About Therapy
MY WORK
Aims of Therapy
The broad aim of any psychotherapeutic process is an increase in the quality of life, both subjectively and behaviourally. This includes a greater sense of well-being, both personally and inter-personally. Fear, anxiety, insecurity, dysphoria and suffering are lessened. One's sense of self and the tasks of living are thereby improved.
Therapy constitutes the journey from a split sense of self towards self-awareness. It is a dynamic, ongoing journey rather than a final destination. Quality psychotherapy may be considered a means towards self-development and self-realisation. Over time, multiple layers of superimpositions, habits and misconceptions are dissolved, as one gains greater insight into his/her truth.
Therapy takes all aspects of a person into account, including physical, emotional, cognitive and existential. It offers a non-judgmental space that encourages reflection.
Benefits of Therapy
Counselling and psychotherapy can be of great support in times of crisis or change. They provide professional assistance to people who are experiencing personal issues, in order to alleviate those difficulties.
Nearly everyone faces challenges and difficulties in their life at some time. But sometimes, these can be overwhelming, and people can feel helpless. Stress over a job, anxiety caused by uncertainty in the future, loss because of bereavement, problems over addiction, difficulties in a relationship, self-esteem and weight issues are just some of the reasons why people feel they can benefit by talking to a professional counsellor/psychotherapist or nutritionist.
When Should You Seek a Counsellor/Psychotherapist?
At various stages in your life, there are certain times when you may need help addressing problems and issues that cause emotional distress or make you feel overwhelmed. When experiencing these types of difficulties, you may benefit from the assistance of an experienced, trained professional.
As a professional psychotherapist, I offer caring, expert assistance that can help you identify your problems and assist you in finding the best ways to cope with them. This may involve changing behaviours that contribute to the problem, exploring the unconscious or finding constructive ways to deal with a situation that is beyond your personal control. My practice is based on the core ethical principles of confidentiality, integrity, beneficence and non-maleficence. Trust and honesty are the bedrock of this practice.
I offer help in addressing many situations that cause emotional distress, including, but not limited to, those listed below:
Anxiety, and stress-related disorders, bereavement and loss, relationship difficulties (e.g. within families or with partners), social and emotional difficulties related to disability and illness, emotional/physical/sexual abuse and domestic violence, eating disorders, including body dysmorphia, transgender and homosexual challenges, other mental/emotional problems, general depression and lack of meaning in life
My Approach
I work from an integrative approach, which means that I use a combination of therapies and techniques to support clients with empowering themselves. I believe that each client, with the help of a therapeutic relationship, can become his/her own best expert and can find his/her true purpose in life.
Examples of the different therapies involved are as follows:
Psychodynamic therapy, which involves the healing of one’s inner child and awareness of his/her unconscious programmes.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which deals with futile thought patterns and core beliefs, as these can lead to poor behavioural choices.
Existential therapy, which will help one come to terms with some of the challenges in life, such as loneliness, fear and finding meaning in his/her life.
There are also many more therapies that can facilitate a client with progressing towards a happier life, depending on his/her presenting issue.
What Will it Cost?
Fees vary. I offer a sliding scale, which accommodates both students and the unemployed.
The Duration of the Therapy
The duration of the therapy will depend on the nature of the presenting issue. When dealing with short-term issues, five to ten sessions of counselling is sometimes enough to support a client. For other, deeper issues, long-term psychotherapy is required for real healing or interpersonal behavioural change to develop.
Contacting a Counsellor/Psychotherapist
A client’s first contact will usually be by telephone or email, to arrange an appointment. At the initial appointment, the following are normally discussed and agreed:
- The client’s situation/issues
- The frequency of the therapy
- The duration of the therapy
