Nelson, BC, Counselling - Therapy -Depression, Anxiety, Relationship problems

"Life Themes” is a term I use to describe chronic or seemingly insoluble difficulties. Examples of these might include questions of meaning, chronic pain, or a history of failed relationships. I believe there is always a way to live with any apparently insoluble difficulty in one’s life in a way that will increase one’s level of satisfaction.

As client and counsellor , we will explore life themes together. Our therapy relationship can become a vehicle for emotionally healing experiences and promoting change at a deep and enduring level. On this collaborative journey our relationship may be challenged in some ways, and it is through these challenges, met together, that new and more beneficial relationship patterns are created through counselling.

One of the most important forms of new experience takes place through the relationship with me as your therapist. By working collaboratively with you to discover how both of us are contributing to the current interaction, I am able to provide you with a new constructive interpersonal experience that challenges you existing ineffective relational patterns.

Anxiety is a natural human reaction. Anxiety is similar to what we experience when we are afraid. Often when we are afraid we know just what we are afraid of. Often when we are anxious we only have a vague apprehension with no clearly defined thing that we are afraid of. At other times the mind generates too many concerns and worries, to a point where a person feels overwhelmed. When these symptoms of anxiety interfere with our ability to live our lives with relative comfort then counselling for our anxiety is especially important.

Anxiety affects our whole being; it affects us physically, behaviourally, and psychologically. Behaviourally a person might find their ability to face everyday situations compromised. For example, one might avoid social situations or situations that make anxiety symptoms worse. Counselling can help with all of these problems.

Anxiety has effects such as:

rapid heart rate

choking sensation

sweating

shortness of breath

trembling and shaking

chest pain or discomfort

numbness or tingling in hands

feeling detached like everything is unreal

having a fear of dying

feeling out of control

Anxiety symptoms are a source of intense suffering for many. The good news is that anxiety disorders can be successfully treated in counselling. The sources of anxiety problems are numerous so the therapy requires an approach that takes this into account.

It is estimated that 25% of the population will be clinically depressed at some point in their lives. People who have had one episode of depression are at increased risk of subsequent episodes. Depression counselling has been shown to be quite helpful for those who suffer with depression.

Depression is often described as an “illness” with some of the following symptoms (depending on the type of depression).

sadness or depressed mood

loss of interest or pleasure in all or most things that you usually enjoy

significant weight loss or gain

difficulty sleeping (too much or too little sleep)

feeling very restless (unable to sit still) or feeling very slowed down

being tired all the time

having feelings of worthlessness or guilt

difficulty thinking or concentrating

having recurrent thoughts of death or dying

persistent self-doubt or low self-esteem

When we call depression a “medical illness” we are putting up some barriers in understanding the complexities of depression. Depression rarely has a single cause. Factors such as stressful life events, lack of social support from family or friends, negative thinking, and relationship difficulties may all contribute to depression. Biology and brain chemistry also play a role. This is the reason why a multi-faceted counselling approach for depression can often alleviate symptoms without the need for medications.

The level of suffering involved in depression can be very serious; indeed it can be life-threatening. To live with a family member or friend who suffers from depression can be very challenging. Many of my clients make significant progress within three to ten sessions.

If you suffer from depression and want help. Please contact me to find out more about depression counselling.

I have a belief that one of the most enduring ways we can grow and enrich our lives is through the development and deepening of our intimate relationships. Relationship can be a vehicle for personal growth and enrichment as we develop skills in emotional communication.

Many of the common problems we experience in our relationships do have solutions. Conflicts over money, how to parent, sexual fulfillment, in-law problems, and the balancing of time together with time apart, frequently set our relationships on a downward spiral. This downward spiral can be stopped. Some issues can be resolved within one to four sessions. Some problems take ten or more relationship or marriage counselling sessions. I am committed to staying the course with you however long it takes.

As a couples and marriage therapist, one of my priorities when working you is to not take sides so I can work with you without being biased. Taking a team approach, I am able to coach couples in finding ways to communicate effectively. There are times when it can be especially helpful to collaborate with a marital therapist, notably:

1) when a couple moves in together;
2) when a couple is involved in a second or subsequent marriage or relationship;
3) when a couple starts to have children;
4) when the children leave home; and
5) when a couple has frequent or severe arguments or resentments.

All of these important times herald new opportunities to grow and mature together.