Ups and downs are an inevitable part of life. Our plans, hopes and dreams are sometimes fragile in the face of real-life events and circumstances. In a busy and complex world we often lose touch with what is most important for our well-being and happiness.
Counselling raises self-awareness which is knowledge. It offers one more choice, direction and meaning in life. Colleen fosters a supportive environment in which her clients are able to openly discuss thoughts, feelings and issues for a deeper understanding. For many, the therapeutic process is one of discovery, acceptance and renewal.
By steadily guiding her clients through this process, Colleen assists her clients to realise the potential within themselves and in their relationships and life.
Colleen's approach is always person-centered and respectful. Commencing therapy can be daunting for some, but Colleen's friendly, calming, and caring nature soon ease these concerns.
Mindfulness techniques raise awareness of the importance of being "in the moment". Often people spend time dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness raises awareness of how easily the mind gets tangled in disappointment, fears and worries, and discouraging expectations of ourselves and others. It promotes non-judgment of self, and teaches the person to observe what is happening to them in their thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations, so that they can better regulate, acknowledge and understand them mindfully rather than be swept away by them.
Emotion-focused therapy supports the person or couple in recognising emotions as signals. These "signals", for instance, sadness, fear or anger tell the person something is required for their well-being. When emotions are ignored, pushed down, unregulated or projected onto another it creates conflict within and between people. Feeling "stuck" or “out of control” in emotional states can lead to loaded misunderstandings in relationships, negative relational cycles, unhelpful behaviours, isolation and ill health. Emotion-focused therapy helps you to become clearer and more in tune with your deeper needs. Therapy can assist the person to move forward with goals that value these needs.
Cognitive behavioural therapy addresses how thoughts and beliefs affect feelings and the way we respond to our own inner processes ,and react to situations and/or people. It is particularly useful for anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias where the person can learn to alleviate and understand the symptoms of anxiety early on in therapy. The deeper work of exploring where and why the anxiety began and how it became problematic can then progressively assist the person.
Humanistic-Existential Therapy attends to self-inquiry. Its purpose is to develop awareness of the self (emotional, physical and spiritual aspects) and to define how we relate to ourselves, others and the world around us. At times when there is overwhelm, in crisis or when experiencing intense loss, loneliness, stress, anxiety or depression, questions may arise such as "Who am I?" "What am I supposed to do?" "How do I make sense of what is happening?" These themes may be uncomfortable, yet exploring them in the therapeutic space can uncover new perspectives that allow you to honour your values, beliefs and aspirations.
Colleen supports you to nurture a more balanced and satisfying way of living.