where I help

Couples and relationships

Even in the best of relationships there will be points of stress, frustration and conflict. Much of the time, we work through these together in the way that we know best, emerging unscathed if not a little wiser. But sometimes it’s part of a circle that is harder to break. We might be worrying about money, parenting or intimacy; we might be missing family and friends, and feel that we have lost our way. We may lack the time for one another and begin to drift apart. Sometimes it just gets too hard to even talk about; we become exhausted in the process, forgetting what once made this relationship as special as it is. At such times it can be good to call upon some help, perhaps to talk about the fundamentals; what we want and need from our relationship, what we miss and where we could improve. It’s not an admission of failure, but a commitment to one another that will quickly restore what might have been lost forever.
MMI have many years experience counselling couples both straight and gay. I  can provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment in which we work together to explore and resolve issues that might not be as insurmountable as they first appear.

Anger management

I have considerable experience working with anger management, particularly in the context of couples, family and workplace issues. In acknowledging the role that anger plays in our lives we begin the process of recovery. Understanding our triggers and the impact that our emotions have upon our behaviour enables a structured programme of management and the implementation of a number of highly-effective strategies to neutralise disruptive behaviours, restoring our self-respect and building more productive relationships.

Workplace and employment issues

We spend a good part of our life at work, often in a highly-stressed and competitive environment. In many respects, our livelihood depends upon our capability to manage not only our workload, but to manage ourselves. This requires strength of character and considerable diplomatic skills. Our workmates may not be “mates” in any sense that we would normally understand. Our contributions might be consistently overlooked or undervalued, we may be irrationally bullied by others and find it difficult to counter their behaviour or overcome the anxiety that results.
MMI work with clients in a number of areas; managing anxiety and building resilience, developing assertive behaviours through structured programmes that improve efficiency, communication skills and self-confidence. This service is available both to individuals and as custom-designed seminars and workshops for organisations.

Men’s issues

Sometimes it can be tough being a man. Whatever we may be feeling, we are encouraged to get over it and pull ourselves together. Almost certainly, it is the way that we were brought up and nothing more than our peer group expects of us. So where can we turn?
MMI work with male clients on a number of issues; breaking down much of the stigma and folk wisdom that surrounds our emotional needs and the way that we cope with adversity, working through issues and restoring our self-confidence and self-esteem.

Self-esteem

From time to time, we may all question our capacity to cope. New challenges in our careers or private lives can challenge our self-confidence and the strategies that we are using to communicate with others. Expressing ourselves assertively, whilst respecting those around us can be a highly effective method of building our sense of self, raising our self-esteem and enabling us to gain the benefit of every positive interaction.
MMUsing established and effective clinical techniques, I can assist in this process, building assertive behaviour within the framework of everyday activities and enabling you to enjoy life to the full.

Anxiety and stress

To worry is to be human and an essential part of our self-preservation. But when we become anxious and our stress levels rise, we can find it increasingly difficult to cope and to function normally. We become overwhelmed, which compounds our distress and in the process, our ability to resolve these offending issues progressively diminishes.
MMWe can tackle this in two ways, by examining the sources of our anxiety and taking the necessary steps to reduce it; we can also apply relaxation techniques that will reduce our stress and enable us to operate more efficiently.

Depression

We will all experience some feelings of depression from time to time. This might be triggered by specific events, or by a longer-term change in our circumstances that reduces our capacity to manage and raises our anxiety levels. Depression is a condition that needs careful management and support to enable us to restore a positive balance in our lives.
MMI offer clinically-proven programmes that support and promote recovery within a confidential, sensitive and proactive environment. Furthermore, I encourage clients to seek the opinion of their GP, in order that we may collaborate upon an effective programme of treatment.

Bereavement, loss and grief

Reconciling ourselves to the loss of a loved one can be a long and difficult process. There are no words that will relieve that pain, nor shortcuts in the journey that we must make. However the restorative process can be effectively supported by positive engagement; talking things over in an environment of sensitivity and understanding. Family and friends can be enormously helpful in this respect; working with a trained counsellor can provide further guidance in restoring one’s strength and regaining a positive and meaningful outlook.

COVID 19 Provisions. Face-to-face appointments are currently limited to certain days. Online or telephone sessions are available every day, but if you prefer a face-to-face consultation, please specify when making your enquiry.