People often look for a counsellor when there is difficulty with an aspect of daily living that leaves them unable to cope in the usual manner. Relationship break-up or divorce, difficulty at work or with children, or significant changes in the family are common reasons for people to start counselling.
Another motivating factor, often more difficult to identify, is the feeling of "malaise," or low-level dissatisfaction with one's life. (I describe it like a toddler waking up from an afternoon nap -- nothing is satisfactory!) Some people might call it depression.
I use "talk-therapy" with variations such as art, writing, and EMDR. Mindfulness is at the core of my work, especially mindfulness of body sensations. Somatic/bodily/sensory awareness is an easy way to pay attention to difficult emotional states that often occur in counselling.
I endeavour to find a balance between support and challenge, while encouraging (and demanding) that clients cultivate gentleness and compassion toward themselves! I try to help people let change emerge, rather than trying to squeeze it out like toothpaste.
My work varies from short (three or four sessions) to long (three or four years). Most lies between. People may come with specific identified behaviours that they wish to change or with vague feelings of being unwell.
My intention is to make the counselling process understandable over both the short and long term; it may also be understood as "nothing is hidden" or "no secrets." This transparency assists clients in making informed choices about their own lives.
SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE LIFESTYLE COACHING MINDFULNESS & COUNSELLING