Specific Issues I can help with:

Anxiety Disorders

In 2019, 301 million people—including 58 million children and adolescents—were living with anxiety disorders. These are characterized by excessive fear and worry and can result in significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. Types of anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Separation Anxiety Disorder. Psychological treatment is highly effective, and medication may be considered depending on age and severity.

Bereavement and Loss

Losing someone important to us—whether a partner, family member, friend, or pet—can be emotionally devastating. Grief often triggers a wide range of complicated emotions and can even impact our physical health. Common experiences include sadness, disbelief, numbness, or a feeling of being "stuck" or "frozen."

Bipolar Disorder

In 2019, approximately 40 million individuals worldwide were diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Those living with this condition experience alternating depressive episodes and periods of manic symptoms. Depressive episodes involve persistent sadness, irritability, or loss of interest, while manic symptoms include elevated mood, increased energy, and impulsiveness. While there is an increased risk of suicide, individuals can benefit significantly from psychoeducation, stress reduction, social support, and therapeutic intervention.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder 

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), or body dysmorphia, is a mental health condition where a person spends a significant amount of time worrying about perceived flaws in their appearance. These flaws are often unnoticeable to others. BDD can affect people of any age but is most common in teenagers and young adults. It is important to note that having BDD does not mean you are vain or self-obsessed; it is a distressing condition that can have a profound impact on your quality of life.

Depression

Depression affects 280 million people worldwide, including 23 million children and adolescents. It is characterized by persistent sadness, a loss of interest in activities, poor concentration, feelings of guilt or hopelessness, and thoughts of suicide. It is a serious mental health condition, but effective psychological treatments are available to support recovery and manage risks.

Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)

PTSD may develop following exposure to an extremely threatening or horrific event, such as conflict, accidents, abuse, or being a survivor of a crime. Symptoms often include re-experiencing the trauma (flashbacks), avoidance of triggers, and a heightened perception of threat. Psychological treatment can be highly effective in helping individuals process these experiences and reduce their impact on daily life.

Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA)

The number of adults affected by historical childhood sexual abuse is difficult to determine, but it remains a significant and often under-reported issue in our society. I am passionate about helping both male and female survivors navigate the aftermath of their trauma. Having researched this subject extensively, I am dedicated to using evidence-based knowledge to support my clients through their recovery.

Self-Harm

Self-harm involves intentionally causing injury to one's own body. It is often used as a way of expressing overwhelming emotions, such as low self-esteem, or as a coping mechanism for traumatic events. Self-harm is typically an expression of personal distress rather than an illness itself, though it is frequently linked to conditions such as depression.

Stress

Stress is a state of worry or mental tension caused by difficult situations. While it is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges, an "overload" of stress can become debilitating. Talking therapy can be extremely helpful in developing coping strategies and managing the pressures of daily life.

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Counselling and Psychotherapy |Cheltenham, Gloucester, Tewksbury and Cirencester. 

Tel: 07429 414131  | email: chris@volarecounselling.co.uk