I am experienced in working with a range of issues and problems, howeve I also know that every person is different and this means that no two situations are ever exactly the same!  Some of the most common difficulties I work with are as follows;

Anxiety -  Anxiety is a very common problem that many people experience. Feeling anxious is a  normal human emotion which is designed to help us respond to danger or threats by providing us with the adreneline we need to deal with them (common anxiety symptoms such as heart racing, sore tummy and eyes, inability to relax and excessive worrying are caused by this). However, it can easily get out of control, causing a whole variety of difficulties. 

Depression - Feeling low, tired, unhappy, numb, tearful and questioning of life's purpose/meaning are all common symptoms of depression, which can arise in a whole range of circumstances - sometimes in reponse to an event or other times just in relation to longer term issues or questions.  Depression occurs to different degrees and is often linked to anxiety difficulties.

Anger/agressiveness -  Excessive anger and aggressiveness is a very common problem, particularly in these pressurised times, and is a product of our feeling attacked or violated in some way or other. This may be through an insult, an unreasonable demand or indeed someone overtaking us on the motorway. Learning to manage and reduce excessive anger is a skill that can be acquired. Anger is often linked to feelings of anxiety and fear.

Abuse - Physical, sexual and emotional abuse are all traumatic events that can have profound effects on us as we grow up, or/and as we live our adult lives.  We can can often find ourselves having nightmares, experiencing considerable feelings of panic/anxiety etc. It can also shape our relationships with others, such as in terms of making it difficult for us to trust or be intimate with those close to us.

Addiction - Drug and alcohol addiction (or dependence) is perhaps one of the most common problems and is  often a product of us wanting to numb difficult or upsetting feelings, such as anxiety, fear, depression or other difficulties.  Deciding how to manage addiction or dependence often involves finding alternative coping strategies for these.

Relationships - Difficulties linked to our relationships with others are very common, and arise from a whole range of factors.  People often come to therapy after the break up of a relationship, or while having major problems, to help understand what is going wrong and to find ways of changing things for the better.

As well as these, other common difficulties I am experienced in working with are; grief/bereavement, health/body problems and difficulties, eating disorders, workplace difficulties such as bullying, confidence/esteem issues, assertiveness,  sexuality issues/worries, procrastination etc.