My areas of specialty
Life can feel overwhelming at times. Maybe you are feeling anxious, stuck, powerless or that you’re never good enough. I am here to provide a safe space and help you develop more constructive ways of thinking and responding.
Some of the areas I can help you with:
Anxiety, stress and burnout
When worries take over or external demands feel relentless, everyday life can become exhausting. You may feel pressure to stay in control; fear making mistakes or doubt your ability to cope. Together, we’ll explore these pressures, challenge rigid expectations and develop practical ways to approach uncertainty, manage demands and recognise your limits.
Some thoughts and beliefs you may recognise:
- “Things must go the way I’ve planned. I wouldn’t be able to cope otherwise.”
- “What if people notice I’m anxious. They’ll think I’m incompetent.”
- “I’d rather resign than present in public.”
- “If I fail this exam, my life is ruined.”
Low self-esteem and self-confidence
Feeling inadequate or fearing judgement can hold you back in relationships, work and everyday decisions. You might dismiss your achievements, strive for perfection or avoid opportunities because the possibility of rejection feels daunting. We’ll explore the beliefs behind these patterns, helping you judge yourself less harshly and build confidence through manageable, meaningful steps.
Some thoughts and beliefs you may recognise:
- “I messed up that presentation. It is unacceptable. I should always be on top of everything.”
- “I’m not enough. I’m too much.”
- “I must hide that I haven’t understood everything people said in meetings. I’ve lived in the UK for years. By now, I should be fluent. People will think I’m so stupid.”
- “I can’t ask her out. What if she rejects me? It’d be the most awful thing ever.”
Depression and low mood
When life feels heavy, it can be difficult to find motivation, connection or hope. Loss, disappointment and comparisons with others may leave you feeling stuck or questioning your worth. Together, we’ll explore what you’re experiencing, address beliefs that fuel hopelessness and identify manageable steps towards a more engaged, fulfilling life.
Some thoughts and beliefs you may recognise:
- “I shouldn’t have lost my job. Why did it happen to me? The world is such an awful place.”
- “I can’t live without him in my life. Just the thought is unbearable!”
- “Look at what they’ve achieved at my age. They have it all and I’m such a failure.”
- “After all this time, I should have close friends and feel that I belong in this country. Why do I still feel so lonely.”
Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
After a traumatic experience, you may struggle with fear, guilt, shame or questions about how you responded or survived. There is no single way to react to trauma. Working at your pace, we’ll explore its impact, gently address harsh judgements about yourself and support your recovery, helping you move beyond survival and reclaim your life.
Some thoughts and beliefs you may recognise:
- “Other people went through the same experience and seem to be coping. I should be able to cope too. There must be something wrong with me.”
- “Why did I survive when others didn’t? I don’t deserve to be alive.”
- “I should have done more to help those people. I was such a coward.”
- “I must stay on guard at all times. If I let myself relax, something terrible will happen again.”
Sleep difficulties and insomnia
Struggling to sleep can become even more distressing when bedtime brings pressure to get enough rest or fear about the next day. We’ll explore the worries, expectations and habits surrounding sleep, helping you ease the struggle, develop more flexible expectations and build confidence in coping after a difficult night’s rest.
Some thoughts and beliefs you may recognise:
- “I must fall asleep as soon as possible. If I don’t get eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, I won’t be able to cope tomorrow.”
- “I must have a deep and restful sleep; I can’t tolerate not feeling refreshed.”
- “I need complete silence and a pitch-black room. If conditions aren’t perfect, there’s no way I’ll sleep.”
Panic attacks and panic disorder
Panic attacks can feel overwhelming, and fear of another episode may begin to shape where you go and what you do. Together, we’ll explore how you interpret and respond to these sensations, address fears about losing control or being judged, and work towards approaching everyday situations with greater confidence and flexibility.
Some thoughts and beliefs you may recognise:
- “I must never feel those terrifying sensations again. I felt like I was dying, and I couldn’t bear to go through that again.”
- “I must not lose control when I have a panic attack. It would be too shameful.”
- “I must avoid anywhere I might have a panic attack. I couldn’t cope if I couldn’t escape.”
If you’re considering counselling, I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation. It’s an opportunity to talk about why you’re seeking support, ask questions and explore whether my approach feels right for you.