Counselling and Psychotherapy

People come to counselling at The Crescent Practice for many different reasons. Some people may be experiencing unhappiness, anxiety, or dissatisfaction with life.

Sometimes people may not be clear about their reasons for wanting to start counselling. For others it may be a significant life event such as a relationship breakdown or bereavement which prompts them to contact us.

Beginning therapy is an important step towards making changes, and can help people to have a better understanding of their difficulties leading to a more fulfilling life.

When life becomes difficult people experience an increase in stress and anxiety which affects them in different ways. Some people find it hard to sleep; some feel constantly angry and irritable, others develop phobias, become depressed or their physical health suffers. Relationships can also become strained, and people may find themselves more reliant on alcohol or other substances. They may suffer disturbance in eating patterns or find themselves acting out of character.

The recent and on-going traumatic events including Covid 19 may also have lead to levels of distress which can be persistent and debilitating and lead to potentially overwhelming feelings. These may include:

Signs of anxiety

– Persistent anxiety or feeling overwhelmed by emotions.
– Excessive worries about a number of concerns, such as health problems or finances, and a general sense that something bad is going to happen.
– Difficulty concentrating, sleep problems and generally feeling on edge.

Signs of a panic attack

– Sweating, trembling, shortness of breath or a feeling of choking.
– A pounding heart or rapid heart rate, and feelings of dread.
– Such attacks often happen suddenly, without warning.

Signs of depression

– A lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities.
– Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
– Lack of energy or an inability to concentrate.
– Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt, increased levels of anger or irritability.
– Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

Counselling & psychotherapy can help with:

  • Depression, bereavement, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias and other anxiety related problems, post-traumatic stress, past trauma, childhood abuse, grief and loss.
  • Stress, work-related pressures, redundancy, study or academic anxiety.
  • Family problems, cultural identity, relationship difficulties, sexuality, gender issues, and sexual difficulties.
  • Physical health, caring for somebody with health problems, coping with disability, pregnancy related difficulties, self-harm and food/eating related problems.

Counselling provides a confidential relationship within which to talk about things that people might otherwise find difficult. Counselling and psychotherapy can help people to develop new ways of thinking and feeling, bringing relief and a sense of wellbeing.

Our team of experienced counsellors and psychotherapists at the Crescent Practice work using a range of theoretical approaches.

Counselling and psychotherapy appointments are easily arranged and can take place face to face or via the telephone or by video calling.

If you would like to arrange an initial counselling consultation please contact us by email or telephone and we will offer you an appointment with one of our experienced therapists.

I want to say how grateful I am for all the help and support I received from my therapist. The ripples she created by her wisdom and kindness will go on and on, thank you for doing the work that you do.