Neurodiversity Neurodiversity is a framework that recognises the natural diversity of human brains and the different ways people process information, learn, and behave. It encompasses an umbrella of conditions, many of which co-occur or overlap. Some examples are: Attention, Deficit Disorders, Autism Dyslexia, DCD Dyspraxia (also called Developmental Coordination Disorder, or DCD) and Tics (Tourette Syndrome). Living in a Neurotypical biased world, neurodivergent people may feel challenged to have their differences affirmed and may deal with micro aggressions from neurotypical people, imposter syndrome, rejection sensitivity and managing energy levels. My practice supports neurodiversity affirmative counselling to promote the view that neurological differences should be respected as any other human variation.
Depression Depression affects one in three people during their lives making them feel sad, empty or irritable with a withdrawal from activities they used to find enjoyable. While we feel withdrawn from life we often get locked into our own thoughts and it can often feel difficult to reach out to others for help. The advice offered by others which usually does not account for the struggles the person is going through can cause further frustration. From my own personal experience, it can be hard to relate to others who seem to be constantly giving advice without feeling and understanding what you are going through. I offer a non-judgemental space where you can share your feelings and thoughts and address key issues such as avoidance behaviours, hopelessness, dwelling on negative information and constant self-blame. ​
Grief Grief is a natural human response to the loss of someone or something important such as the end of a relationship, losing a job, or losing a home. Grief can include feelings of sadness, anger, guilt, despair, shock, numbness, tiredness, confusion, yearning, and apprehension about the future. It can also cause physiological distress and separation anxiety.
Career and work challenges Most of us will spend a third of our lives at work, so when it throws up challenges it can really affect our ability to enjoy life. Through lived experience of working in fast paced corporate environments I can give you advice and counselling regarding work challenges. Transactional Analysis is particularly suited for helping with workplace issues and has many practical tools that you can employ to facilitate better more open conversations with colleagues as well as giving you a self-understanding that will help you make the best decisions regarding the corporate challenges you meet.
LGBTQIA+ (GSRD) We live in a heteronormative biased society. In other words, heterosexual relationships are the cultural norm which means those who live outside of the cultural norm often experience prejudice. I offer LGBTQIA+ community affirmative therapy to endeavour to provide a non-judgmental service for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, asexual, intersex and anyone who identifies as gender, sex or relationship diverse (GSRD). I work by offering a non-judgmental space for clients to discuss any issues such as relationship issues/breakdowns, exploring sexual identity, sexuality and social and biological transformations. I have lived experience of LGBTQIA+ for over 30 years and have worked for two years as a volunteer for ELOP counselling offering which worked exclusively with the community.
Social Identity understanding We are all part of multiple social categories, such as race, gender, class, sexuality, disability, and age. Our experiences of society vary depending on their membership in these categories. We also have unique experiences of discrimination and oppression, and that multiple forms of inequality can compound themselves to create obstacles. For example, a person might experience multiple forms of discrimination, such as sexism, racism, and ableism, all at the same time. During therapy I can help clients explore their social identity with an intersectional lens as well as well as being aware of discrimination and oppression and importantly how these experiences may play out between myself and the clients. In my practice I celebrate all forms of diversity through the lens of intersectionality.