Fear or anxiety is an emotion that all human beings experience at times as a natural and useful way to protect us from danger, or when under pressure or stressed at work or home.
Anxiety only becomes a problem when it impacts on our lives in a negative way preventing us from experiencing other emotions, such as joy or enabling us to function and socialise in a ‘normal’ way.
For these individuals worry and fear take over and for some this can be physically and emotionally disabling and they may benefit from medical support, changing their lifestyles to be less stressful with more rest and relaxation and by improving their diet.
According to Dr Bruce Lipton, a cellular biologist at Stanford Medical School, “95% of all illness is caused by stress!”
Whilst at the Ted Global 2013 conference, Stanford psychologist Kelly McGonigal stated: “How you think and how you act can transform your experience of stress. When you choose to view your stress response as helpful, you can create the biology of courage. And when you choose to connect with others under stress, you can create resilience”.
I help to support individuals in exploring the root of their concern, challenge their thinking and find strategies to help manage the difficult feelings linked to stress. By working together we can aim towards creating positive change and recovery.
Common counselling issues presenting as anxiety or stress include such concerns as, health concerns and illness, work and college stress, bereavement, marriage and co- habitation, divorce, pregnancy, infertility and miscarriage, adoption, sexual, physical or emotional abuse, bullying, trust issues, redundancy or fear of redundancy, ageing challenges and issues with caring for others.
I appreciate that many people have no experience of counselling and may feel anxious of what to expect or unsure if they are ready to take that step. I am happy to speak with you to answer any questions you may have to help ease your concerns and to arrange a counselling assessment appointment.