Counselling and Psychotherapy

I see private, Insurance, and EAP referred clients.

The issues that I mainly work with are:

• Work stress
• Workplace Issues
• Presentation Anxiety
• Depression
• Couples Counselling
• Anxiety related issues/Panic attacks etc
• Relationship issues
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Aspergers Syndrome
• Issues of self-esteem and self confidence
• Sexual difficulties
• Fear of flying

Relationship Counselling

Sadly the pressures of life can spill over into our relationships and create more issues in someone's life for them to try and manage.

The issues may be problems with communication, sexual difficulties, loneliness and loss of intimacy.

It is important to mention that many couples leave it very late before seeking relationship counselling. As with any issue, either medical or emotional, the prognosis is generally more positive following early intervention. Relationships are no different.

I sometimes use the example of tennis or golf coaching to illustrate how couples counselling can be helpful and practical:

If your serve or swing could be improved you would probably consult a tennis or golf coach who is trained in that particular sport science, who can stand back objectively and then give you advice on how to improve.

Relationship counselling is similar. The therapist will listen carefully to both parties, make suggestions on how, for example, communication could be improved and provide a space in which both parties can truly hear and understand each other, and set a plan of action.

You may need to commit into a number of sessions. Sometimes, but not often, issues can be resolved in one or two sessions. However, the investment in terms of happiness and improved intimacy is usually worth the effort.

I have a particular interest in working with couples or individuals whose sexual relationships have been affected by the menopause:

Sex can become less enjoyable for some women after the menopause. The natural decline in oestrogen levels can make it uncomfortable. Some women also find their interest in sex declines, and the body changes that happen with ageing don't help.

A survey (NHS 2015) suggests that 84% of menopausal women find sex painful. In the survey, nearly 70% said their relationships had suffered as a result.

Women's health expert and GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis, says women should overcome their shyness and seek help.

'It always seems sad to me that so many women suffer in silence with common menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness, because they are embarrassed to speak to their GP.
We see these problems regularly and entirely understand how much impact they have on quality of life. There are so many effective treatment options and we're more than happy to offer them.' (NHS Choices)