Areas I work with
I am experienced in helping clients who are having difficulties with:
- anxiety
- depression
- relationships - with family, friends and in the workplace
- stress
- managing change
- childhood abuse and trauma
- self-esteem
In addition I have specialist interest in: - physical illness including cancer
- infertility
- bereavement, loss and grief
Cancer
A cancer diagnosis is always a devastating moment. So many questions and so many unknowns. The treatment regimes for cancer can feel even more devastating than the cancer itself and chemotherapy in particular frequently affects every part of you both physically and emotionally.
People undergoing cancer treatment often feel powerless and out of control and many people become anxious or depressed. You may feel you cant talk to your family and friends or don’t want to burden them.
Equally, once the treatment is over, and your body starts to recover, this is often the time when the emotionally and psychological impact of cancer comes to the surface. There is a huge pressure to get better and people expect you to be positive when in reality you may be feeling at your worst.
Counselling either during treatment or after its all over can be very beneficial in helping you come to terms with all that has happened and to re-gain a sense of control.
It can also be helpful to meet with others who are going through similar experiences and the cancer groups I run provide a key role in this process.
For further information about cancer treatment and support go to macmillan.org.uk
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Infertility
Struggling with infertility is a long, hard and lonely path. Being unable to conceive often leads to feelings of helplessness, frustration, loss of control, anxiety, low self esteem and guilt. Relationships frequently suffer and may even break down. There is also a profound sense of loss and sadness which is often secret and unrecognized by others. Added to this are the pressures of going through infertility treatment - the constant hospital visits, injections, the cycles of hope and despair, the financial strain, and a sense that your body has been invaded by the medical team.
It is no wonder that many men and women end up with emotional and psychological difficulties as a result of infertility problems and need some help and guidance coming to terms with all that has happened to them. A recurring theme, especially for women, is one of identity. For most of us, becoming a mother and having a family is the next step in the journey of life and when this fails, many questions arise about who we are and where we are going. In my own research among women who were unable to have children, I found without exception that all the women I interviewed had grappled with the issues of identity and purpose. The women who seemed more able to come through this crisis were those who had sought help from others- either through therapy, support groups or pastoral care. Talking with others allowed these women to regain a sense of control and ownership of their lives.
Further support for those who are unable to have children can be found at moretolife
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Bereavement, loss and grief
Grieving is a natural process which we all have to go through following the death of someone we love. Grieving takes time and everyone grieves in their own way. Friends and family are often supportive for the first few weeks but then you may feel a subtle pressure from them to stop talking and start getting on with life. Few people realize how long grieving can take and sometimes people get stuck in the middle of that process. This is where Bereavement Counselling can help you - it provides a safe space where you can explore your feelings and fears and enable you to move through your grief, and to help you face life again.
Further information and help about bereavement can be found at /www.helpguide.org/mental/grief_loss.htm and www.childhoodbereavementnetwork.org.uk/
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