What is therapeutic counselling and how does it help?

Having sessions with a therapeutic counsellor can help with a wide range of conditions, such as anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, physical health issues, low mood, low confidence, and low self-esteem, or other mental health challenges.  Those facing life transitions, such as career changes, relationship issues, or loss can benefit,  as well as individuals seeking personal growth and self-improvement, or those who previously explored therapy or coaching and are looking for a more integrated approach. 

Therapeutic Counselling is a hybrid of therapy and coaching. It is an approach to personal change that harnesses the different but complementary powers of coaching and psychotherapy in a single way of working. It is solution focused, while providing the benefits of traditional therapy. It integrates key principles of counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, developmental psychology, coaching, meditation and mindfulness, to help you live a healthier, happier and more relaxed life.

Because of my background and experience in therapy and alternative medicine, I look at you as a whole. We will focus on your mental health, but your overall well-being contributes greatly to that. Exploring your nutrition, physical exercise, sleep, etc will help us build a strong foundation from which truly lasting heath comes from. We will use several techniques while navigating change like motivational interviewing, emotional literacy, compassionate inquiry, exposure therapy, thought records, cognitive reframing, goal setting,  and journaling. I look at life and my work through a spiritual lens. We are all souls having a human experience. It's important to understand how our brains & bodies work (psychoneurology), because that is part of our reality. It is also equally important to honour our soul and explore our spiritual health & purpose in this life. I use my intuitive gifts to guide us and empower you through your growth and expansion. Working with clinical and evidence based therapies for your body and mind will keep you grounded while you do the deeper spiritual healing. Everything is connected. 

How does it help?

By engaging in individual therapy sessions, it creates a safe, non-judgemental environment that facilitates healing and enhances your understanding of the challenges you are facing, helping you uncover their underlying causes. It gives you insight into your current situation, your desired goals, and the barriers that hinder your progress. Additionally, it equips you with practical tools to navigate these often subconscious obstacles, enabling you to advance towards the transformation you seek.

During every session, the therapist considers your specific needs as a client and strives to connect with you at your current state. As a result, each session can vary. While every individual and their experiences are unique, there are shared approaches that can be beneficial. The blend of methods and techniques, enables us to examine challenges comprehensively, addressing physical, mental, emotional & spiritual aspects. Exploring and connecting with yourself on a deeper level like this usually requires several sessions, or longer-term work together. It is always up to you how often and how frequent you attend therapy, and there are many different options for healing that offer shorter and longer-term commitments. 

As an example, how does it help improve low self-esteem?

We begin by evaluating the impact of low self esteem on you and your perception of it, particularly in terms of physical manifestations, such as discomfort in the stomach, tightness in the chest, fatigue, etc. Subsequently, we inquire about the actions these feelings prompt you to take or avoid. It is important to identify when these feelings arise—whether they are persistent, occur in professional or personal settings, or are triggered by interactions with specific individuals. Additionally, we analyze how these sensations affect your overall life, for example: avoiding social engagements, barriers in the pursuit of new career opportunities, etc.

We picture how you want things to be different and what that experience would feel like, helping you to subconsciously start moving in that direction. Next, we can delve into the origin of your low self-esteem. These may include past experiences—such as a memory or experience from childhood—as well as the limiting beliefs you have developed about yourself and the world as a result of those experiences (like thinking 'I'm not good enough').

From this point, we focus on exploring those thoughts, feelings, and beliefs (which are often unconscious) to help you build greater confidence in yourself and your choices for the future. This process is approached gently and effectively through the tools and techniques I’ve mentioned, such as counselling, coaching, cognitive behavioural therapy, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness. Additionally, our sessions will encourage a shift in your relationship with yourself, fostering a more self-accepting and supportive mindset. 

Therapeutic Counselling Does:

Focus on the Whole Person.
Therapeutic counselling takes a holistic approach, considering the interconnectedness of mental, emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. 

Address Root Causes.
It goes beyond surface-level problems to explore the underlying beliefs, values, and self-concept that may be hindering progress. 

Improve Emotional Regulation:
Addressing emotional wounds and developing coping mechanisms can lead to better emotional regulation. 

Foster Self-Awareness and Reflection.
Clients are encouraged to examine their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours to gain a deeper understanding of themselves. 

Build Tools and Techniques.
Therapeutic counselling often incorporates elements like mindfulness, talk therapy, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, meditation, etc.

Encourage Action-Oriented Approach.
While exploring the past, it also emphasizes the present and future, helping clients set goals and develop strategies for change. 

Create Personal Growth.
Therapeutic counselling & coaching aims to facilitate lasting positive change, empowering individuals to address challenges and achieve their desired outcomes.