Counselling
An increased awareness of who we are as an individual is the first step to being truly comfortable in our own skin.
This includes our strengths, our weaknesses, our belief system, and the life we value.
It is only when we recognize and accept ourselves and internalise that understanding of who we are, can we become the person we want to be.
Very often clients come into counselling and say “I am not depressed or anxious” or “it’s really nothing big” or “I am very strong but…”.
Life is complicated, our lived experiences and relationships influence us.
They can cause us to feel hurt or anxious or withdraw or lash out. The genesis of these feelings are emotions such as anger or fear, but often we do not take the time to uncover and examine these feelings and emotions, and where they come from.
We push them aside or bury them deep within.
Yet they shape our behaviour, they play a role in how we connect with people and often hold us back from feeling good and engaging fully with life.
Who do I work with?
Counselling at Aspire Mental Wellness is geared to supporting individuals, couples and families who are facing conflict, repetitive negative thought and communication patterns, and feeling a lack of connection. It is for people who might be feeling confused or unsure. It is for people who have experienced hurt or feel rejected. It is for people struggling to cope.
We treat all our clients as individuals and as such, everyone comes with their own complexities and readiness to work through issues. One size does not fit all as each one is unique.
Whilst each client is an individual, here are some common themes that come up with my clients:
- Lack of self esteem/self worth
- Anxiety
- Gender identity
- Body image
- Anger Management
- Relationship counselling
- Family dynamics
- Parenting strategies
- Transitions – school to university to the workforce
- Career counselling
“Communication is to relationships, what breath is to life.”
Virginia Satir
I work with clients in person and online. My clients are global and I am happy to work around time zones for a convenient session time. If you are a minor I do require parental consent, although confidentiality is the cornerstone of a trusting relationship and I take that very seriously.
If some of what I say above resonates with you, come and have a conversation.
How does it work?
STEP 1 - Book a complimentary discovery call
When you feel you are ready, get in touch to book a discovery call. I will email you with 3 time slots and you can choose the one that best suits you. These sessions are typically 20-30 minutes, and take place online over Zoom.
STEP 2 - MAKE THE COMMITMENT
If there is a connection, I share an agreement outlining details of how we will work together.. Payment is typically upfront and there is some paperwork to outline the details of your program.
STEP 3 - THE JOURNEY BEGINS
We typically meet every one to two weeks, either in person or on zoom. I start with a cycle of 3 sessions and then carry out a progress review session. Should we carry on working together, we will keep the same 3+1 cycle.
Counselling is not a linear process and neither is it a quick fix. I encourage you to trust the process and be as open as you can. You will see shifts in your ability to deal with difficult thought patterns and uncomfortable feelings, and find yourself open to engaging more fully with life with a clearer purpose.
Testimonial
“Some sessions were very challenging, but also deeply reflective. I have learnt how to become kinder and more authentic towards myself. It’s no longer about pleasing others. It’s about how I can be kinder to myself.”
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions. If I can help further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, and I would be happy to answer any other questions you have.
Counseling and therapy both are “talk” therapy. Through a structured dialogue process we will try and resolve concerns that might be causing challenges for you. Counseling usually tends to focus on a specific issue or concern such as stress management or addiction, while therapy addresses deeper thought patterns and behavior such as I don’t feel I am good enough or I am incapable of love.
However, there is a lot of overlap between counseling and therapy and in the process of exploring concerns one might need to shift between the two. Therapy is also for those who might have a clinical diagnosis such as – bipolarity, depression and is used in conjunction with accessing a psychiatrist.
The relationship between a coach or therapist and their client is one of trust. You have to be comfortable to share your thoughts, experiences and behaviors with me. It is a process that takes some time, but our discovery session should give you an initial “gut feeling” whether you would be comfortable working with me. If you feel you might be better suited to someone else, there is absolutely no obligation to initiate sessions together. Book your discovery session through the contact form.
Change is always frightening even if we know that in the long run it is what we need. While awareness with regard to mental wellness has increased it is not without stigma. Many also continue to associate it with weakness. This is far from the truth.
Taking charge of your own mental wellness is an act of self love and being brave. It is about advocating for yourself. I hope during our discovery session to alleviate some of this nervousness but keep in mind addressing your concerns or challenges is a choice you make for yourself and for your loved ones.
Absolutely. Coaching, counseling and therapy is not an instant fix. It requires time, trust and commitment. That is why there is a recommendation for a minimum number of sessions.
However if it is not working for you, you may terminate sessions.
Yes. The only time confidentiality is not adhered to, is if I feel you might cause harm to self
or others. In which case your emergency contact will be notified. For minor clients (below 18 years of age) confidentiality of conversations is maintained. However a brief report on progress is discussed with parents/guardians periodically.
The primary language for our therapy sessions will be English. However, I do speak Hindi and Urdu.
My training addresses the issue of multiculturalism and the context of different religions. But more so my personal experience of living in a number of different countries and working with a wide variety of people, helps me even more. I strongly believe and have been told by a number of clients that my understanding of how culture, place and/or religion affects an individual is my strength as a coach, counselor and therapist.