Ebb to Flow:

Transitions

Throughout life there are many transitions. Often this can bring a sense of unease. Our moods, feelings and responses towards ourselves and others are affected and can seem extreme at times. Having the opportunity to explore and gain a greater understanding of the 'why' allows for change and growth. 

Loss

Loss and grief visits us in a variety of ways. The most obvious one is through the death of someone we cared deeply for. But we can feel at a loss and grieve for so many other reasons. Sometimes it is complicated and hard to understand how the impact of these losses can affect our life in so many areas. Everyone is different. Counselling is an inclusive, compassionate space where grief can be understood, accepted and expressed.

Illness

Being diagnosed with a chronic or terminal illness turns a life upside down. Feeling overwhelmed is to be expected. You may also feel quite alone. At 'Ebb to Flow' I provide a safe space for your deepest thoughts, questions, frustrations and fears to be heard and honoured. 

Aging

'Living well' conjures up a different idea for everybody. Aging may mean living with a condition that affects daily life. Our view of the future can change with a diagnosis. Sometimes aging creates a deep sense of loss and grief for all that has changed, including our identity and sense of self. 

For families who are supporting their parents as they age there is also deep emotions that can spring up.  It can be a confusing time for all.

Being empowered to disentangle the confusion and recognise the many layers of emotions which are embedded in this challenging time,  brings clarity.

Sometimes just learning clear communication styles may be all that it takes to help everyone involved have a sense of direction, safety and connection.

Carers

Carers are so often caught up with the everyday tasks required of them, that they neglect the emotional, psychological, social and physical toll that caring can take. Seeing a counsellor will help you in managing all that you need to do, along with prioritising time for your own replenishment. Even going to another appointment may feel onerous, but don't forget that we offer online appointments also, so that you do not need to leave the house. We can do home visits if that is easier.

Children

Being a child can be confusing at times. It can be hard to understand the social norms and manage change in the way society expects. Learning about emotions and how our body responds to them is a vital skill for the rest of a person's life. Where the emotions 'sit' in the body, and how to express feelings are skills that can be taught and mentored in the therapeutic space. Having a counsellor who can give the opportunity for your child to express themselves in a variety of ways will encourage skills in understanding how to respond to their emotions and be heard. Parents/guardians are warmly welcome to participate.

Young people

Having 15 years experience counselling in a large secondary school, Kirsten specialises in supporting young people. 

Young people need autonomy to know that they are being heard and understood, without judgement, in a safe space. They are asking deep questions about who they are and where they belong. They feel deeply the expectations that they have placed on themselves and that the world does too. It is hard for them to make sense of what the future might look like. They are individuating.. thinking about who they are as individuals moving towards independence. This can be a time of great excitement, fear, angst, joy, and grief... all at the same time. It can be confusing.

They also have the added pressure from the external voices of social media, tik tok, you tube etc constantly telling them that they just aren't good enough. Many times school adds to this mix and can be the tipping point for a young person, making them feel overwhelmed with life.

Despite all of this they can still thrive and flourish. Which is really all we want for them, isn't it? Seeing a therapist can help them have more of an understanding of themselves. With compassion and therapeutic strategies that allow the young person the ability to manage their overwhelm I have seen real growth, time and time again. I have watched young people move from despair to hope. 

Parents/Guardians

As parents/guardians it may seem like the young person or child in your life is on another planet to you. They don't want to participate in family activities, or anything that you would like them to be involved in. They may show strong emotions that are difficult as a parent to understand. Even getting them to counselling can be tricky. Please don't give up. There is light at the end of the tunnel. Give 'Ebb to Flow' a call, it can be very helpful to have some guidance and support for you in these situations, without including the young person/ child. 

Being a parent isn't always easy, along with the joy, it can be exhausting, confusing and hurtful. You too need support and compassion.