Common problems and advice

Our counsellors, psychologists and therapists are experienced in working with a range of issues and problems, however we also know every person is different and this means no two situations are ever exactly the same. Some of the difficulties we commonly work with follow.

Abuse

Physical, sexual and emotional abuse are all traumatic events that can have profound effects on us as we grow up, or/and as we live our adult lives. We can can often find ourselves having nightmares, experiencing considerable feelings of panic/anxiety, etc. It can also shape our relationships with others, for example, making it difficult for us to trust or be intimate with those close to us.

Addiction

Drug and alcohol addiction (or dependence) is perhaps one of the most common problems and is often a product of us wanting to numb difficult or upsetting feelings, such as anxiety, fear, depression or other difficulties. Click here to read our addiction information sheet.

Anger/aggression

Excessive anger and aggressiveness is a very common problem, particularly in these pressurised times, and is a product of our feeling attacked or violated in some way or other. Click here to read our anger/aggession information sheet.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a very common problem that many people experience. However, it can easily get out of control, causing a whole variety of difficulties. Click here to read our anxiety information sheet.

Assertiveness

Being able to communicate assertively is extremely important in all areas of your life, as it allows you to express your feelings and opinions openly and honestly without fear of reproof, as well as listening respectfully to the feelings and opinions of others. Click here to read our assertiveness information sheet.

Asperger's syndrome

Asperger's syndrome is a kind of autism that affects the way someone communicates and interacts with other people. Click here to read our Aspergers information sheet.

Depression

Feeling low, tired, unhappy, numb, tearful and questioning of life's purpose/meaning are all common symptoms of depression. Click here to read our depression information sheet.

Dreaming

Dreams can be extremely powerful and sometimes upsetting as they appear to harbour meaning about our deepest secrets, fears and desires. Click here to read our dreaming information sheet.

Eating and body image

Being comfortable in your own body is something that a lot of people have difficulty with. People with a negative body image are much more likely to feel unhappy, and can develop problems with eating. Click here to read our eating and body image information sheet.

Exercise therapy

Regular exercise has psychological benefits for individuals with good mental health, but is especially good for people with poorer psychological health. Click here to read our exercise therapy information sheet.

Mindfulness

Being more mindful means living in the present. It is a simple technique that, once mastered, can lead to greater happiness. Click here to read our mindfulness information sheet.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)

People with OCD become locked in a cycle of thought that is hard to escape, and outward signs like hand-washing are often a way of coping with or reducing the distress of these troubling thoughts. Click here to read our OCD information sheet.

Psychopharmacology

The pharmaceutical treatment of psychological problems is a growing industry and medication can sometimes help to ease symptoms in conditions like depression to help the person cope more easily on a day-to-day basis. Click here to read our psychopharmacology information sheet.

Psychosis

Psychosis is a very general term for a psychological condition in which a person finds it hard to distinguish between real and imagined events. Click here to read our psychosis information sheet.

Relationships

Difficulties linked to our relationships with others are very common, and arise from a whole range of factors. Click here to read our relationships information sheet.

Relaxation

Relaxation helps to calm anxiety and aids your body and mind in recovering from the every day stresses of life. Click here to read our relaxation information sheet.

Shyness and social anxiety

Shyness is something that affects everyone at some point, but often these feelings fade away. Social anxiety is an extreme form of shyness, which prevents people from carrying out day-to-day activities. Click here to read our shyness and social anxiety information sheet.

Other common problems

As well as these, other common difficulties we are experienced in working with are: grief/bereavement, health/body problems and difficulties, workplace difficulties such as bullying, confidence/esteem issues, sexuality issues/worries, and procrastination.