Typically the kinds of problems that lead people to counselling include difficulties with intimate relationships, parenting challenges, struggles at work, uncertainty about the future, addictive behaviours, significant life changes (marriage, divorce, ill-health, grief, the birth of children), difficulties with sex, and struggles with sexuality or gender.
Overwhelming feelings can also lead people to therapy. These might include feelings of sadness, loneliness or despair, and irritability, frustration or anger. Feeling anxious and struggles with repetitive or compulsive thoughts or behaviours can also be reasons for seeking help.
In working with my clients I seek to understand the broader contexts of these life struggles, and to clarify the kinds of changes clients want to make in their lives. Together we explore their immediate or current situation, explore what they want or need to be different, and look at the supports and strategies that might be required to effect this change. Sometimes this work is brief and more problem focused, at other times it may involve the exploration of long-established life patterns in the hope of creating more satisfying and life-sustaining ways of being in the world.
My intention is always to create a respectful, receptive and non-judgemental environment and to support the client to engage in the work that they both want and need to do.
If you would like more information on a particular problem or challenge, and would like to discuss your situation with me, please call me or contact me by email.
Leanne O'Shea 