Why therapy?

Most people who come to therapy want to change old ways and patterns of relating, deepen their understanding, end destructive ways of relating to themselves and others and hence lead a fuller and more fulfilling life.

These are among the initial issues that people bring and I work with:

• Relationship problems at home or work
• Experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety or depression
• Feeling something is missing and wanting to get more out of life
• Being in a transitional phase
• Dealing with the aftermath of an emotional or physical trauma
• Dealing with a bereavement
• Questioning the meaning and purpose of life
• Struggling with addictions to drink, drugs, sex or gambling
• Having problems with eating patterns and body image
• Suffering from unexplained physical symptoms or phobias
• Wondering about starting a family or struggling with infertility
• Experiencing loneliness
• Questions of Sexual identity

Sometimes people come with a specific issue and sometimes with a broader life issue. Often the focus changes and broadens out during therapy. Most people when given the time and space have a good idea themselves what their problems are and usually too at a deeper level know what they need to do. Therapy is often therefore about the therapist helping the client to access their inner wisdom. Some of the gifts of therapy are space time and attention. Bringing thoughts and feelings out in the presence of someone who will really listen is precious. Research has found that the two surest indicators of a good outcome in therapy is the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client and the client’s commitment to their own process.