There may come a time in your life when you feel that things are getting a bit much for you or that you are feeling overwhelmed.  Life’s difficulties can often leave a person questioning your own abilities, your relationship with others and your purpose in life, possibly leaving you feeling depressed, hopeless, anxious and helpless.  This does not only affect you, it also affects those closest to you. Should there come a time in your life that you feel overwhelmed by things, identifying and acknowledging this should be considered as a strength and not a weakness. The practice of psychology, and more specifically psychotherapy, is the space where these issues can be explored openly, without judgment or fear and it can be hugely beneficial in re-establishing the balance to your mental well-being caused by these difficulties you are currently experiencing, be it in your personal, professional or social life.

Psychotherapy techniques and practices vary widely from therapist to therapist. There are hundreds of techniques and theoretical approaches in psychotherapeutic practice and each therapist will implement the approach that they are most comfortable with. My personal and professional method of approach to psychotherapy is an eclectic one which means that I draw on several of these theoretical approaches and techniques and apply the most suitable one depending on each individual’s problem.

The basis of psychotherapeutic techniques is on experiential relationship building, communication, open dialogue and behaviour modification through the improving of insight, all aimed at improving the mental well-being of the client.

Clinical Psychology is an integrated field, combining science, theory and practice in order to facilitate change and personal development. The focus is on all aspects of human development across the life span (in all cultures and socioeconomic levels), including intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social and behavioural.

It is the role of a Clinical psychologist to assist persons who are experiencing mental or emotional difficulties in life, whether it is divorce, addictions or physical illnesses and injuries. The primary goal of therapy is the relief of mental suffering and improvement of mental well-being.

Often people are afraid to initiate therapy due to the stigma attached to it.  People often assume that in order to see a psychologist, you must be  ‘crazy’ but it actually takes a lot of courage for someone to acknowledge that they are experiencing difficulties in their lives and to request help for it.  It is this ability to acknowledge and identify when they need help that indicates strength of character and potential of living full and satisfying lives.

Psychotherapy is a safe place where individuals or couples can explore their difficulties without judgment and initiate and sustain change in their lives. It is a good place to begin learning and understanding conditions threatening one’s mental health as well as a place to reflect on how we truly feel or think about ourselves, past experiences, choices and goals. Therapy can provide people with the opportunity to develop effective and healthy coping skills as well as more general life skills.