorder, postpartum depression, and depression related to medical conditions are other forms that require specialised understanding and support.
The causes of depression are complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Life events such as trauma, loss, relationship problems, early attachment patterns or significant stress can trigger depressive episodes, particularly in individuals who are already vulnerable. Understanding these contributing factors is crucial for effective healing and recovery.
I provide compassionate, professional support for individuals experiencing depression in all its forms. My integrative approach recognises that depression affects the whole person, not just their mood, and I work to address the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of this condition , providing a safe therapeutic space, without judgment, where you can feel heard and validated, however you are feeling at this moment in time .
Understanding Your Nervous System
Hyperarousal
Fight / Flight
Highly anxious states, elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels
Racing heart
Heightened alert
Muscle tension
Natural Oscillation
Hypoarousal
Deep Rest / Freeze
Detachment, low energy, body rebalancing and recovery mode
Low energy
Disconnection
Numbing
Window of Tolerance
The optimal zone where you can function effectively, process emotions, and respond flexibly to life's challenges
DysregulatedRegulatedDysregulated
Your body's protective mechanism: When you spend a lot of time in highly anxious states (hyperarousal), your body will reset itself to a state of hypoarousal. This means that you will move from a fight/flight reaction to one of detachment - depressed (deep-rest). This is a physiological response designed to rebalance your nervous system.
Your body isn't designed to continually run on adrenalin and cortisol, so it has to take matters into it's own hands ( so to speak ) . Your mind interprets the depressed state as if something frightening is happening, rather than recognising that you have reached your peak. Together , we will explore the deeper meaning behind your depression and learn effective coping strategies that support long-term recovery and emotional well-being.
Resilience in Motion
Continuous Movement
Always in motion, never static
Rhythmic Pattern
Natural ups and downs
Recovery Ability
Bouncing back each time
Confusion/ Disorientation/ Dissociation
Confusion and disorientation/ dissociation can be frightening experiences that significantly impact your sense of self and ability to navigate daily life. These symptoms can manifest as difficulty thinking clearly, problems with memory and concentration, feeling disconnected from your surroundings, or experiencing a sense of unreality about your situation or identity.
While sometimes related to medical conditions, and drug use , these responses are predominantly psychological responses to overwhelming stress, trauma, PTSD /CPTSD or significant life changes.
From Disconnection to Wholeness
Fragmented State
Dissociation
Disconnected parts
Healing Journey
Unified State
Integration
Unified wholeness
Reconnecting fragmented parts
Building self-cohesion
Creating inner harmony
Psychological confusion often occurs when the mind becomes overwhelmed by conflicting thoughts, emotions, or situations. You might find yourself unable to make decisions, feeling lost about your direction in life, or experiencing a sense of mental fog that makes it difficult to process information or engage with others effectively. This can be particularly distressing because it affects your sense of competence and control over your own life.
Disorientation / Dissociation can manifest as feeling disconnected from time, place, or personal identity. You might struggle to remember recent events, feel uncertain about where you are or what you're supposed to be doing, or experience a troubling sense that you don't recognise yourself or your life circumstances . These symptoms emerge as the mind's way of protecting itself from overwhelming experiences or emotions that feel too intense to process directly.
This is your survival instinct protecting you from a perceived threat in the Now .
Trauma Stored in the Body
Understanding somatic memory and cellular storage
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Past experiences have somatised in your body — memories stored in the cells, long after the original event — always on alert for new threats.
The past experiences have somatised in your body ( stayed as a memory in the cells of your body - long after the original event) and are always on the alert for new threats in the environment.
The Smoke Detector Analogy
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Alarm Response Active
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Prefrontal Cortex
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Body Response
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Threat Detection
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When the smoke detector goes off:
Your brain and body are wired to react as if there is a danger. The prefrontal cortex (where speech, language, and rational thought reside) goes offline. The capacity to still the body and check out what is actually occurring isn't available to you. There is a perceived threat and you must take immediate action.
A good analogy is when a smoke detector goes off . Your brain / body is wired to react as if there is a fire . The prefrontal cortex( where speech / language / rational thought reside ) goes off line . The capacity to still the body and check out what is actually occurring , isn't available to you ) There is a threat and you must take action .
In order to work effectively with this level of trauma , it is first and foremostly, important to create an environment of stability and trust .
Constant Environmental Scanning
High Degree of Hypervigilance
Continuous Monitoring
24/7 environmental awareness
Threat Detection
Heightened sensitivity to cues
Rapid Response
Quick reaction to stimuli
Meeting a health professional can often add to feelings of uncertainty and insecurity . You will have already encountered a great deal of unpredictability in people and situations and this will manifest in either states of high anxiety or dissociation in the first meeting .
You will be assessing whether this is a space that you can trust , and you will have a high degree of hypervigilance . Establishing a relationship with the therapist is of utmost importance and I encourage you to ask questions and use the first meeting to speak about any concerns you have regarding the therapeutic relationship, alongside the reasons that have brought you into therapy.
Building Trust: A Foundation for Healing
A progressive journey towards deeper therapeutic work
Safety & Stability
Trust in Relationship
Understanding & Validation
Deeper Trauma Work
Each level builds upon the previous, creating a solid foundation for meaningful transformation
I create a safe, grounding environment where you can explore your experiences of confusion without judgment. I will help you identify potential triggers and underlying causes while developing practical strategies for managing symptoms when they arise. My approach includes helping you establish a sense of safety and stability, which is crucial for addressing disorientation effectively.
My integrative methodology helps me to draw from various therapeutic approaches depending on your specific needs. I use grounding techniques to help you feel more connected to the present moment, refraiming confused thinking patterns, and trauma-informed approaches to help you manage your symptoms and identify triggers . I also incorporate somatic processing to help you understand that the sensations, that you experience, are related to an emotional response .
Bipolar Disorder/ Mood Dysregulation
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterised by extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These fluctuations go far beyond normal ups and downs, involving distinct episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with periods of depression. Understanding bipolar disorder is crucial because these mood episodes can significantly impact relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.
Mood Oscillation Pattern
Baseline Mood
Manic
Depressive
Manic Episodes
Elevated mood, increased energy
Depressive Episodes
Low mood, reduced energy
Unpredictable fluctuations
The flowing wave pattern represents the natural but challenging oscillation between elevated and depressed mood states that characterize bipolar disorder. These cycles can vary in intensity, duration, and frequency, making them unpredictable and requiring careful monitoring and management.
During manic episodes, individuals may experience elevated mood, increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, increased talkativeness, and impulsive behaviour that can have serious consequences. The elevated mood might initially feel positive, but it often leads to poor judgment, risky behaviour, and significant problems in personal and professional relationships.
Depressive episodes in bipolar disorder mirror those of major depression, involving persistent sadness, hopelessness, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep, difficulty concentrating, and sometimes suicidal thoughts. These episodes can be particularly challenging because they often follow periods of elevated mood, creating a stark contrast that can feel devastating and confusing.
The Stark Contrast Between Episodes
Manic Episodes
Elevated mood
Increased energy
Decreased need for sleep
Racing thoughts
Increased talkativeness
Impulsive behaviour
Poor judgment
Risky behaviour
Depressive Episodes
Persistent sadness
Hopelessness
Fatigue
Changes in appetite
Sleep disturbances
Difficulty concentrating
Sometimes suicidal thoughts
Devastating contrast
Together we will address the multiple facets of the condition, emotional regulation, thought patterns, relationship impacts and practical life management. I will help you understand your personal triggers and create effective coping mechanisms for managing both manic and depressive symptoms. My approach includes psychoeducation about the condition, which is essential for long-term management and recovery.
Early Warning System
Recognising the signs before escalation
MONITORING
ACTIVE
Alert Level:
Monitor Triggers
Stay alert to early warning signs
Track Patterns
Identify recurring behaviors
Notice Changes
Observe shifts in mood or behavior
Implement Strategies
Take proactive action steps
Building Stability Through Structured Support
A progressive pathway toward emotional and behavioural stability
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Emotional Regulation Skills
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Communication in Relationships
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Structured Daily Routines
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Trigger Identification & Management
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Long-term Stability & Recovery
Identity Issues
Identity encompasses our sense of who we are, including our values, beliefs, roles, and understanding of ourselves in relation to others. Identity issues arise when this sense of self becomes fragmented, unclear, or inconsistent, leading to confusion, distress, and difficulty navigating relationships and life decisions. These challenges can emerge at any stage of life but are particularly common during times of significant change or stress.
Mirror Reflection: From Fragmentation to Wholeness
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Fragmented Self
Disconnected pieces
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Integration Journey
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Clear Reflection
Integrated wholeness
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The journey of self-reflection: Moving from a fragmented, unclear sense of self to developing a stronger, more authentic identity through therapeutic exploration and integration.
Identity concerns can manifest in various ways, including uncertainty about personal values, gender confusion (gender dsyphoria) , confusion about life direction, difficulty making decisions that reflect your authentic self, or feeling like you're living someone else's life. You might experience a persistent sense of emptiness, struggle with self-esteem, or find yourself constantly adapting to please others at the expense of your own needs and desires.
The causes of identity issues are complex and can include childhood experiences, trauma, cultural pressures, major life transitions, or societal expectations that conflict with your authentic self. Sometimes identity confusion emerges as a protective mechanism when your true self feels unsafe or unacceptable in your environment. This can lead to developing a "false self" that feels disconnected from your genuine thoughts and feelings.
Uncovering Your Authentic Self
Social Masks
Expectations
Fears
Defenses
False Self Layers
Protective barriers hiding your true self
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Therapeutic Process
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Authentic Core
Your true, vibrant self revealed
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Peeling away protective layers: The therapeutic process helps you gradually remove the translucent layers of the "false self" - the social masks, internalized expectations, fears, and defenses - to reveal your vibrant, authentic core underneath.
Identity issues can significantly impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, and a persistent feeling of being lost or directionless. The uncertainty about who you are and what you want can make it challenging to form meaningful relationships, pursue fulfilling career paths, or make decisions that support your wellbeing.
Finding Your Direction
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W
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Lost & Directionless
Uncertainty and confusion
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Self-Discovery Journey
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Clear Direction
Purpose and confidence
Through self-discovery and exploration, you move from uncertainty to clarity - finding your unique direction aligned with your authentic self.
I will help you explore and develop a stronger, more authentic sense of self. My integrative approach recognises that identity formation is an ongoing process that involves understanding your past experiences, current circumstances, and future aspirations. I create a safe therapeutic environment where you can explore different aspects of yourself without judgment or pressure to conform to external expectations.
Identity Formation: An Ongoing Process
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Past Experiences
Your roots and foundation
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Present Self
Your current growth
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Future Growth
Your potential branches
I will help you identify and challenge beliefs or patterns that may be limiting your authentic self-expression. Supporting you in recognising your core values, strengths, and genuine desires, helping you develop confidence in your own identity and decision-making abilities. My approach includes exploring how past relationships and experiences have shaped your sense of self and identifying areas where growth and healing can occur.
Discovering Your Core Values and Strengths
Values
Strengths
Beliefs
Desires
Purpose
Authenticity
Identity
Growth
Your inner constellation forms a unique pattern - each point of light representing an essential part of who you are, connected in ways that create meaning and direction.
The person-centred methodology is particularly effective for identity work because it emphasises your inherent worth and potential for growth. I will help you develop self-compassion and acceptance while also supporting you in making changes that align with your authentic self. This process can be transformative, leading to greater self-confidence, improved relationships, and a stronger sense of direction and purpose in life.
Grief and Loss
Grief is the natural response to losing someone significant in your life, whether through the death of a loved one or the ending of a relationship . Grief is a deeply personal journey that affects every aspect of your being - emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual and requires an holistic approach to healing . While grief is a normal response to loss, it can be overwhelming and may require professional support to navigate the complex range of emotions .
The Hidden Depth of Grief
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10m
20m
30m
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What's Visible: Tears, silence, difficult days
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What's Beneath: Profound emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual impact affecting every aspect of your being
The experience of grief is unique to each individual and relationship. You might experience intense sadness, anger, guilt, relief, numbness, or a confusing mixture of emotions that seem to change without warning. Physical symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep, headaches, and other bodily sensations are also common responses to loss.
Grief Doesn't Follow a Linear Path
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Intense Emotion
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Relative Calm
Unpredictable waves: You might experience waves of intense emotion followed by periods of relative calm, or find that certain dates, places, or memories trigger unexpected emotional responses.
🌊Waves are natural
💙All feelings valid
🕐Triggers vary
Grief doesn't follow a linear path or predetermined timeline. You might experience waves of intense emotion followed by periods of relative calm, or find that certain dates, places, or memories trigger unexpected emotional responses. This unpredictability can be distressing, especially when others expect you to "move on" according to their timeline rather than your own.
Your Unique Grief Journey
Beginning
Navigating
Processing
Adapting
Continuing
No straight path: The grief journey meanders, circles back, and moves forward at its own pace. There is no "right way" through grief and no timeline set by others. Each person's path is uniquely their own.
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Non-linear process
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No fixed timeline
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Personally meaningful
Complicated grief can occur when the normal grieving process becomes stuck or prolonged, significantly impacting your ability to function in daily life. This might happen when the loss was particularly traumatic, when there were unresolved issues in the relationship, or when you lack adequate support during your grief journey.
I provide compassionate, support for individuals navigating the complex landscape of grief and loss. I recognise that grief affects every aspect of your life and that healing requires time, patience, and self compassion. You'll find a safe space to express all aspects of your grief without judgment or pressure to "get over it" quickly.
Grief is Love With Nowhere to Go
Honoring the scars that shape us. Rebuilding with resilience and light.
Acceptance
Resilience
Transformation
I help you understand that grief is love with nowhere to go and support you in finding healthy ways to honour your loss while gradually rebuilding your life. I will help you process difficult emotions, manage the practical challenges that accompany loss, and develop coping strategies for managing grief triggers.
A Safe Space to Hold Your Emotions
A therapeutic space where sadness, anger, relief, and numbness can mix without judgment. Here, every feeling is valid, contained, and safe.
I also recognise that grief can bring up complicated feelings about the relationship with the person who died, including unresolved conflicts, regrets, or unexpressed love. I provide support for working through these complex emotions and finding peace with the relationship as it was, rather than as you wished it could have been.
Through consistent, compassionate support, I will help you navigate your unique grief journey while developing resilience and gradually finding meaning and purpose in life after loss.
Sexual Abuse
Finding Your Way Back to Yourself after sexual abuse takes patience and courage . Sexual abuse is a profound violation of trust and safety that can leave deep and lasting scars. It is an experience that no one should ever have to endure, yet it is a painful reality for far too many. The trauma of sexual abuse can permeate every corner of a survivor's life, affecting their mental health, relationships, and sense of self. If you are a survivor, please know this: your feelings are valid, you are not alone.
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PTSD Symptoms
Intrusive memories, **flashbacks**, and emotional distress triggered by reminders of the past.
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Anxiety & Depression
**Hypervigilance**, panic attacks, overwhelming sadness, or emotional numbness.
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Dissociation
**Feeling detached** from your body or reality; a coping mechanism for overwhelming pain.
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Relationships
Difficulty with **trust and intimacy**, making it hard to form or maintain healthy connections.
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Self-Worth
Feelings of **shame or guilt**, and struggling to see your own value and identity.
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Coping Mechanisms
Developing unique responses to manage pain—these are **survival strategies**, not flaws.
Understanding the Impact of Sexual Abuse, Sexual violence, which includes sexual abuse and assault, is any sexual act performed without consent. The trauma from such an experience is not something one simply "gets over." It fundamentally alters a person's sense of safety in the world and can lead to a range of challenging psychological and emotional responses. Survivors are not broken; they are reacting normally to an abnormal and horrific event. Common struggles for survivors include:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This can manifest as intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe emotional distress when reminded of the trauma. A survivor might actively avoid places or people that trigger these memories.
Anxiety and Depression: A constant state of hypervigilance, panic attacks, and overwhelming feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or numbness are common.
Dissociation: Many survivors experience a feeling of being detached from their body, their emotions, or reality itself. This is a coping mechanism the mind uses to endure unbearable pain.
Relationship Difficulties: Trust is often shattered by abuse. This can make it incredibly difficult to form healthy, intimate relationships. Survivors may struggle with fears of abandonment, an inability to set boundaries, or a pattern of entering unhealthy relationships.
Impact on Self-Worth and Identity: Abuse can instil deep-seated feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. Many survivors internalize the blame, even though the abuse was never their fault.
Coping Mechanisms: To manage the intense emotional pain, some survivors may turn to self-harm, disordered eating, or substance abuse. These are not character flaws but desperate attempts to cope with overwhelming feelings.
The First Step Is the hardest, and the bravest . Making the decision to seek help is a monumental act of courage. It's completely normal to feel anxious, fearful, or uncertain about starting therapy.
Many survivors have had their trust betrayed in the worst possible way, so the idea of opening up to a stranger can be terrifying.
I have many years of extensive experience and I recognise that the early stages of therapy are often the most difficult. Initially, you will be assessing whether you feel safe and comfortable enough to trust the therapeutic space . Once trust has been broken in such a profound way , you will be understandably cautious about who to trust again . You may have tried to tell someone about your experience, only to have that person deny or distort what happened to you , leading you to doubt and question your own experiencing of the events . Feeling heard and believed are the foundation to healing and recovery .
The First Step Is the Hardest, and the Bravest.
My approach is built on the core principle that a successful outcome depends on creating a genuine, authentic, and safe therapeutic relationship. Your initial session is an opportunity to: Experience the Environment: See if the space feels safe and comfortable for you. Ask Questions: Voice any concerns or fears you have about the process. Assess the Connection: The relationship is a two-way street. It is vital that you feel that my way of working is right for you. You are in control of this decision. You may decide to meet with a few counsellors before choosing one, and that is perfectly okay. You are making an important investment in your wellbeing, and finding the right person is paramount .
Healing from sexual abuse is not a linear process, and there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach. As an Integrative counsellor, I draw from different therapeutic models to help you understand the physiology of trauma, help you gain insights and understanding , alongside helping you process your thoughts and feelings about what has happened to you . The ultimate aim is to help you reframe how you feel about yourself , moving from negative self beliefs to a more life affirming position .
A safe, integrative space where understanding, insight, and transformation come together in your healing journey.
The therapeutic journey involves : Establishing Safety: The first and most critical step is ensuring you feel physically and psychologically safe. This means creating a trusting relationship and a stable environment where you can begin to explore your trauma without feeling overwhelmed. Processing the Trauma: In a safe space, you can begin to talk about what happened when you are ready. This isn't about reliving the pain but about processing the memories and emotions so they no longer have the same power over you. Challenging Unhelpful Beliefs: Therapy can help you identify and challenge the negative beliefs you may have internalized, such as "It was my fault" or "I am unworthy of love." You will work to replace shame and self-blame with self-compassion and understanding.
Learning Coping Skills: You will develop healthy coping strategies to manage triggers, anxiety, and intense emotions. This may include grounding techniques, mindfulness, and breathing exercises to help regulate your nervous system.
Reconnecting with Yourself and Others: A central part of healing is rebuilding a relationship with yourself—your body, your emotions, and your identity. Therapy helps you learn to set healthy boundaries, cultivate self-esteem, and slowly build trust in yourself and others again, paving the way for healthier relationships.
You have the strength to reclaim your story and step into a future filled with hope.
Empowerment and Reclaiming Your Story: Ultimately, therapy empowers you to move from being a victim of your past to the author of your future. You will learn that while the abuse is a part of your story, it does not have to define your entire life.
Spiritual Awakening
In an era defined by rapid technological change, environmental urgency, and deep social shifts, a growing number of people are turning inward, seeking a more profound sense of meaning, purpose, and connection. The term "spiritual awakening" describes a personal transformation that feels both intensely intimate and universally relevant.
"The journey of awakening begins with a single moment of awareness"
For many, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year—one where external pressures are becoming powerful catalysts for internal growth. There is also a greater awareness and acceptance that there is more to the human experience than we have been told . This has been aided by the plethora of information now available on the Internet.
From this we are beginning to gain insights into the quantum nature of reality . Understanding that everything on the planet and within the cosmos is energetic in nature . The world at large is a reflection of all that we are , reflecting back to us our own internal conflicts . Nothing is by chance , all is designed to mirror back to us what we need to work on , in order to bring about change in ourselves and in the world .
When stepping onto this path , individuals often feel isolated and alone , especially if those closest to them don't understand or ridicule their way of perceiving the world . It can bring about a great deal of relief to have another validate their new found way of being in the world .
I will help you navigate your feelings and experiences with empathy and compassion. Appreciating that your experiences are uniquely yours . I encompass meditation , relaxation techniques and visualisation work to bring experiences into the 'here and now.
What is a Spiritual Awakening? At its core, a spiritual awakening is the process of shifting your primary awareness from the ego-self to your true, conscious nature. In Jungian psychology the alchemical process of turning base metal into gold.
The ego is the construct of identity we build from our thoughts, beliefs, social roles, and memories. It is the part of us that seeks external validation and lives in a state of separation. Awakening is the realization that you are not your thoughts, emotions, or body; you are the timeless awareness observing them. This is not a one-time event but a sustained process of disillusionment, where the illusions of the ego begin to dissolve, revealing a deeper reality. It is a rebirth into a more authentic way of living, guided by inner truth rather than external conditioning.
The Catalyst: Why Is This Happening Now? While spiritual awakenings are a timeless human experience, the current global climate is accelerating the process for many. The convergence of several major forces creates an environment ripe for questioning and transformation:
Global Instability: Political polarization, economic uncertainty, and social fragmentation are causing many to lose faith in external systems for security and happiness. This pushes individuals to seek stability within.
Technological Disruption: The rise of Artificial Intelligence and the pervasive nature of social media are blurring the lines between what is real and what is artificial, prompting a search for genuine connection and truth.
A Call for Deeper Meaning: As old structures and belief systems crumble, there is a collective yearning for a life that feels more meaningful than the pursuit of material success. This often ignites the initial spark of curiosity that leads to an awakening journey .
Global Instability
External systems crumbling, pushing us to seek inner stability
Technological Disruption
AI and digital life blurring reality, prompting authentic connection
Call for Deeper Meaning
Moving beyond materialism toward purposeful, authentic living
These external pressures act as a "trigger," shaking people out of complacency and forcing them to confront life's bigger questions.
The Four Stages of the Awakening Journey
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Stage 1: The Awakening Phase
The Questioning
Stage 1: The Awakening Phase (The Questioning) This is where the journey begins. It’s often initiated by an unexpected life event—a loss, a health crisis, or a sudden moment of clarity—or it can be a gradual dawning that something is missing from your life.
Signs of this stage include: A deep sense that there is more to life than what you see on the surface. Feeling disconnected from the routines and societal expectations you once followed. Material pursuits may start to feel empty. Experiencing "aha" moments or cosmic "downloads" that offer a glimpse of a greater reality. A growing curiosity about spiritual topics, such as meditation, energy, and consciousness. This phase is about the first crack appearing in the armour of the ego. It's the moment you start looking for a deeper truth you sense is there but can't yet fully grasp.
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Stage 2: The Purging Phase
The Dark Night of the Soul
After the initial awakening comes the most challenging phase: the purge. This is where the real work of clearing out old, misaligned energy begins. Everything that is not in alignment with your true self—repressed emotions, past traumas, limiting beliefs, and unhealthy relationships—rises to the surface to be seen, felt, and released.
This phase can involve: Intense emotional releases, such as unexplained sadness, anger, or anxiety. You may find yourself crying over things you thought were long resolved. Feeling lost, confused, and isolated, as your old identity begins to fall away before a new one has formed. Physical symptoms like fatigue or changes in sleep patterns as your body processes the energetic shifts. The breakdown of relationships or life structures that are no longer a vibrational match for who you are becoming. This stage is often called "The Dark Night of the Soul." It is not a setback; it is a sacred and necessary detox. It’s crucial during this time to be exceptionally gentle with yourself and seek support from those who understand the spiritual nature of this process.
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Stage 3: The Integration Phase
Rebuilding and Embodiment
Once the intensity of the purge begins to subside, you enter the integration phase. This is where you start to embody the lessons and insights you've gained. You consciously rebuild your life from a place of authenticity and expanded awareness.
Activities in this stage focus on: Establishing new, supportive routines that include practices like meditation, journaling, or time in nature. Setting healthy boundaries in relationships and making choices that honour your energy and wellbeing. Feeling more grounded, balanced, and at peace as you learn to live from your centre. Integrating your spiritual insights into your daily life, work, and relationships, creating a seamless flow between your inner and outer worlds. This is a time of stabilization, where you learn to walk your talk and live in alignment with your soul's purpose.
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Stage 4: The Expansion Phase
Service and Unity
In the final stage, your awareness expands beyond your personal journey to a sense of unity with all of life. Having healed much of your own pain, you feel a natural desire to be of service to others and to the world.
Characteristics of this phase include: A profound sense of interconnectedness, compassion, and unconditional love for others. Living with a clear sense of purpose, often expressed through creative arts, community service, or simply by being a calming, loving presence in the world. An expanded consciousness that allows you to see the bigger picture and make choices that benefit the collective. This stage is about living as an embodiment of love and light, contributing to the healing and awakening of humanity simply by being your most authentic self. Navigating Your Path is not about achieving perfection but about embracing your full humanity with awareness and love.
Two Approaches to Hope
Naive Hope
Waits for external illumination
Depends on others to light the way
Flame flickers without care
Power given away
Empowered Hope
Cultivates inner radiance
Tends own flame with intention
Light grows through practice
Power reclaimed
Eating Disorders
Internal Perception
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions characterised by abnormal eating behaviours and distorted relationships with food, weight, and body image. These conditions go far beyond simply being concerned about food or appearance; they involve complex psychological, emotional, and often physical symptoms that can have severe health consequences if left unhealed.
Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder, each presenting unique challenges and symptoms. Anorexia involves restriction of food intake leading to significantly low body weight, intense fear of weight gain, and distorted body image. Bulimia involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviours like vomiting or excessive exercise. Binge eating disorder involves recurrent episodes of eating large amounts of food in short periods while feeling out of control.
Anorexia Nervosa
Patterns of restriction and control.
Bulimia Nervosa
Cyclical behaviors of intake and release.
Binge Eating
Episodes of overwhelm and loss of control.
The psychological aspects of eating disorders often involve perfectionism, low self-esteem, need for control, difficulty expressing emotions, and using food behaviours to cope with stress, trauma, or overwhelming feelings. These conditions frequently occur with anxiety, depression, or trauma-related responses , and therefore require a comprehensive approach to healing .
Eating disorders can develop for various reasons, including psychological factors, cultural pressures around body image, traumatic experiences, or major life stressors. The diet culture prevalent in modern society, with its emphasis on thinness and food restriction, can contribute to the development and maintenance of disordered eating patterns.
Contributing Factors
Multiple interconnected influences shape the development of eating disorders
I provide support for individuals struggling with eating disorders, understanding the complex interplay of psychological, emotional, and behavioural factors involved. My integrative approach addresses not just the eating behaviours themselves but the underlying emotional and psychological needs that the eating disorder may be attempting to meet.
A safe, non-judgmental environment where we explore the relationship between emotions, thoughts, and eating behaviours
Together, we'll explore the relationship between emotions, thoughts, and eating behaviours in a safe, non-judgmental environment. I will help you understand how your eating disorder may have developed as a coping mechanism and support you in developing healthier ways of managing emotions and stress. My approach includes addressing body image concerns, perfectionist thinking patterns, and the underlying emotional issues that contribute to disordered eating.
Whole-person approach: integrating mind, body, and emotions
I recognise that recovery from eating disorders requires addressing the whole person, not just the symptoms. Negative beliefs and critical voices are deeply embedded into the behaviour and are not easily persuaded to change .
With long term anorexia it can be hard to recognise bodily cues , which indicate hunger . There is often a dissociative element , which creates a disconnect in receiving those messages . Much of the work involves learning to feel safe enough to stay with your body and learn to trust the signals that it sends you .
Reconnecting with Body Signals
With long-term eating disorders, recognizing bodily cues—such as hunger, fullness, or fatigue—can become challenging. There's often a dissociative element that creates disconnect from these vital messages.
Recovery involves:
• Learning to feel safe staying present in your body
• Gradually rebuilding trust in the signals your body sends
• Creating a compassionate relationship with physical sensations
This reconnection process is at the heart of sustainable recovery
Often times excessive exercise goes hand in hand with disordered eating . It is important to recognise the impact that this has on the body and understand that increasing adrenalin and cortisol levels can have a detrimental effect on your immune system and can create additional health problems .
Growth happens in the quiet moments
Recovery is a journey of gentle unfolding, revealing new light in unexpected places.
Through compassionate, professional support, I will help you develop a greater understanding of your eating disorder and support you in regaining a new perspective , self-acceptance, and authentic self-expression.
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Addictions and Obsessive Behaviours
Addictions and obsessive behaviours represent complex patterns where individuals feel compelled to engage in specific activities despite negative consequences. These conditions can involve substances like alcohol or drugs, or behaviours such as gambling, shopping, porn/ internet use, or other activities that provide temporary relief but ultimately create more problems in life.
Substance Use
Gambling
Technology
Shopping
Other Behaviours
Work
Behavioural addictions share many characteristics with substance addictions, including loss of control, continued engagement despite negative consequences, preoccupation with the behaviour, and withdrawal-like symptoms when unable to engage in the activity. The behaviour often serves as a way to cope with difficult emotions, stress, trauma, or underlying mental health conditions.
Obsessive behaviours can manifest as repetitive actions or thoughts that feel impossible to resist, even when the person recognises they are excessive or harmful. These might include compulsive checking, cleaning, arranging objects, or engaging in mental rituals. While sometimes related to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), obsessive behaviours develop as coping mechanisms for anxiety, stress, or trauma.
The Cycle of Addiction
Understanding the self-perpetuating pattern
Breaking the cycle requires support, new coping strategies, and addressing underlying emotional needs.
The cycle of addiction often begins with temporary relief or pleasure from the behaviour, followed by negative consequences, shame, and increased need to engage in the behaviour to cope with these difficult feelings. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle that becomes increasingly difficult to break without professional support and new coping strategies.
I provide comprehensive support for individuals struggling with addictive and obsessive behaviours, understanding that these patterns often serve important psychological functions even while creating significant problems. My integrative approach addresses both the behaviours themselves and the underlying emotional needs or trauma that may be driving these patterns.
Together , we'll explore the triggers and underlying causes of your addictive or obsessive behaviours in a safe, non-judgmental environment. I will help you understand how these patterns may have developed as coping mechanisms and I will support you in developing healthier alternatives for managing stress, emotions, and difficult life circumstances.
My therapeutic approach includes developing emotional regulation skills, identifying and addressing triggers, and the development of self compassion. I recognise that recovery from addictive patterns requires not just stopping , or a gradual process of weaning off the behaviour , but learning new ways of coping and finding meaning and fulfilment in life.
Emotional Regulation
Learning to manage and balance difficult emotions
Identifying Triggers
Recognizing patterns and understanding what drives behaviors
Self-Compassion
Developing kindness and understanding toward yourself
My integrative methodology allows me to draw from various therapeutic approaches, and includes changing thought patterns, trauma-informed approaches to help in understanding the development of the behaviour and person-centred therapy to support your inherent capacity for healing and growth.
I provide consistent, professional support throughout the challenging process of breaking free from addictive patterns and building a more fulfilling, authentic life.
Cognitive
Thought patterns
Trauma-Informed
Safety & healing
Person-Centered
Natural growth
Integrative
Combined approach
Your Journey Toward Healing Begins Here
Taking the first step toward change takes courage. I'm here to support you on this path toward freedom, understanding, and a more fulfilling life.
Self-harm involves deliberately hurting yourself as a way of coping with overwhelming emotions, stress, or traumatic experiences. This behaviour is often misunderstood, but it typically serves as a coping mechanism rather than attention-seeking behaviour. People who self-harm often feel unable to express or manage intense emotional pain in other ways, and the physical pain can provide temporary relief from psychological distress.
Self-harm can take many forms, including cutting, burning, hitting, scratching, or other ways of causing physical injury. The behaviour often provides temporary relief from emotional pain, helps individuals feel more in control, or serves as a way to express feelings that seem impossible to communicate verbally. Some people also use self-harm as a form of self-punishment when they feel overwhelmed by guilt or self-criticism.
The cycle of self-harm typically begins with emotional overwhelm or distress, followed by the urge to self-harm, temporary relief after the act, and then often feelings of shame or guilt that can contribute to further distress. This cycle can become entrenched, making it increasingly difficult to break without developing alternative coping strategies and addressing underlying emotional issues.
Self-harm often co-occurs with other mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma responses, or eating disorders. The behaviour may also be related to past trauma, difficult relationships, perfectionism, or feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. Understanding these underlying factors is crucial for effective healing and recovery.
I provide compassionate support for individuals who engage in self-harm, understanding that this behaviour often represents an attempt to cope with overwhelming emotional pain. My approach is non-judgmental and focuses on understanding the function that self-harm serves while developing safer, more effective coping strategies . The fact that you have sought help is very significant, as often self-harm is something that an individual will try to keep hidden .
We will address both the immediate safety concerns related to self-harm and the deeper emotional issues that contribute to this behaviour. It is important that whilst you are still engaging in these behaviours , that you are aware of how to take care of yourself and know when to call for immediate help. I recognise that these urges are powerful and it may take some time for you to manage these compulsions . I will help you to work on building self-esteem and developing a more compassionate relationship with yourself.
Through consistent, professional support, I will help you to break the cycle of shame and guilt and help you to develop the insights and skills needed to break the cycle of self-harm and build healthier ways of coping with life's challenges. My person-centred approach ensures that you feel heard and valued throughout the healing process, supporting your journey toward emotional stability and self-acceptance.
Stress
Stress is a response to pressure and demands, but when it becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can significantly impact your mental and physical health. While a small amount of stress can sometimes be motivating and help us perform better, excessive stress can lead to anxiety, depression, physical health problems, and difficulty functioning in daily life.
~ Waves of Pressure ~
Stress manifests differently in each person but commonly includes physical symptoms such as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, sleep problems, and digestive issues. Psychological symptoms may include irritability, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, feeling overwhelmed, racing heart rate and mood changes. Behavioural changes might include changes in appetite, increased use of alcohol or substances, social withdrawal, or procrastination.
How Stress Shows Up
Physical, psychological, and behavioural symptoms signal when stress exceeds our capacity to cope
Modern life presents numerous stressors, including work pressures, financial concerns, relationship problems, health issues, and major life changes. The constant connectivity of technology can also contribute to stress by making it difficult to disconnect from work or social pressures. Learning to identify your personal stress triggers is an important step in developing effective management strategies.
Chronic stress can have serious implications for both mental and physical health, contributing to conditions such as anxiety, depression, cardiovascular problems, and compromised immune function. The relationship between stress and mental health is particularly significant, as ongoing stress can trigger or worsen existing mental health conditions while also making it more difficult to cope with daily challenges.
~ Cascading Health Impact ~
I provide comprehensive support for stress management, understanding that stress affects the whole person and requires a holistic approach to healing . My integrative methodology addresses both the immediate symptoms of stress and the underlying factors that contribute to feeling overwhelmed.
Together , we'll explore the sources of stress in your life and develop personalised strategies for managing pressure more effectively. I'll help you to identify thought patterns that may be contributing to stress and suggest some practical ideas for emotional regulation and stress reduction. My approach includes developing mindfulness skills, improving time management, and creating healthy boundaries.
Working Together
Through collaborative exploration and personalized strategies, we create a safe space for healing and growth. Your journey is unique, and together we'll find the path that works best for you.
Trust
Understanding
Partnership
Growth
I recognise that stress often reflects deeper issues such as perfectionism, difficulty saying no, unresolved emotional conflicts, or lack of self-care. Together we will explore ingrained belief systems , which have their origin in early childhood patterns. You will begin to understand that you have made adaptations to please your care givers and those conditions of worth are continuing to run your life and undermine your self-esteem.
Building Resilience and Balance
Through consistent support, I will help you develop resilience and confidence in handling life's pressures and support you in creating a more balanced and fulfilling way of living.
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Grounding
Deep roots
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Strengthening
Building capacity
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Flourishing
Living fully
Relationship Therapy
Relationships form the foundation of human experience, but they can also be sources of significant stress, conflict, and emotional pain. Relationship issues encompass a wide range of challenges, including communication problems, trust issues, intimacy difficulties, conflict resolution struggles, and the impact of external stressors on relationships.
A journey toward understanding, healing, and reconnection
Common relationship problems include feeling misunderstood or unheard by your partner, recurring arguments about the same issues, loss of emotional or physical intimacy, betrayal or breach of trust, and difficulty balancing individual needs with relationship demands. These issues can create significant distress and may impact other areas of life including work performance, physical health, and overall wellbeing.
From Chaos to Clarity
We gently process the tangled thoughts and overwhelming patterns, smoothing the path forward until you find your natural rhythm again.
Relationship difficulties often reflect deeper issues such as attachment patterns formed in early relationships, unresolved trauma, communication skill deficits, or conflicting values and life goals. Oftentimes, relationship problems emerge during major life transitions such as marriage, parenthood, career changes, or aging, when couples must renegotiate roles and expectations.
Understanding runs deeper than what we see on the surface
The impact of relationship problems extends beyond the partnership itself, often affecting children, extended family, work relationships, and social connections. Chronic relationship stress can contribute to anxiety, depression, and physical health problems, while healthy relationships provide crucial support for overall mental health and resilience.
I provide comprehensive support for individuals experiencing relationship difficulties. Together we'll explore your relationship patterns, communication style, and the underlying needs and fears that may be affecting your connections with others. We will also tune into your felt / sense of each other . Learning that communication is not only verbal , but is also experienced on an energetic level and through visual cues.
In the initial stages of meeting a partner there can often be an idealisation of the other. When life becomes more challenging, individuals get to see personality traits and behaviours, which they struggle with and illusions are shattered. This is where the real work of relationship starts. You are meeting the whole of your partner and not just seeing those preferred parts. True intimacy is about learning to find a way to express yourself in a more authentic way and having that authenticity appreciated and accepted by your partner.
Healthy relationships also require both individuals to invest in the relationship by setting aside time to reacquaint each other more deeply with their free spirited side. When life's struggles and changes come along, there can be a sense of seriousness within the relationship, which can lead to an absence of light heartedness and play.
I will support you in developing a healthier relationship both on an individual, as well as on a partnership level, while also helping you navigate specific relationship challenges. My person-centred approach ensures that the focus remains on your growth and wellbeing, supporting you in creating the kinds of relationships that enhance rather than diminish your life satisfaction.
Periods of Change
Life transitions and periods of change are inevitable parts of human experience, but they can create significant stress, uncertainty, and emotional upheaval. Whether anticipated or unexpected, positive or challenging, major changes require psychological adjustment and can temporarily disrupt your sense of stability and identity.
Career Changes
New opportunities & growth
Relationships
Beginnings & endings
Moving Home
New locations & spaces
Parenthood
Welcoming new life
Empty Nest
Children leaving home
Retirement
New chapter & purpose
Health Changes
Wellness & recovery
Loss & Grief
Remembering loved ones
Common life transitions include career changes, relationship beginnings or endings, moving to new locations, parenthood, children leaving home, retirement, health changes, and loss of loved ones. Even positive changes like promotions, marriage, or achieving long-held goals can create stress as they require adaptation to new roles, responsibilities, and circumstances.
Phase 1
Resistance & Denial
Initial pushback against change
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Phase 2
Emotional Upheaval
Processing the reality
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Phase 3
Gradual Adjustment
Finding new equilibrium
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Phase 4
Integration
Embracing the new reality
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This process isn't linear — individuals may move back and forth between phases or experience multiple emotions simultaneously
The process of navigating change often involves several phases: initial resistance or denial, emotional upheaval as the reality of change sets in, gradual adjustment and adaptation, and eventually integration of the new circumstances into your life story. This process isn't linear and individuals may move back and forth between phases or experience multiple emotions simultaneously.
Periods of change can trigger anxiety about the unknown future, grief for what is being left behind, excitement about new possibilities, and confusion about identity and direction. These mixed emotions are normal but can be overwhelming without adequate support and coping strategies. Some people struggle more with transitions due to perfectionism, need for control, or previous difficult experiences with change.
Navigating Life's Transitions
We build a bridge between what was and what will be. By honouring your need for stability while processing the grief of endings, we create a path toward a resilient and hopeful future.
I provide support for individuals navigating significant life transitions, understanding that periods of change can be both opportunities for growth and sources of considerable stress. My approach helps you process the emotions associated with change while developing practical strategies for managing uncertainty and adapting to new circumstances.
Together we'll explore your relationship with change and identify patterns in how you typically respond to transitions. I will help you develop resilience and flexibility while also honouring the natural human need for stability and continuity. My approach includes processing grief for what is ending while also reframing the new situation to encompass more positive emotions and hope for what is beginning.
I recognise that successful navigation of life transitions requires both emotional processing and practical planning. I will help you identify your values and priorities to guide decision-making during uncertain times, develop coping strategies for managing transition-related stress, and build confidence in your ability to adapt and thrive in new circumstances.
Illuminating New Paths
Just as a prism transforms a single beam of light into a vibrant spectrum, I help you process challenging experiences to reveal new perspectives, strengths, and hope.
I will help you to view periods of change as opportunities for growth and self-discovery rather than threats to be endured. My person-centred approach ensures that you maintain agency and choice throughout transitions, supporting you in creating positive change aligned with your authentic values and aspirations.
Trauma and Dissociative Disorders
Understanding Trauma and Dissociative Disorders
Trauma and dissociative disorders represent profound responses to overwhelming experiences that can fundamentally alter how a person relates to themselves, others, and the world around them. These conditions often develop as protective mechanisms — creative adaptations that help individuals survive difficult circumstances, but can become obstacles to living fully in the present.
What Are Dissociative Disorders?
Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in the normal integration of consciousness, memory, identity, emotion, perception, and behaviour. Rather than being a sign of weakness, dissociation is the mind's way of creating distance from experiences that feel too painful or overwhelming to process at the time.
Common symptoms may include:
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A sense of being separated from yourself and your emotions
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Feeling that people and surroundings seem distorted or unreal
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Memory gaps concerning certain time periods, events, or personal information
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Difficulty coping with emotional or work-related stress
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A blurred sense of identity
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Challenges in relationships and daily functioning
Dissociative disorders usually arise as a response to shocking, distressing, or painful events. They most often develop in children who have experienced long-term physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, or who lived in unpredictable, frightening environments. Traumatic events during adulthood—such as accidents, war, medical procedures, or natural disasters—can also trigger dissociative responses.
The Connection Between Trauma and Dissociation
There is a robust correlation between dissociative symptoms and exposure to trauma, particularly early childhood trauma and disruptions in attachment and caregiving. Switching off from reality is a normal defence mechanism that helps a person cope during traumatic times—a form of psychological protection that allows survival when circumstances feel unbearable.
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Trauma Occurs
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Protective Dissociation
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Environment Changes
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Pattern Continues
However, difficulties arise when the environment is no longer traumatic, yet the person continues to act and live as though it is, having not fully processed the original experience. Over time, and particularly in the context of repeated childhood trauma, dissociation can become a rigid and automatic response to stress.
How I Can Help?
I draw from 15 years of experience , 13 years in private practice, 2 years through voluntary counselling and 1 year of working with Surrey Drug and Alcohol care . l offer a confidential, caring, and safe environment, drawing from a variety of approaches , but also guided intuitively to tune into underlying emotions .
Specialist Training in Trauma and Dissociation
I have undertaken extensive specialist training in this area, including:
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PODs courses covering Working with Dissociative Disorders in Clinical Practice, Working with Relational Trauma, Trauma, Dissociation and Recovery, and Child Sexual Abuse
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Janina Fischer training in the Integrative Approach to Treating Trauma
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AEDP (Accelerated Emotional Dynamic Psychotherapy) Level I Therapist training, which focuses on healing attachment ruptures and transforming painful emotions
Psychodynamic theory
Transpersonal Approaches
Humanistic Principles
Integrative Approach
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Psychodynamic theory
helps in understanding how defence mechanisms develop to protect against overwhelming feelings—protective strategies that may have been essential in the past but now prevent authentic connection with others
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Transpersonal approaches
recognise that adaptations developed under difficult circumstances represent creative survival strategies, not personal failings
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Humanistic Principles
emphasise empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard to create a safe environment where healing and personal growth can naturally occur.
The AEDP Approach
My AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) training is particularly relevant for trauma and dissociation work. This therapy places the relationship between therapist and client at the forefront, guiding clients to stay with emotions while the process is slowed down and defences are gently observed. The approach is fundamentally about undoing aloneness—people often feel very alone with their thoughts, different from others, and that no one truly understands them. When someone feels seen, heard, and valued, self-loathing can transform into self-appreciation.
What Therapy Offers
You can expect a safe space where you can:
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Rebuild Trust in Relationships
Through a confidential, supportive therapeutic alliance
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Learn to Understand Your Body's Signals
Recognize when things don't feel right
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Transform Negative Thought Patterns
Developed in response to trauma
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Move Toward Authentic Empowerment
From survival states to owning your power in a nurturing and compassionate way
Taking the first step to see a counsellor can feel daunting, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. I recognise that you may experience anxious and nervous feelings even at the thought of seeking help, this is perfectly normal. The initial consultation enables you to experience the environment, raise any concerns, and determine whether this feels like the right space for your healing journey.