In relation to well-being there is a broad range of difficulties an individual (couple or family) can present with. The concerns addressed are not always straightforward and can be appreciably complex. Some of these include:
I would like to emphasise the above list is by no means exhaustive and is only intended to give a flavour of the range of material with which I regularly work.
If after the initial session you feel comfortable and you would like to continue, a series of appointments can be arranged. The frequency and duration of sessions will depend on several factors (e.g needs, means and circumstances). It is useful to reflect upon a number of variables when thinking about and making a commitment to your well-being. In deciding to work with any kind of ‘practitioner’ and investing your time, energy & cost, it is important to be aware of what agreements you make and what to expect. Some of these include;
Counselling and Psychotherapy are two types of ‘talking treatments’ as is psychoanalysis. The aims of the Psychological Therapies can vary, however, essentially they attempt to help individuals (or couples) discover alternative ways of living more satisfactorily. They are intended to support and enable clients reach a clearer and more meaningful understanding of their internal worlds (that is, their behavioural, psychological and emotional lives). Ultimately counselling, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis endeavour to assist persons discover an increasing satisfactory means of dealing with their mental health (for example, with internal conflicts, relational conflicts, familial conflicts, personal difficulties and or other concerns).
As the Psychological Therapies encourage talking in a personal and confidential manner they are not always an easy process. One reason for this is that they often entail discussing matters which we may feel uncomfortable about or have pushed to one side. Following decades of practice it appears to me there are occasions where an individual may not know how to begin a conversation about what is troubling them. Sometimes a person (or couple) may not actually be able to identify what the problem is. In such situations I will assist. If you do not have the words to express the complexity and confusion of your internal world, I’ll help.
Due to the intimate and unfamiliar nature ‘of talking with a stranger’, it is not uncommon for individuals to be nervous or embarrassed when approaching either myself or a practitioner initially. This is normal and it will take a little time for these anxieties to subside. To aid this process I would advise asking as many questions as you can. If you dont know what questions to ask, ‘let me know’ and I can inform you .
Although you ‘may’ be encouraged to talk about various aspects of your life, you are not obliged to speak about matters you would prefer not to discuss. These matters can, however, be important and it is useful to be aware they may be significant in terms of lessening your sufferring and in contributing to your overall well-being.