INDIVIDUAL THERAPY
Our clinical practice is integrative and informed by a humanistic approach which
focuses on process and facilitates the understanding and regulation of emotional
responses. Rather than using a standardised approach, we adapt our work to meet clients’
needs and presenting issues.
POSSIBLE FOCUS AREAS FOR WORK
To have better interpersonal relationships
Often people experience psychological distress and despair because they struggle
to form or maintain satisfying interpersonal relationships. Our relationships are
extremely important for our sense of well-being: they define who we are and how we
feel about ourselves. Unfortunately, there are times when unresolved issues from
our past can negatively influence the way we relate to our loved ones; we may, without
being aware, project feelings we had for meaningful people who hurt us in the past
onto the people who are close to us right now, creating conflict and separation.
Therapy can be really helpful in helping people who are experiencing distress in
their relationship because it offers a space outside of the relationship to explore
those painful feelings and make sense of the negative dynamic that gets created with
their partner. Once more awareness is gained, it is easier for the client to start
relating to their partner differently and break dysfunctional cycles.
There are times when it may be more helpful for both partners to have psychotherapy
together. Exploring the emotional landscape of the relationship and identifying the
patterns that the partners follow when relating to each other - the negative cycles
the couple gets into - can help the couple break that cycle and learn to relate to
each other in an emotionally healthier way. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is
the therapeutic approach used in couple counselling.
To come to terms with bereavement or loss
Each story of loss - be it because of the death of a loved one or because of the
end of a relationship - is different and painful in its own way and it is important
that it has a space to be told. Unfortunately in our society death and loss are still
a taboo subject for many and if you are grieving the loss of someone close to you,
you may find that it is not easy to talk about your loss openly and to express your
emotions, as people around you feel increasingly uncomfortable with the issue and
expect you to be ‘ok’ after a certain time. However, trying to be ‘ok’ before you
are actually ready can make things worse in the long term. If the natural grieving
process is stopped prematurely, the suppressed emotions may come back to the surface
later in form of depression or anxiety.
In the sessions we will help you work through your grief and we may also explore
some coping mechanisms to help you when you are on your own. You will have a safe
space and confidentiality to come to terms with your loss and process all the feelings
arising from this life-changing event, as grief often involves a progression of different
emotions and reactions that include shock and/or numbness, anxiety, anger and sadness,
all experienced in a uniquely personal way and often very difficult for people around
to completely understand.
To overcome trauma
Whether it’s a traumatic memory from childhood that is still haunting or a more recent
event that is affecting you, processing the traumatic memory in the safety of the
consulting room will allow you to slowly integrate the memory so that it no longer
holds that power over you.
To better cope with anxiety
We all share certain conscious or unconscious anxieties. Personal values and goals
aren’t always straightforward and at certain stages in life we may experience a
painful bewilderment and anxiety of not knowing what direction to take. We will help
you examine the roots of some of your anxieties. By gaining a deeper understanding
of such anxieties clients usually find that they can better cope with them.
To increase self-awareness and develop a more reflective stance towards life
We often make decisions based on pressure and influence from society, family, and
friends instead of listening to our own needs and desires. As a consequence there
may be inner conflicts, unhappiness, and feelings of powerlessness. Using an existential
approach, we will help you become more truthful with yourself and authentic in the
choices you make.
To be able to take responsibility for decisions
Through an existential analysis of your current situation and life choices, we aim
to help you develop a better sense of how you are the authors of your life, to become
more aware of the different choices available to you, your freedom to make decisions,
and the consequences of your actions for yourself and the people around you.
To overcome depression and find personal meaning
Unfortunately a sense of emptiness and meaninglessness are quite pervasive problems
in our society. They lead to despair, great psychological discomfort, destructive
activities and addictions. Our task is to help you uncover meaning in your life,
even when life means painful experiences and crises, through deep personal reflection
and subsequent action. We will pay attention to your emotions, beliefs, and talents,
and encourage you to find your own meanings and truths.
Further information about our clinical practice:
Interesting books on the psychotherapeutic process
Highly recommended for couples in crisis:
Hold Me Tight by Dr Sue Johnson (to help couples in distress learn to relate to each
other differently)
Other recommended books on a variety of topics:
Lonely by Emily White (a touching book on the subject of feeling lonely and disconnected
from people)
The Mindful Way Through Depression (self-help book for dealing with depression using
mindfulness and meditation)
Finding Square Holes (for help finding career direction/changing career)
Life Meanings (quite a scholarly book that stimulates thoughts on what may give meaning
to our life)
