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Counselling Issues

Anxiety

Fear is a natural instinct that protects us but sometimes our fears can overcome us and cause us to be anxious. Sometimes when they overwhelm us they can cause us to freeze, avoid (flight), lose our rational balance (fight) or cause us to engage in obsessive or compulsive behaviour. Often these anxieties can become even more exaggerated as they swirl around in our minds. In talking we can often understand our anxieties better, find ways to rationalise and deescalate them and come to some sense of what we might need to do to tackle the reasons for our anxieties and not let them limit our life. 

Helpful texts: 
Feel the fear and do it anyway: Susan Jeffers
 
Hope and help for your nerves: Claire Weeks 

Depression

Depression is often manifest as low mood, lack of interest, withdrawal and can lead to a hopelessness in living. Very often a lack of support and isolation can add to the weight of hopelessness. Often depression can mask other feelings ....of anxiety and fear ...of anger and rage ...of guilt and shame ... Sometimes adverse childhood experiences or current stresses can contribute to the sense of being overwhelmed and helpless . You do not have to struggle on your own in this and in talking with a trusted professional you can great a better sense of what might underlie your depression and discover a way out of your ‘darkness’.

Helpful texts:
Feeling Good: The new mood therapy: David Burns 
Coming through depression: Tony Bates 

Depression : An emotion not a disease: Dr Aine Tubridy & Dr Michael Corry

Stress

Healthy stress is part of our everyday lives. It allows us to apply ourselves to the tasks at hand. 
Normally the de-stressing fun and calming activities we also engage in helps to rebalance our bodies and stress levels. However when our bodies and minds get overwhelmed by the tasks facing us we can go into dis-stress. Often this can present as illness, fatigue or burnout. At other times in a lowered frustration tolerance, irritation, anger, lowered concentration and at times heightened anxiety and lowered mood. 
Talking to someone might help you understand your distress and finds ways of alleviating and reducing your stress. 

Helpful texts:  
Your breaking point: Dolores Whelan

Relationship Issues

Relationship issues can arise from a variety of factors, including communication breakdowns, differing expectations, or external stressors. It's common for partners to face challenges such as misunderstandings, trust issues, or feelings of neglect. Addressing these problems often requires open and honest dialogue, where both individuals can express their feelings and concerns without judgment. Seeking to understand each other's perspectives and finding common ground. Additionally, sometimes involving a neutral third party, like a counsellor, can provide new insights and facilitate productive discussions. Remember, every relationship has its ups and downs, and navigating these issues can lead to stronger bonds when approached with empathy and respect. 

Helpful texts:  
Myself, My partner: Tony Humphreys
Human Relationship Skills: Richard Nelson Jones
Boundaries...where you end and I begin: Anne Katherine
Codependent No More: Melody Beattie

Trauma

Trauma therapy is designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences. The therapy focuses on fostering a safe environment where clients can explore their feelings, thoughts, and memories related to the trauma. By working through these emotions, individuals learn to regulate their responses, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and ultimately regain a sense of control. Trauma therapy not only addresses the symptoms of trauma but also promotes personal empowerment and resilience, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling lives free from the burdens of their past experiences.

Helpful texts:
8 Keys To Safe Trauma Recovery: Babette Rothschild 

Trauma And Recovery: Judith Herman

Adverse childhood experiences

For many of us, experiences in childhood can often leave us impacted and distressed. At the time we find a way of managing the stress of the situation but as we develop we realise those coping mechanisms mightn’t serve us as well in adulthood and can actually get in the way of living peaceful and fulfilling lives. 
Within a safe therapeutic space we can peel back the layers of stress and examine the impact that such adverse childhood experiences have had on us….with a view to changing our adapted selves to a more chosen way of being and responding that allows us to be more authentic to our real selves.

Helpful texts:
The family: John Bradshaw

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