Many therapists focus on what is "wrong" and use 'referring issues' as the starting point. However, it's becoming increasingly clear that too much personal introspection, guided or not, keeps the pain of the past very much in the present. Most clients want to focus on how to feel better rather than staying focused on past hurt.
I base my approaches on using the very latest findings from neuroscience to fuel the primary goal of getting from where you are now to where you want to be.
A good starting point is focusing on high points in your life: by recalling those we not bring great memories into our present focus but we also recreate those wonderful feelings we felt at that time. So, just as you do your best work when you are at the top of your game, focusing on positive rather than negative feelings from the past is a great place to begin work. Just ask yourself if you make your best decisions when you are feeling low. Now compare that to when you have been so buoyed up that you feel all but unstoppable.
Most people aren't 'broken'. But they may be side-lined or undermined, held back, stuck, drained, numb, or otherwise constrained by a mismatch between expectations/aspirations and how we feel. The logical brain doesn't always align with emotions and feelings. Maybe external circumstances brought about persistent low mood. Perhaps your self-esteem took a nose-dive, or maybe you just find it hard to cope, or don't feel you're in control anymore.
Our thoughts often control us, and determine our feelings -- as our behaviour often depends on how we feel. Our thoughts associated feelings often don't just control us -- they often prevent us from becoming the best version of who we could/should be. Are your thoughts stopping you from being the best version of who you could be?
Do you think I might be able to help you? Here's something to consider. If I can't make you feel better about yourself within 15 minutes of an initial consultation then I don't deserve to work with you.
Why not let me use my academic background and decades of experience in psychological support, coaching, education, and psychotherapy to help you?
Although I offer support for anxiety, prolonged low mood, phobias and other impediments to wellbeing, I specialise in supporting those affected by cancer --those in remission who are worried cancer will return, as well as those coping with cancer.
I also specialise in existential therapy, particularly for those with toxic experiences in religious sects and cults characterised by a high degree of controlling influence by leader of sects and cults.; this includes those who have suffered abuse by religious practitioners. I can also support those who shed former religious beliefs but who subsequently feel anxious.
Unlike many therapists, I have an extensive background in the philosophy of Stoicism that underpins Albert Ellis' REBT and Aaron Beck's CBT, and which focuses on how to live a life well-lived irrespective of personal circumstances. The ancient Greeks regarded philosophy as medicine for the soul, but ensured it was relevant to the need to focus on what is up to us and what isn't.
14 Years Experience
