Psychotherapy & Counselling Central London

One to One Psychotherapy & Counselling offers ways to work through many emotional or psychological issues that modern life can challenge us with.

At our first meeting you’ll start to explain your concerns, I’ll listen to what you want to achieve and I’ll give you my feedback as honestly and sensitively as I can. Then we’ll think about how we can work towards your goals and objectives. Psychotherapy & Counselling can help greatly with many issues.

I use a range of methods and approaches to fit your preferences and personality and the issues you bring. Broadly, the intention is that through our work you’ll form a clearer sense of yourself and your situation, start to find your own answers within you, and lay solid foundations for positive change.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by an emotional problem? If so, you’re not alone.

Every seven years a survey is carried out in England to find out how emotional and mental health problems are effecting the nation. Recent research revealed:

• Depression affects 2.6 in 100 people
• Anxiety affects 4.7 in 100 people
• Mixed anxiety and depression affects 9.7 in 100 people
• Phobias affect 2.6 in 100 people
• OCD affect 1.3 in 100 people
• Panic disorder affect 1.2 in 100 people
• Post traumatic stress disorder affect 3.0 in 100 people
• Eating disorders affect 1.6 in 100 people

How does Psychotherapy work?

Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between an individual and a psychotherapist or counsellor. Grounded in dialogue, it provides a supportive environment that allows you to talk openly with someone who is objective, neutral and non-judgmental. You and I will work together to identify and change the thought and behaviour patterns that are keeping you from feeling your best.

What worries or issues can I bring to Therapy?

There are many issues that people seek counselling and psychotherapy for.

Some are based on our feelings and relationship with ourselves and our internal thoughts:

• A constant feeling of depression and persistent low moods or black days
• Feelings of rage, anger & resentment that bubble over uncontrollably
• Persistent feeling of worthlessness or very low self-confidence or self-esteem
• Social phobias and other fears that prevent you from living a full life
• Coping with emotions that have arisen following a sudden traumatic event such as a bereavement
• Coping with general feelings of too much stress or overwhelm at what life has thrown at you

Some are rooted in either our reactions to others or their behaviour to us:

• Unhappiness in your relationship, where you feel that you are not heard or given respect
• A feeling of boredom or detachment from your partner or a feeling that they are bored or detached with you in the relationship
• Coping with the current or after effects of having been bullied, perhaps from an early age.
• Perhaps you are experiencing domestic abuse,  not necessarily from your partner but perhaps an extended family member, parent, step parent or sibling
• Perhaps you are feeling depressed or low following the birth of your baby, new mothers often struggle with adapting to their new role and responsibility with the birth of a child

Sometimes it is not our private life that is being effected by an emotional issue but more a public or work environment issue:

• Persistent feelings that you have somehow taken a role you do not deserve or are not really capable of, that you are an ‘imposter’ and that you will be found out.
• Feeling like you are constantly running around and not coping with the workload you have.
• Do you keep saying ‘Yes’ to work or others opinions when you really mean ‘No’ … you want to be more assertive and set your boundaries

Some issues are short term crisis such as coping with the emotions surrounding a breakup or separation, whilst others help with longer term deep rooted feelings such as the emotional effects and fall out of having been bullied in childhood

What are the signs that you should consider Psychotherapy?

Everyone will exhibit different responses to emotional or psychological stress however there are some common signs or symptoms that indicate that you should seek help and advice rather than struggling to carry on or work it through.

Signs that you could benefit from therapy are:

• When you have felt an overwhelming, prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness.
• When your problems don’t seem to get better despite your efforts or those from family and friends.
• When you find it difficult to concentrate on work assignments or perform other daily activities.
• When you find yourself worrying excessively, expecting the worst or feel constantly on edge.
• When you know your actions, drinking too much, using drugs, recreational or medicinal, or being aggressive, are harming you or others.

These are red flags alerting you to the need to take matters in hand and seek help and advice.

Will Psychotherapy really help?

There are many misconceptions about psychotherapy & counselling that may make you reluctant to try it out. Even if you know the realities instead of the myths, you may feel nervous about trying it yourself.

That’s why I always suggest that we have an initial talk over the phone to briefly explore the worry or concern that is troubling you.

When you find that your life and your ability to enjoy it fully is being compromised by negative thoughts or feelings, then is the time to consider talking to a trained therapist who can help you find coping mechanisms and guide you to navigate your way through whatever it is that is blocking you from enjoying a fulfilling and happy life.

One thing is certain, you should consider working with a therapist when your quality of life isn’t what you want it to be.

If you would like to have a brief discussion with me to decide if psychotherapy or counselling might help with your worry or concern, contact me.