How I can help
I will listen to your story. All the stories that make up who you are. By sharing what has happened to you, you will come to understand your own patterns of behaviour and triggers. What you can manage well and what you need some help with. I will support you in making these discoveries so you can face life's challenges with confidence and self compassion.
People I have worked with
I have worked with clients who have:
-Suffered a loss or bereavement
-Are encountering significant relationship difficulties
-Are struggling as new parents or parents of older children
-Those who need to work through and understand their relationship with a parent, sibling or close family member
-Others who are managing a life change, due to either reaching a certain age or stage in life
-Have themselves received a life changing health diagnosis or someone close to them has
-Experiencing difficulties at work
-Those struggling with big life events such as separation, divorce, infidelity and peri-menopause
Life can present us with many challenges along the way. My training and expertise will help you find the tools to process, understand and move forward with hope.
How life's challenges can affect us
When things get tough we can end up experiencing significant distress leading to feelings of frustration, depression, anxiety or fear.
This can stop us from living the life we would like. As we struggle to manage on our own, many of us adopt unhelpful coping strategies to avoid or cover up difficult feelings. These can show up in many forms. Common ones include:
- Substance abuse - drinking alcohol, smoking, or taking recreational drugs
- Isolation - avoiding others, feeling lonely, or working too much
- Negative self-talk - criticising yourself or worrying excessively
- Self-harm - harming yourself in some way or behaving dangerously
- Emotional eating - eating too much or too little.
Try not to beat yourself up if you have engaged with any of the above or other harmful ways to alleviate your pain - most of us have at some point in our lives. Therapy will help you to understand why you do this stuff and at the same time support you to discover new aspects of yourself and healthy ways to cope.
Can Talking Really Help?
Yes it can! When I work with people I help them uncover the bits they need to talk about. Sometimes we need to tell parts of our story many times in order to make sense of it. I will listen to you wholeheartedly. That being said, I am also here to help you identify how to incorporate change, at your pace. I've heard many clients say, 'I'm just being silly really,' or 'I expect you've heard this sort of thing before.' My answer is, if it's important to you then it's not silly, and yes many people show up having experienced similar difficulties - I think it can be helpful to know you are not alone. I will will work with you strategically and sensitively to uncover your truth and achieve your goals.
Get In Touch
If you are looking for a counsellor or personal coach in Bristol, I invite you to take the first step towards your healing journey. I offer a free phone consultation.
Please feel free to get in touch on 07516 740314 or email me at anna@koacounselling.co.uk
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