Individual Therapy

Depression is a mental health condition characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed. It's more than just feeling down or blue; it's a debilitating disorder that can profoundly impact one's ability to function in daily life. Symptoms may include fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Depression can stem from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors, and it's imperative to seek professional help for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Anxiety is an emotion characterised by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. It's a natural human response when we perceive a situation as threatening or difficult. However, people with anxiety disorders experience frequent, persistent and excessive anxiety that interferes with daily activities. Anxiety disorders involve recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns disrupting normal life. While manageable levels aid survival, allowing humans to signal worrying scenarios, clinical anxiety requires treatment to alleviate chronic struggles and restore healthy functioning.

Post-traumatic stress (PTS) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event. PTS can make individuals feel stressed or frightened, even when they're no longer in danger. It's a complex condition that requires professional treatment, often involving therapy and medication, to manage its debilitating effects on daily life and well-being.

Complex trauma refers to the experience of multiple, chronic and prolonged, developmentally adverse traumatic events, most often of an interpersonal nature. These exposures usually occur within the child's caregiving system and include physical, emotional, and educational neglect and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The wide-ranging and repeated occurrences of interpersonal trauma, often posed by individuals who're meant to be the child's protectors and source of safety, has profound impacts on the child's development and sense of self. Complex trauma is distinct from other trauma types due to its early-life onset and the severe psychological and emotional consequences it yields.

Complex trauma refers to the experience of multiple, chronic and prolonged, developmentally adverse traumatic events, most often of an interpersonal nature. These exposures usually occur within the child's caregiving system and include physical, emotional, and educational neglect and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The wide-ranging and repeated occurrences of interpersonal trauma, often posed by individuals who're meant to be the child's protectors and source of safety, has profound impacts on the child's development and sense of self. Complex trauma is distinct from other trauma types due to its early-life onset and the severe psychological and emotional consequences it yields.

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterised by compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It's a complex condition that results from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Addictive behaviours can manifest in substance abuse (drugs, alcohol) or behavioural addictions (gambling, gaming). The hallmark of addiction is the inability to control the impulse to engage in the addictive behaviour, even when it causes harm to oneself or others. It often involves tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and a loss of control over the addictive behaviour.

Developmental trauma refers to the profound, long-term effects of chronic exposure to traumatic experiences in childhood. It's caused by repeated incidents of abuse, neglect, or disruptions in primary caregiving relationships. This early trauma can impact a child's sense of safety, ability to form attachments, and neurological development. Developmental trauma often manifests in difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse control, self-concept, and relationships. It's a complex issue requiring specialised therapeutic interventions to address the deep-rooted impacts on the individual's psychological and physiological functioning.

ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can significantly impact daily functioning. It's a lifelong condition that often manifests in childhood, though symptoms may vary as individuals age. Those with ADHD might struggle with sustained focus, organisation, time management, and regulating their emotions or behaviour. While the exact causes aren't fully understood, research suggests a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. With appropriate diagnosis, treatment plans involving medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events or circumstances that occur before the age of 18. These can include various forms of abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), neglect (physical or emotional), household dysfunction (domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, parental separation, or incarceration), and other potentially traumatic experiences. ACEs have been linked to numerous negative health outcomes later in life, such as increased risk for chronic diseases, mental health issues, substance abuse, and even premature mortality. Identifying and addressing ACEs is crucial for promoting resilience and mitigating their long-term impacts on individuals and society.

Imposter syndrome is the persistent inability to internalise one's accomplishments, often attributing success to external factors rather than one's abilities. It manifests as a constant fear of being exposed as a "fraud" despite evidence of competence. This psychological phenomenon affects high achievers across various fields, leading them to undervalue their skills and doubt their worthiness, even in the face of remarkable achievements. Overcoming imposter syndrome requires actively challenging negative thought patterns, acknowledging successes, and developing a growth mindset that embraces continuous learning.

Attachment style refers to the characteristic patterns of relating to others in intimate relationships, formed in early childhood based on the quality of care received from primary caregivers. Secure attachment arises from responsive, sensitive parenting, fostering trust and self-reliance. Insecure styles involve anxiety about abandonment or avoidance of intimacy due to unmet attachment needs. These internal working models shape expectations and behaviour in close relationships throughout life, influencing one's ability to develop and maintain healthy bonds.

Stress is a natural physiological response triggered when an individual perceives a situation as demanding or threatening. It involves a complex interaction between psychological, behavioural, and biological factors. When faced with stressors, the body initiates a cascade of hormonal changes, including the release of cortisol and adrenaline, designed to prepare the individual for a "fight or flight" response. While short-term stress can be beneficial, prolonged or chronic stress can have detrimental effects on physical and mental well-being, contributing to various health problems such as anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and impaired immune function.