Women across the lifespan in our society face a variety of challenges and psychosocial stressors, including the multiple roles women often have to juggle on a daily basis, leading to mood and anxiety disorders, adjustment disorder, drug and alcohol issues and the ensuing impact on key relationships and possible interpersonal difficulties. The demands of child rearing; managing a family and home; navigating a primary relationship; employment and career; ageing parents; and chronic illness are just some of the issues facing women today; all which can lead to a decline in their mental health. Often there is little time left for self care, let alone psychological support.
I often work with young girls in their 20’s who may be struggling with self identity and self formation, often in the context of significant interpersonal relationships and future life directions. I also work with women in their 30’s, 40’s and 50’s (and upward into their 80’s) who are be struggling with different stages of child rearing/adolescents; their multiple life roles; fertility issues, the impact of chronic gynaecological issues, menopause and ageing; marital issues and ageing parents. As well I work with body image issues, self esteem, and women struggling with weight issues and/or dysfunctional eating patterns (sub clinical or if clinical, stable and just needing ongoing support).
My focus is to provide a safe, empathic space. Research shows between 40%-80% of what works in therapy is the therapeutic relationship. This is the fundamental tenet of my approach. I also like to offer support with dealing with difficult thoughts; developing emotional regulation and teaching arousal reduction and mindfulness when needed.
My psych-education is based on the underlying premise of helping oneself to develop a ‘compassionate witnessing stance’ towards their own internal psychological world and offering support to navigate this more effectively. I also offer hypnosis which can be very effective for ego strengthening; reducing the impact of anxiety and mood disorders; improving sleep; managing stress; reducing the impact of the pain and distress associated with debilitating chronic physical conditions and psychosomatic conditions and so forth. I also have a particular interest in oncology hypnosis and find it to be a helpful adjunct in managing the side effects of chemotherapy and improving QoL and locus of control while undergoing treatment. I am a strong advocate for the mind-body condition. I also offer EMDR when appropriate. I use it in the context of single trauma events such as a car accident and it can also be very useful for adjustment disorder issues, such as blocked grief, feelings of low self worth or fear of rejection.