Stopping active addiction is a brave step. It is difficult to understand addiction and relapse without asking what relief the person found in the drug or addictive behaviour. My approach is to identify what the person is seeking to avoid or manage through the addiction so that triggers or distress can be relieved in a different, more constructive, way.

Anger is an inevitable part of life. However, when anger makes your feel out of control and it is being expressed in a way that is damaging to others, or leaves you feeling ashamed, it is problematic. Therapy provides the opportunity to understand why particular people or situations provoke you in the way that they do and develop more constructive ways of expressing yourself.

When anxiety reaches the level that it feels overwhelming, out of control, or persistent it can have a severe impact on relationships, occupational functioning and physical health. I see individuals who struggle with a variety of anxiety disorders such as; social anxiety, separation anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder. The symptoms can manifest as psychological and / or physical complaints. Some individuals are aware of the cause of the anxiety, however, for many people their anxiety appear to be excessive for the situation and the reason for such heightened anxiety is not immediately apparent. Therapy will assist you in increasing awareness of your unhelpful thoughts and habits, gaining insight into the root cause of the anxiety, and developing more effective coping skills.

Mourning the loss of a loved one, or a life change such as divorce or loss of a job, is a profoundly painful process that is likely to involve many difficult and complicated emotions ranging from a profound sadness to anger, guilt and regret. The process of mourning is unique to each individual and will be influenced by the nature of the relationship to the lost person or life change. When the grief is unrelenting and interferes with your ability to engage in daily life, it may be helpful to seek therapy. I will adapt the therapy to meet your specific needs in grieving your loss and re-establishing a different life that keeps a connection with the deceased person.

Assertiveness is required when we need to get our needs or ideas heard, particularly when the other person does want to listen or does not agree. Many people, particularly those who doubt themselves or worry being wrong or disliked, prefer to avoid situations that require assertiveness or could create conflict. While this limits discomfort in the immediate situation, you are likely to experience a pattern of feeling unseen, that your needs or goals are not being achieved, and you are not living your own life. Therapy will be aimed at assisting you in understanding your aversion to conflict and help you develop a more assertive voice.

Depression is a common, but serious condition, that can have debilitating effects on all aspects of your psychological life, physical health and relationships. Depressed people often describe themselves as sad, numb, hopeless, or disconnected. Life ceases to contain enjoyment and even getting out bed requires and extraordinary amount of energy. Severe depression may lead to thoughts of suicide. The reason for the onset of depression is not always obvious. However, depression is treatable. During therapy I will assist you with gaining insight into why you are experiencing depression and developing coping skills to manage and alleviate the depression.

Bipolar disorder is a serious and chronic condition characterised by volatile changes in mood and energy. The person may feel elevated, expansive and irritable during a specific period, and feel sad and hopeless at other times. The mood episodes can be extremely disruptive. However, bipolar can be managed and does not need to control your life. My approach in therapy will be to assist you in managing the bipolar by understanding what the diagnosis of bipolar means for you, identifying triggers and symptoms that can be managed to avoid a relapse, and improving social and occupational relationships that may have been impacted by the bipolar.

People commonly complain of life feeling like a monotonous series of chores and responsibilities. The enthusiasm and meaning that were previously attached to career goals, hobbies or relationships seems to have waned. There may be an overwhelming feeling of being stuck. Therapy provides a space to reconnect what is meaningful to you and what may create purpose and pleasure in your life.

Prolonged periods of stress, whether the stressor was desired (e.g. a promotion) or unwanted (e.g. financial distress), are likely to have overwhelming physical, mental and emotional consequences. Often we do not have control over our environment and feel stuck in an intolerable cycle of stress which can lead to dysfunctional coping methods, such as, comfort eating or substance abuse. Therapy will help you process your emotions and identify unhelpful thought patterns in order to establish more effective ways of managing your response to stress.

Living with excessive self-doubt, questioning your worth or whether you are loveable, limits opportunities in all areas of life. It is very difficult to engage authentically or productively in your environment if you perceive others as judging you negatively. My approach to working with individuals who struggle with low self-esteem includes identifying the underlying causes of the low self-esteem, developing kindness towards oneself self, and thinking about a different approach to engaging with the world.

Sexual abuse is a life-changing event that is likely to have severe psychological, emotional and physical effects. Individuals who have been sexually abused frequently feel a confusing array of emotions including anxiety, anger, guilt and shame. Sexual abuse typically complicates the individual’s perception of sex and sexuality, and may manifest is relationship difficulties and self-destructive behaviours. Sexual abuse impacts individuals in different ways and I will adapt the therapy to address your specific needs and symptoms.

Trauma changes the way in which we see the world. Our sense of personal safety is diminished and people or places that were felt to be safe are now experienced as threatening. Experiencing trauma can leave you struggling with distressing emotions and memories, or may leave you feeling numb and disconnected from others. My approach is to assist you in processing the trauma your quality of life and well-being.