S is for:

Self-Harm

When working therapeutically with self-harm, the goal is to understand the underlying emotional pain that leads to this behaviour and to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms. Self-harm often serves as a way to manage overwhelming emotions, express feelings that are hard to verbalise, or regain a sense of control.

Therapy may include building emotional regulation skills, mindfulness, finding alternative coping strategies and on understanding the patterns behind self-harm, helping clients to develop healthier ways to express and manage their distress. The ultimate aim is to help clients reduce reliance on self-harm, build resilience, and develop a healthier relationship with their emotions and body.

(Low) Self-esteem/self-worth

When working with low self-worth, my approach ensures a safe, empathetic environment where clients feel heard and understood, allowing them to explore the root causes of their negative self-perception, often stemming from past experiences, criticism, or unmet emotional needs.

Sexual Identity

Sexual identity is a deeply personal aspect of a person’s sense of self and can be shaped by a variety of factors, including cultural, familial, and social influences, as well as personal experiences. The therapeutic process focuses on creating an empathetic and accepting environment where the individual feels valued, heard, and free to explore their sexual identity without pressure or shame and encourages individuals to embrace their sexual identity and any associated challenges with openness and mindfulness, allowing them to move forward in a way that is authentic and values-driven.

Spiritual Awakening

Spiritual awakening refers to a profound shift in consciousness where an individual experiences a deep understanding of their true nature, transcending the limitations of the ego and connecting with a greater sense of purpose, awareness, and connection to the universe or a higher power. It often involves a process of self-discovery, inner peace, and alignment with one’s authentic self.

My therapeutic approach to spiritual awakening often incorporates mindfulness, self-reflection, and integration of spiritual practices, such as meditation or journaling, to foster growth, helping individuals navigate spiritual awakening to explore their beliefs, values, and life experiences that contribute to this transformative process. Ultimately, the goal is to help clients gain clarity, live authentically, and find a deeper sense of meaning and connection in their lives. Spiritual awakening can also bring challenges, such as a period of cognitive dissonance, disillusionment or questioning, which I help clients to address by providing guidance and emotional support.

Stress

When working therapeutically with stress, the focus is on identifying the sources of stress, understanding how it impacts the body and mind, and developing strategies to manage it effectively.

Stress can manifest in various ways, such as physical symptoms (e.g., headaches, muscle tension), emotional reactions (e.g., anxiety, irritability), and behavioural changes (e.g., overeating, withdrawing from social interactions). Therapy aims to help clients build resilience by developing coping mechanisms that address these symptoms and reduce the impact of stress on daily life, challenging negative thinking, focusing on problem-solving and ultimately reducing the intensity of stress and approaching challenges with a more balanced perspective. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques, are often incorporated and play a crucial role in reducing stress by helping clients stay present and calm in the face of overwhelming emotions.

In addition, building emotional regulation skills, improving time management, and setting healthy boundaries are key aspects of stress management. By addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of stress, I aim to empower individuals to gain better control over their emotional and mental well-being, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Suicidal Ideation

When working with suicidal ideation, therapy focuses on providing a safe, non-judgmental space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings. The goal is to understand the underlying causes of distress, such as emotional pain or hopelessness, and develop coping strategies, focussing on emotional regulation and distress tolerance. Safety planning, crisis intervention, and a strong therapeutic relationship are essential components of treatment. The ultimate aim is to restore hope, reduce isolation, and empower individuals to manage overwhelming emotions.