Why consult a therapist?

Life is messy and really, really (!) difficult at times.

You don't have to do it alone!

I am here to support you at your most vulnerable moments and help you move forward in a way that makes sense to you. Even when you don't know how it looks like yet. I hope you can give yourself the time to figure it out and reach out for help when needed.

That first act of self-care can change the rest of your life.
With nurturing, support, and holding, everything grows and eventually thrives.

Therapy helps people reduce their distress, develop a better quality of life, support them through hard times, and promote their personal growth so they are empowered to live authentic and meaningful lives.

Motives for therapy

Les motifs de consultation sont nombreux et varies, selon les personnes. Il n'y a pas de mauvaises raisons à demander du soutien.

Ici une liste non exhaustive des raisons qui peuvent motiver une prise de contact :

Relationships can at times become complicated and contentious, putting our emotional resilience to the test.

Here are a few examples of relational challenges:

Separations or divorces
Infidelity
Disagreements related to parenthood
Family conflicts
Tensions with close friends
Strained interactions with colleagues at work

These relational difficulties can trigger a range of emotional reactions, such as misunderstanding, feelings of helplessness, isolation, and betrayal, accompanied by a surge in stress, frustration, sadness, and disappointment. Those affected may have their self-esteem and sense of identity impaired.

After navigating through tumultuous relationships, it can become challenging to open oneself again to new relations, form new bonds, rebuild trust, and feel secure around others.

Relational issues have a significant impact on an individual's mental well-being and life, potentially giving rise to symptoms of anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and even post-traumatic stress disorder.

Anxiety is an emotion that plays a vital role in the survival of species and self-preservation. It assists individuals in mobilizing the necessary physiological and cognitive resources to confront potential threats they may encounter.

However, when anxiety becomes overly intense and persistent, it surpasses its adaptive function, transforming into a source of suffering and disrupting daily functioning.

Physiologically, anxiety can trigger a series of biochemical reactions, including an elevation in cortisol and adrenaline levels. This leads to an accelerated heart rate, rapid breathing, excessive sweating, muscle tension, and even gastrointestinal disturbances, among other effects.

Cognitively, excessive anxiety can give rise to intrusive thoughts, disproportionate negative scenarios about future events, and the establishment of harmful cycles involving overthinking and constant worry.

Behaviorally, anxiety can drive individuals to adopt coping and control strategies that are often counterproductive in the long run. This might involve avoiding situations they fear or developing compulsive behaviors like repeatedly checking things.

A wide range of symptoms are associated with anxiety, as well as various types of debilitating anxiety disorders that differ in terms of intensity and their impact on daily life:

Performance Anxiety
Separation Anxiety
Panic Attacks
Social Anxiety
Fears / Phobias
Hypochondria
Agoraphobia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Etc...

Some manifestations and symptoms serve as indicators of distress and warrant careful attention and support:

Lingering sadness and melancholy that cast shadows over our lived experiences and perspective on life.
"Feeling down", discouraged, and detached.
Decreased motivation and pleasure. Activities that used to bring joy and fulfillment may turn burdensome, leading to detachment and disengagement (in work, leisure, and social interactions).
Low energy: persistent fatigue, both physically and mentally, even after adequate rest. This fatigue can render even simple tasks insurmountable, resulting in an overall reduction in activity.
Difficulties with concentration, hindering the ability to carry out tasks and responsibilities effectively.
Struggling to make decisions, even in previously mundane daily situations like selecting clothes or meals.
Diminished self-confidence and self-doubt, sometimes leading to dwelling on mistakes and failures.
Reduced sexual interest and challenges in maintaining intimate relationships.
Thoughts revolving around death or suicide.

Depending on the intensity, duration, and daily impact of these symptoms, a diagnosis of a mood disorder may be considered.

In mood disorders, these symptoms significantly impair an individual's quality of life, affecting their ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing these symptoms from evolving into more severe and persistent issues.

When we are confronted with challenging events, it's entirely normal to experience a range of overwhelming emotions and to grapple with how to deal with these challenges.

Life's trials can take many forms, including:

Grief: Coping with the loss of a cherished individual, whether it's a parent, a spouse, a close friend, or a beloved pet
Breakup or Divorce – the termination of a romantic relationship
Becoming a parent: While the arrival of a child typically fills us with joy, it also introduces formidable challenges, including stress, sleep deprivation, and the adjustment to newfound responsibilities
Premature Birth or Birth Complications
Fertility Struggles and Conception Difficulties
Job Loss: Which can lead to financial worries, insecurity, and a loss of self-confidence.
Financial Problems: Such as debt or loss of material possessions
Serious Illness: Receiving a diagnosis of a serious illness or living with a chronic medical condition.
Accidents or Injuries: Which can profoundly impact one's quality of life and both physical and emotional well-being
Harassment or Discrimination: Workplace, school, or societal harassment due to factors like age, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other factors
Violence or Abuse - physical or psychological mistreatment.
Traumatic Events - sexual assaults, natural disasters, acts of terrorism…

These life experiences, which can be deeply emotionally unsettling, may leave a lasting impact on mental health. Reactions to these difficult events vary from person to person, and there is no "correct" way to face them.

Therapy can prove to be an effective tool for overcoming these challenging moments and restoring emotional equilibrium.

Grief and loss are universal human experiences, yet they are profoundly personal and unique to each individual. When we lose someone or something dear to us, the emotional turmoil can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling lost, confused, and isolated. At such times, seeking therapy can be a powerful and transformative choice.

Grief is a natural response to loss, and it encompasses a wide range of emotions, including sadness, anger, guilt, and even relief. Loss can take various forms: the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or even the loss of one's health. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, everyone's journey through grief is unique.

How therapy can help:

Validation of Feelings: One of the primary motives for seeking therapy during grief and loss is to validate your feelings. Society often expects individuals to "move on" quickly after a loss, but grief doesn't adhere to a timeline. A clinical psychologist provides a non-judgmental space for you to express your emotions honestly and without fear of criticism.
Coping Strategies: Grief can be overwhelming, and it may feel as if you are drowning in sorrow. Therapy equips you with coping strategies to manage the intense emotions that accompany grief. Psychologists can teach relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and offer guidance on how to navigate the ups and downs of grief.
Support System: Navigating Complex Relationships: Grief often leads to feelings of isolation, as those around you may struggle to comprehend the depth of your emotional experience. Additionally, you may find that you grieve differently from others who are also affected by the same loss, which can sometimes trigger misunderstandings and tensions within your relationships. Therapy can be instrumental in helping you navigate the intricate dynamics of these relationships.
Meaning-Making: Grief often raises existential questions and can challenge our beliefs and values. Therapy can help you explore these questions, find meaning in the loss, and rediscover a sense of purpose in life.
Honoring the Memory: Therapy can also be a means of honoring the memory of the person or thing you have lost. It can help you find ways to commemorate their significance in your life and keep their memory alive in a healthy and constructive manner.

Grief and loss are deeply personal experiences, and seeking therapy during these times can be a crucial step toward healing and growth. Together with a therapist, you can find a path toward acceptance, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Sleep is a fundamental physiological process essential for health and well-being. It plays a crucial role in the restoration and regeneration of the body and the brain. Disruptions in sleep and sleep disorders can lead to a range of difficulties and impact an individual's daily functioning.

Sleep disruptions encompass difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, waking up too early, and experiencing non-restorative sleep. These issues can stem from various factors, including stress, lifestyle (screens, alcohol consumption...), medical problems, and underlying psychological difficulties.

Sleep disorders, on the other hand, represent a more serious category of sleep-related disturbances. Insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless legs syndrome are examples of sleep disorders, each with distinct manifestations and specific effects.

Sleep problems can exacerbate physical and mental health issues, and vice versa, health problems can worsen sleep quality. For example, conditions like depression and anxiety can disrupt sleep patterns, perpetuating a cycle of worsening symptoms.

Prolonged sleep problems can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, impair cognitive abilities, and hinder emotional regulation. Moreover, the consequences on mental health can manifest as increased stress, anxiety, mood swings, and a decrease in quality of life.

Burnout refers to a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion often accompanied by reduced motivation and performance. Burnout is not merely feeling tired after a long day; it's a complex syndrome resulting from chronic stress that remains unmanaged over time.

Burnout typically arises from prolonged exposure to high levels of stress, often in situations where an individual feels overwhelmed and lacks the necessary resources to cope effectively. Some common causes include:

Excessive Workload: an unrealistic or overwhelming amount of work and responsibilities. This can be exacerbated by long working hours and tight deadlines.
Lack of Control: Feeling powerless or having limited influence over one's tasks and decisions. This lack of autonomy can lead to a sense of helplessness.
Lack of Recognition: When efforts go unnoticed or unappreciated, it can lead to feelings of demotivation and disengagement, eventually resulting in burnout.
Work-Life Imbalance: Difficulty in balancing work commitments with personal life and leisure
Unclear Expectations: Poor communication about job roles, responsibilities, and expectations can lead to confusion and frustration, which are key factors in burnout.

In addition to workplace-related burnout, parental burnout has become a growing concern for many caregivers. Juggling the demands of parenting, work, and personal life can lead to emotional and physical exhaustion. Parents might feel overwhelmed by constant responsibilities, struggle with time management, and find it challenging to meet both their own needs and those of their children.

Burnout manifests in various manifestations, and its symptoms can be both physical and emotional.

Common signs include:

Physical Exhaustion: Constant fatigue, insomnia, and lowered immunity
Emotional Detachment: A sense of cynicism, detachment, and depersonalization from work, colleagues, and tasks can develop.
Reduced Performance: Decreased productivity, decreased attention to detail, and impaired decision-making
Mental Strain: Burnout can lead to cognitive difficulties such as impaired concentration, forgetfulness, and reduced creativity.
Emotional Changes: Individuals may experience increased irritability, mood swings, and a sense of hopelessness.

Burnout is a serious condition that arises from chronic stress and can impact various aspects of life. Recognizing the causes, symptoms, and adopting effective strategies to prevent and manage burnout is crucial for maintaining one's well-being and achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.

Self-esteem refers to how we perceive and value ourselves as individuals. It encompasses the beliefs, emotions, and behaviors we hold towards ourselves.

A healthy self-esteem involves feeling comfortable in our own skin, believing in our abilities, and recognizing the value we bring to our relationships.

On the contrary, low self-esteem can manifest as feelings of doubt, insecurity, self-criticism, self-deprecating behaviors, avoidance of certain situations due to fear of failure, as well as constant comparisons to others, leading to feelings of inferiority and inadequacy. Low self-esteem can have repercussions on our relationships, work performance, and overall well-being.

Self-esteem can be influenced by various factors, including past life experiences such as trauma, moments of failure, or toxic relationships. Moreover, navigating a demanding environment with societal pressures and standards of beauty, success, or perfection can heavily impact our self-esteem.

Therapy provides the opportunity to challenge negative thoughts and self-criticism, delve deeply into past experiences and internalized negative messages, all while encouraging the development of self-compassion. It creates a safe space to strengthen self-confidence and unleash one's potential, paving the way for the exploration of new challenges.

Anger, as a fundamental emotion, arises in response to perceived threats, injustices, and frustrations. It's a completely normal emotion that has played a crucial adaptive role in ensuring the survival of the species. In fact, when faced with a perceived danger, anger compels individuals to defend themselves and protect their loved ones as well as essential resources for survival, such as food and shelter.

In addition to immediate dangers, anger can be triggered by various situations:

Perceptions of injustice
Frustration: When obstacles hinder the achievement of desired goals
Perceived threat: When there's a threat to safety, dignity, or individual rights
Feelings of contempt: When one feels devalued, ignored, or disrespected
Disappointment: When expectations are not met
Violations of personal boundaries
Repeated stress: Elevated stress levels can diminish emotional regulation abilities and increase the risk of explosive anger outbursts
Personal history: Past experiences of betrayal, abuse, or conflicts can intensify anger in certain situations
Cultural context: Cultural norms and values can influence how anger is expressed and triggered

It's important to note that anger itself isn't necessarily negative, as it acts as a signal to identify underlying problems and guide decision-making (for example, ending a relationship with a partner that is disrespectful and critical). It's the manner in which anger is managed and expressed that can sometimes lead to positive or destructive outcomes.

Consequences of Uncontrolled Anger

While anger is a natural emotion, expressing it repeatedly, persistently, or uncontrollably can lead to adopting destructive behaviors and cause significant issues in various aspects of life:

Relationships: Excessive anger and irritability can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. Frequent outbursts or constant edginess can push people away and create a hostile environment.
Physical Health: Chronic anger has been linked to health issues such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems, and a weakened immune system. The physiological toll of sustained anger is a serious concern.
Mental Health: Prolonged anger and irritability can contribute to anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. These emotions can erode one's mental well-being and contribute to a negative outlook on life.
Career: Difficulties in managing anger and irritability can impact job performance, hinder career growth, and lead to conflicts in the workplace
Personal Growth: Unaddressed anger can impede personal development by preventing individuals from addressing underlying issues and adopting healthier coping mechanisms. The individual gets stuck with repeating unhelpful patterns of functioning.

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Chartered Psychologist CBT & ACT Therapist

Why consult a therapist?

Motives for therapy

Chartered Psychologist
CBT & ACT T herapist