Stress
We can all experience stress from a diverse range of sources on a regular basis but not suffer any adverse effects. Being under pressure with stress hormones flowing through our bodies can also bring positive results too. If we have a difficult meeting scheduled or an imminent exam we may find the flow of stress hormones spurs us into action. It may help us spring into motivation mode and prepare us for the challenges ahead of us.
When we experience prolonged levels of stress hormones there may be a negative impact on our mental and physical health. At this point stress is no longer healthy and could be a chronic issue in need of resolution or improvement. We may also seek therapy for stress levels.
Causes of Stress
There is no end to the range of possible causes of stress we may experience. They may also differ considerably from person to person. If we are going through a particularly tough time, potential stressors may increase and be magnified. Anything that creates pressure for us, could be a cause of stress.
The possible causes could include, but are not limited to; bereavement, work issues (promotion, redundancy, deadlines, managerial responsibilities), relationship difficulties (family, friends, partners), health problems or concerns, financial worries, or generally any significant life event such as having a baby or moving house.
What one person feels stressed about may not be the same as what the next person stresses about. The ability to cope with certain situations changes from person to person. Factors that affect this may include our general disposition, previous experiences and our current support network. There is no stock list of causes of stress.
Symptoms of Stress
In a similar way to causes of stress, how stress manifests for each person may also vary considerably. Broadly speaking symptoms can loosely be grouped as follows;
Physical Symptoms: disturbed sleep or insomnia, headaches, general body aches, fluctuating weight, upset stomach or diarrhoea/constipation, racing heartbeat, loss of libido.
Psychological Symptoms: feeling on edge, feeling unable to cope, being startled easy, low attention span and poor concentration, feeling tense/anxious, depression, feeling disengaged.
Frequently Asked Questions
The terms ‘Psychotherapy’ and ‘Counselling’ are often used interchangeably and essentially they are both characterised by a form of “talking therapy”. You will see many practitioners will use both terms when referring to themselves.
Fundamentally both psychotherapy and counselling have the same goal of providing relief to someone with some sort of psychological symptom or obstacles although there are some subtle differences.
‘Counselling’ is often used to describe a shorter-term process than psychotherapy. A goal in counselling is to enable someone to make better use of resources they may already have in place. Counselling often focuses on a specific issue, life event or experience or on a particular symptom.
‘Psychotherapy’ is often a longer process of treatment and focuses on facilitating the exploration and development of new resources for a person. In psychotherapy you will have the chance to look deeper into the root of your issues. You will have the chance to explore patterns of behaviour, thinking and feeling in your life at a greater depth that allow you to focus more on your way of being in the world.
Psychotherapy training is also a more rigorous and academic process.
Someone who may be in training to be a Psychotherapist may refer to themselves as a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor until they have completed certification to be known as a Psychotherapist.
I hope that my website has given you an overview of who I am and how I work and if you are interested in finding out more I would recommend an initial consultation to meet each other to see if it feels right for you when we are in the room together. We will probably be able to establish quite early on if I am the right person for you.
Choosing a therapist is a very individual choice and I recommend you take the time to meet at least a couple people with a view to having some thought about who you may work best with. I believe that each relationship is individual and unique and it is a privilege for me to get to know people I see and to support them on their therapeutic journey. Relationship is central to building a therapeutic alliance and working together, so trust your instinct to make a decision and start your own journey.
I look forward to meeting you!
Following our initial assessment, if you would like to start sessions together we will agree a day and time for your sessions. I will send you a standard therapy agreement that outlines my commitment to you and it details much of what I would have discussed in the assessment session. This includes details of my professional commitments and of the administrative aspects of our therapeutic relationship. We will both have a signed copy of this agreement.
Payment is due each session and I accept cash or BACS transfers. Any missed sessions with less than 48 hours notice will be payable on the following session.
If you want to work longer term I am also happy to work on monthly payments.
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If you have any questions at all about therapy or would like to make an appointment, get in touch. I will usually be able to respond to you within 24 hours.