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. This awareness expands perspective and choices. Colleen fosters a supportive environment in which her clients can openly discuss thoughts, feelings and issues. So often, the space allows one to more clearly recognise their truer self and purpose in life. 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-centred 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 promotes non-judgment of self and teaches you to observe what is happening to you right now. What you are thinking, feeling and the bodily sensations that you notice are information about your state of being. This consciousness helps you be present and connected to self but also with others. It assists you to better regulate, acknowledge and understand your internal world mindfully rather than be swept away by negativity, confusion or distress. There are many mindfulness techniques Colleen can help you practice in session, and lots of resources to help you understand this valuable life tool.
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. Colleen is an experienced couple therapist and psychotherapist using emotion focused interventions to help you and your relationships.
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?" “Where am I going?” (in life) "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.