LIFE CHANGES AND PERSONAL GROWTH
Imagine embarking on a transformative journey where you unlock your potential and embrace life's changes with confidence and clarity. With the help of various psychological services, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you may reshape your mindset and cultivate positive habits. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) may keep you grounded in the present, to effectively manage stress and enhance your sense of well-being. Socratic Questioning, like a compass, may guide you towards your goals with unwavering support. Psychodynamic principles may help us to understand the intricate tapestry of your past and how it influences your present. This adventure of self-discovery and growth may chart a future course in the face of change.
EMOTIONAL WELLBEING AND DEVELOPMENT
Sometimes emotions are just too overwhelming to handle on your own. By consulting a psychologist, you have someone who listens to you attentively. This does not mean that you are weak. Imagine blaming someone for going to a doctor to set a broken leg! The psychologist uses various theories to help you work through emotions so that they are not so overwhelming.
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
You may want to consult a psychologist to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of yourself and others. A deeper knowledge of yourself and how you interact with the world around you may increase understanding of your own behaviour. This knowledge and understanding (or insight) allows you to engage with your life, leading to increased fulfillment.
HOPE AND OPTIMISM
Psychology, as a profession, is moving away from being concerned only about disorders and disease. When you consult a psychologist, you also focus on what is right and what is currently working in your life. I work with you to find the best ways, based on scientific evidence, to find helpful solutions, and to encourage hope. Psychology, like life, is about finding out what works best for you.
TRAUMA WORK
I am an experienced therapist offering specialized trauma therapies, including BrainWorking Recursive Therapy (BWRT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonged Exposure (PE) by Edna Foa. BWRT helps rewire the brain's response to stress and anxiety. EMDR uses eye movements to process and release traumatic memories. Prolonged Exposure therapy involves confronting and processing trauma through imaginal and real-life exposure, reducing PTSD symptoms. My expertise in these methods can provide effective support for your healing journey.
ADDICTIONS
Psychology offers a range of services to help individuals overcome addictions. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors; Motivational Interviewing (MI), which enhances the individual's motivation to change; and Contingency Management (CM), which provides tangible rewards for positive behavior changes. Additionally, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and Family Therapy are valuable, creating a strong support network and addressing underlying issues contributing to addiction. These evidence-based approaches may be tailored to your unique needs, helping you to achieve and maintain long-term recovery.
I am a certified addictions counsellor, having trained through ACCSA (Addictions Counsellor Certifications SA), who are a member of the BAPSA (Board of Addiction Professionals SA).
MINDFULNESS
Practices for being present in the moment: Cultivate awareness by immersing yourself in the present, embracing each moment without judgment. Mindfulness reduces stress and improves focus, aiding emotional equilibrium. Engage fully with your surroundings and experiences, fostering inner calm. Practicing mindfulness can transform your relationship with thoughts and feelings. As an example, pretend that you are a mountain and let the 'weather' be above the mountain whilst you stay grounded.
(DI)STRESS TOLERANCE
Techniques for tolerating pain in difficult situations without making things worse: When faced with tough times, distress tolerance skills help you endure without exacerbating the situation. These techniques build resilience, enabling you to navigate crises with composure. They focus on immediate survival strategies and acceptance, promoting emotional steadiness in challenging moments. For example, when things don't work out, sometimes you need someone to tell you the truth.
EMOTION REGULATION
Strategies for managing and changing intense emotions Emotion regulation involves understanding, managing, and altering emotional responses. By developing these strategies, you can shift from reactive to proactive, gaining control over your emotional landscape. This enhances wellbeing and reduces emotional volatility, allowing for a balanced and fulfilling life. For example, the psychologist teaches you to stop talking so much about your emotions and to start feeling them in your body.
RELATIONSHIP EFFECTIVENESS
Skills for communicating and interacting effectively with others: Strong interpersonal skills help you articulate needs and set boundaries while maintaining healthy self-respect. These techniques foster assertiveness, compassion, and understanding in interactions. By enhancing communication, you can build stronger, more supportive connections and navigate social dynamics confidently. For example, if you are a people pleaser, you can learn a 'script' to assert yourself.