Special Interests

I am a stress, trauma and transition specialist

 

In my experience most of us get stuck during times of stress, change or uncertainty or where something unexpected or traumatic happens.  In many cases, we just don’t feel that we have the time, energy or resources to deal with what is going on, so we give up or soldier on without direction.  If you are dealing with the impact of something that has happened now, or something from the past that is unresolved in some way or there is something in the future that you are worried about, I may be able to help. The following is a list of some areas I am particularly experienced and interested in. Contact me to discuss what your particular circumstances are and how I might be able to help. 

 

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Advocacy

• needing help to speak up for yourself or someone else who is vulnerable 

• accessing information about support or legal rights 

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Anxiety

• related to uncertainty, change or trauma 

 

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Caring responsibilities 

• dealing with the emotional and practical impact of caring for someone; a parent, child, partner or person with special needs

• confusion about options or where to get help

• self care issues

• balancing caring responsibilities with other responsibilities 

 

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Energy Issues 

• Lack of energy or scattered energy

• Lack of mental focus

• Lack of balance, not feeling grounded 

• Struggling to complete a never ending to do list 

 

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Relationship Issues 

• conflict or distress related to lack of intimacy and connection in a romantic relationship, different goals and dreams, different ways of showing love and having needs met, feeling emotionally or physically unsafe, infidelity or trust issues

• conflict or issues with family members, friends, colleagues or others

• lack of confidence, or ability to speak up, difficulty maintaining relationships, lack of self love, care or compassion

 

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Life transitions 

• including entering and exiting relationships, preparing for new relationships, infertility and parenting issues and options, age related issues, leaving paid employment 

• inability to deal with, move on, get over or let go of something in the past 

 

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Emotional issues

• feeling stuck in certain feelings/emotions like blame, shame, anger, sadness, criticism, guilt, resentment or disappointment that can block other feelings or emotions like joy, love, gratitude, inner peace and equanimity

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Stress and overwhelm  

• pain or tension in the body, unable to switch off thoughts or relax, lack of physical self care (exercise, hydration, healthy eating) sleep issues, digestive issues, mood and emotional issues or instability, feeling depressed, irritable, sad, lacking energy or motivation

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Identity Issues 

• Feeling like you don’t belong or are not accepted for who you are 

• Hiding a part of yourself because you fear rejection or have been rejected in the past

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Loss and Grief issues 

• dealing with death, disability, illness, accident, loss of relationship, work, financial stability, country or culture, religious, spiritual or value conflict

• Loss of identity, dream, person or pet 

• Complicated loss and grief issues 

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Decision making challenges 

• uncertainty about what to do or torn between different options or courses of action 

• Needing clarity to make a good decision

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Dealing with unhelpful coping strategies

• addictive behaviours like gambling, eating issues, overwork, alcohol and other drugs, ruminating, emotional outburst or withdrawal, especially where these coping strategies are unhelpful, impact negatively on functioning or contribute to relationship issues 

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Spiritual Issues 

• lacking purpose and life direction 

• unsure of your strengths, not utilising your strengths 

• unsure of how to express yourself creatively, unable to express yourself creatively 

• not contributing your unique gifts to the world in some way 

• existential angst 

• dealing with value conflicts where part of you wants to do one thing and part of you wants to do another 

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Thinking styles 

• stuck in unhelpful thinking styles like catastrophising, ruminating, jumping to conclusions, either/or thinking, focusing on what you don’t want, labelling, shoulding, listening only to your inner critic or memory issues

• worry     

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Trauma Impact

• dealing with any unresolved issues post trauma either recent or longstanding, including inability to move on, forgive, process or deal with feelings of overwhelm or emotional distress, recurring thoughts, images or bodily sensations, especially those impacting on function, relationships or enjoyment of life 

• impact of disability, accident, or other unexpected, unwelcome event