Counselling, psychotherapy and coaching
Counselling, psychotherapy and coaching
My name is Sorcha. I am a fully trained and qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, incorporating coaching approaches.
I provide support for a wide range of concerns and difficulties, including but not limited to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Working mainly online, I will offer you down to earth support, compassion and understanding, regardless of your location.
Here are some reasons why you might consider seeking counselling and psychotherapy:
Depression, anxiety & stress
When you experience feelings of low mood, depression, or high levels of stress.
Worry, anxiety & panic
When you find yourself worrying excessively, feeling anxious, nervous, or panicky.
Challenge & uncertainty
When you are going through a challenging period, feeling uncertain and not quite yourself.
Work difficulties & overwhelm
When your working relationships feel strained, or work becomes overwhelming and tough to manage.
Relationships, family and friendships
When your relationships are in a fragile state, whether they are with your partner, family, friends, or as with work difficulties, even co-workers, managers or employers.
Sleep & tiredness
When you struggle to fall asleep or experience sleep difficulties.
When you feel tired and fatigued during the daytime.
Self esteem & feeling bad about who you are
When you harbour negative feelings about yourself.
When your self-esteem is taking a hit.
When you feel ashamed of certain aspects of yourself or your actions.
When you experience body image issues or negative thoughts about your body.
Behaviours that you cannot stop or bother you
When you have concerns about your eating or drinking habits.
If there's a behavior you engage in that you wish to stop but find it challenging (addictive behavior)
Bereavement & loss
When you’ve suffered a painful or complex bereavement, relationships, or other loss.
When you feel lonely, for too long.
Feeling bent out of shape
When everything in your life feels out of place.
Psychotherapy, counselling, and coaching can be beneficial for all of these situations.
Additionally, if you simply need some head space or someone who will listen without judgment or telling you what to do, I am here to support you.
I'm here to offer you a safe and supportive space as we navigate the challenges you're facing.
As a compassionate psychotherapist and counsellor, I specialize in helping individuals who are experiencing difficulties that may sometimes originate in childhoods of abuse and trauma and result in you suffering from issues including complex post-traumatic stress.
I understand that these experiences can have a profound impact on your well-being, leading to feelings of depression, stress, and anxiety. You may find yourself worrying excessively, feeling anxious, nervous, or even panicky. The weight of it all can make everyday tasks overwhelming and tough to manage. Your personal relationships may be in a fragile state, and your working relationships may feel strained. It's not uncommon to struggle with sleep difficulties, feeling tired and fatigued during the daytime.
At times, you may harbour negative feelings about yourself, and your self-esteem may be taking a hit. You may have concerns about your eating or drinking habits, engaging in behaviours that you wish to stop but find challenging due to their addictive nature. The weight of shame may be present, making you feel ashamed of certain aspects of yourself or your actions. Additionally, body image issues and negative thoughts about your body may further contribute to your emotional distress.
In the midst of all this, it's not uncommon to feel like everything in your life feels out of place.
The prolonged sense of loneliness can take a toll on your well-being, especially when you've suffered a painful or complex bereavement, relationship challenges, or other significant losses.
I want you to know that you don't have to face these struggles alone. Together, we can explore the roots of your pain, process your emotions, and work towards healing and growth.
Through psychotherapy, we can address the underlying issues that contribute to low mood, depression, and high levels of stress. We will attune to your feelings of anxiety and panic, helping you find a sense of calm and peace. Together, we will navigate overwhelming work situations and explore personal and working relationships for the good.
If sleep is a challenge for you, looking at a more restful routine can improve your sleep quality. We can delve into the factors that affect your self-esteem, which can strengthen your self-image.
Examining the root causes of addictive behaviors can loosen their grip on you, so you can develop choice and get a better sense of freedom. Throughout our sessions, we will foster a non-judgmental space where you can freely express yourself, helping to release feelings of shame or guilt.
You are not alone in this journey. I am here to walk alongside you, offering empathy, understanding, and professional guidance. Together, we can create a path towards healing, self-acceptance, and a renewed sense of well-being. Please remember that seeking therapy is a brave step towards self-care and personal growth. If you're ready to embark on this transformative journey, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we will find the strength and resilience within you to navigate life's challenges and create a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.
I understand that you may have questions or hesitations about counseling and psychotherapy. You might be curious about what we discuss in sessions or how these approaches can help you. Perhaps you have been considering seeing a therapist but felt nervous about asking or have had previous therapy experience and are ready for more. Rest assured, I am here to provide guidance and create a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings.
As an experienced therapist, I am skilled at actively listening and offering support. It's important to remember that seeking help is an act of courage. It is also better than trying to handle everything on your own. Many factors can contribute to the issues mentioned earlier, and I have experience working with various challenges.
Affirming and supporting diversities / minorities:
- ADHD
- Gender, sexual and relationship diversity
- CNM & Polyamory
- HSV
I am also affirming and inclusive in the areas above, ADHD, gender and sexual diversity, CNM polyamory, and HSV/herpes. Your conversations with me are confidential, and I aim to provide a down-to-earth and curious approach. I won't judge you or others you may need to talk about.
My goal as your counsellor is to support you in your best interests, which can ultimately benefit others as well.
ADHD
There are numerous opinions surrounding ADHD in popular culture, often mistaken as facts, which can have detrimental effects on individuals with ADHD symptoms. This widespread misinformation can range from being hurtful to downright damaging. People who receive a late diagnosis of ADHD may have endured significant criticism over the years, leading to a corrosive impact on their self-esteem. It is crucial to recognize that ADHD is a condition that should not be underestimated, as it can have adverse effects on all aspects of life.
Regrettably, due to a lack of awareness, individuals experiencing ADHD symptoms, whether diagnosed or undiagnosed, have often not received the celebration and support they deserve for their exceptional management of the condition. Their experiences with counselling and psychotherapy may have been less than optimal.
As someone with a diagnosis of combined ADHD, I approach this issue from an insider's perspective. While the approach I offer can benefit everyone, individuals with ADHD often seek additional guidance beyond what standard counselling and psychotherapy provide. I offer an integrative therapeutic coaching approach that combines Transactional Analysis, Non-Violent Communication, Strength-based therapy, and neuroscience. This approach aims to provide comprehensive support tailored to the unique needs of individuals with ADHD and helps them navigate their challenges more effectively.
Here are some brief details.
Transactional Analysis:
T.A. is a depth cognitive behavioural therapy that considers the past and offers explanations to understand how people work. Offering frameworks to understand relational dynamics can help us to positively develop our relationships in all areas of life including romantic, family, friends and work.
Non-Violent Communication:
Pioneered by Marshall Rosenberg, N.V.C. is a gentle yet assertive approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing relationship-building.
Strength-Based Therapy:
In the context of ADHD, we value and recognize your existing strengths, unique skills, and strategies for managing your symptoms. You have developed creative ways to navigate challenges in areas like organization, work, and relationships. In a strength-based therapeutic approach, we prioritize and celebrate your notable successes, strengths, and positive experiences. This focus counters the erosion of self-esteem caused by societal misconceptions about ADHD. It becomes a way forward, helping us identify how you learn and operate best, which can be applied to other areas of your life where support may be needed. By building on your strengths and experiences, we establish a foundation for growth, resilience, and personal development. Together, we will explore your potential and find ways to work harmoniously with your unique neurodiversity.
Affective Neuroscience:
Conceived and introduced to us by the esteemed neuroscientist Jaak Panksepp, learnings from affective neuroscience have revolutionized our comprehension of the profound impact our emotions hold. Panksepp's pioneering research findings have expanded the boundaries of our understanding, offering invaluable insights into the significance of our feelings. By incorporating his work into the realm of psychotherapy, we unlock a treasure trove of knowledge, facilitating personal growth. When we attune ourselves to our senses, we gain insight into how our emotions serve as gateways to uncovering fundamental unmet needs. Additionally, we may come to realize that certain instincts within us can be conflicting, leading to confusion and interpersonal discord. Through understanding our instincts, we foster self-compassion, acceptance of our less desirable and painful emotions, and ultimately gain a greater sense of agency in determining our next steps.
A bit more about ADHD:
If you have ADHD, you may know this already-
I’d still like to highlight the connection between ADHD and other conditions that you may be facing, such as anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and executive functioning deficits. Firstly, I want to acknowledge that you are not alone in facing these challenges. Many individuals with ADHD find themselves grappling with additional conditions that can complicate their daily lives. Understanding these connections is crucial for developing a holistic approach to your well-being. Let's explore some of these conditions and how they intersect with ADHD:
Anxiety and panic:
It's not uncommon to experience feelings of restlessness, worrying, and difficulty concentrating alongside ADHD. These symptoms can be overwhelming. We will address them as part of the impact of ADHD on your emotional well-being.
Depression:
Low mood, tiredness, and a lack of motivation often co-occur with ADHD. It's essential to recognize the relationship between ADHD and depression, as they can influence each other.
Learning disabilities:
Dyslexia and other learning disorders are frequently associated with ADHD. These challenges can affect your academic and work performance, leading to frustration and self-doubt. Together, we will explore your unique learning style and needs, so you can build on ways that work best for you. Executive functioning deficits: Let's shift our perspective on executive functioning deficits. It's important to acknowledge that you already possess valuable skills and strengths, even if you struggle with certain aspects due to ADHD. We will build upon these existing strengths and explore creative ways to enhance skills such as organization, planning, and impulse control. By focusing on your strengths, we can support your ability to stay organized, manage time effectively, and make decisions that align with your goals.
Rejection and Sensitive Dysphoria:
Experiencing rejection can trigger intense emotional responses, particularly for individuals with Sensitive Dysphoria. I want you to know that your sensitivity is not a flaw, but rather a unique aspect of who you are. While it can present challenges, it also allows for remarkable empathy, creativity, and deep connections with others. In our work together, we will explore the impact of rejection and Sensitive Dysphoria on your life. We will cultivate self-compassion, manage emotional intensity, and develop a positive self-image.
Emotional Dysregulation:
This refers to difficulties in managing and navigating emotions, leading to intense and rapidly changing emotional experiences. I understand that this struggle may impact various areas of your life. In therapy, you don't have to manage your feelings alone. By providing a safe and compassionate space, I will support you through the process of exploring the underlying factors contributing to emotional dysregulation. This process can foster self-compassion and enhance your resilience outside the therapy room.
Integration.
It's important to approach ADHD and co-occurring conditions from a holistic perspective. This may involve a combination of medication, therapy, skill development, life adjustments, and a supportive network. Together, we will consider all aspects of your well-being to pave the way for the life you desire.
Collaboration.
I value the input and advice from other healthcare providers, educators, doctors, and specialists you may have. By integrating their support and advice, we can ensure a comprehensive and cohesive approach to your care.
Support.
I want you to know that your journey is unique, but you are not alone. I am here to walk alongside you, offering understanding, support, and guidance. Your experiences are valid, and together, we will work towards positive change and create a life that aligns with your strengths and aspirations. Together, we will embark on this transformative journey towards a life that reflects your strengths and aspirations.
You are not alone, and I am here to offer my support every step of the way. When you're ready, reach out to me. You deserve support, understanding, and a brighter future. I will be honoured to be a part of your path to healing.
Online therapy service.
I offer mobile therapy services online via Zoom to provide support regardless of your or my location.
While I normally offer psychotherapy, counselling, and therapeutic coaching services in various locations in North West London including Gospel Oak, South-End Green, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Dartmouth Park, Primrose Hill, Kentish Town, Camden, (NW3, NW5, NW8, NW1, N1, N7) , I also work from the N.E of England, TS24/5. Since the pandemic, much of my service has become online, which means that I can offer you support whoever you or I are, in the world. - A bit about me:
Traveling in the U.K. I have discovered that embracing freedom and drawing inspiration from my U.K. travels. This has greatly enriched my ability to deliver a professional and effective service to my clients. I want you to know that my commitment to flexibility extends to incorporating unique experiences into my work, including at times and according to the season, conducting therapy sessions from my campervan. By sharing this aspect of my journey, I hope to convey that the same sense of freedom and possibility can be extended to you, as we embark on a transformative therapeutic journey together. I would like you to feel assured that despite my unusual workspace, I am fully dedicated to delivering the highest level of professionalism, care, and support during our sessions.
If you have any further questions or if there's anything else I can assist you with, please feel free to ask.
I normally offer psychotherapy, counselling, and therapeutic coaching services in various locations in North West London, including Gospel Oak, South-End Green, Belsize Park, Hampstead, Dartmouth Park, Primrose Hill, Kentish Town, Camden, (NW3, NW5, NW8, NW1, N1, N7) . I also work in the North-East of England, TS24/5. Since the pandemic, this facility has become and is available internationally- so, I'm here for you, wherever you happen to be.