Depression & Low Self-Esteem

Do you feel like you’re stuck in a deep, dark black hole?

Or maybe you are just “surviving” but no longer enjoying or thriving in life (often noticing the absence of joy).

Or do you lack confidence and feel like your low self-esteem is stopping you from living your best life?

Depression and low self-esteem can be overcome. You are not alone. And, with help, the best news is happiness may not be as far away as you think.

Anxiety & Stress

Do you constantly feel overwhelmed by life?

Do you feel attacked by the constant “what ifs?” going around and around in your head? Do you constantly worry?

Maybe you’re often tense and anxious? Perhaps even panicky?

You don’t have to live with anxiety and stress. You’re not alone. There is hope and all you need to do is ask.

In our first session, we will complete an assessment to identify what your challenges are and what goals you want to work towards. This session is also about us getting to know each other and seeing if we “click.” Together, we will come up with a what I call a treatment plan (which is really just a grand game-plan for how we’re going to tackle what’s holding you back) and we will then begin to meet regularly to work towards your goals.

I know therapy works.
But. (Isn’t there always a but?)

It only works if you feel comfortable with me; if we “click” and if you are willing to do the work. Now doing the work is different for everyone. For some, showing up is a huge effort and is enough to create meaningful change, for others you need to learn new skills and practice putting these into practice in between session. I create a safe, empowering space to help you do both.

Sometimes you need to become dependent before you can become independent. What this means is that in the beginning we may need to work intensively (once a week) to build a strong relationship and help you gain an understanding and awareness of what’s going on. Then we begin to make changes. Eventually, you will become more independent and sessions will move to fortnightly, and monthly until you feel ready to end therapy.

If you’re reading this thinking “I am simply too sad or too tired or too unmotivated to work with you” then you’re in the perfect place.

This is exactly what I’m trained to support you with. You can learn to take small steps. Then bigger steps. We’ll tackle leaps later. And all along I will walk beside you as you work towards your happiness.

My Philosophy and Approach to Counselling:

Although I have expertise in counselling for Depression and anxiety, you are always the expert on your experience and goals. I will support you to make choices about your goals in therapy. I will work at a pace that feels comfortable to you. Remember you are always in the driver’s seat!

• My counselling style is based on a variety of models including CBT, Mindfulness, and Systems Theory. Each of these methods is extremely effective and is backed by extensive research.  
• Often, when we make changes in one area of our lives you will find that there is a trickle effect and that improvements occur in others as well. If you need something to look forward to, hold onto this hope!
• We will move between focusing on your thoughts, feelings and behaviour to help you heal. Working towards the goals you choose to create the kind of life that you want – a happier one.
   

Therapy can help with:

• having more confidence
• creating more happiness and meaning in your life
• feeling more relaxed and engaged with the world
• becoming as kind and accepting of yourself as you would be to your best friend
• gaining more energy and sleeping better
• finding purpose and motivation
• having more satisfying relationships with others