How is your approach different to counselling?

 

Coaching and counselling are similar yet different. Coaching is goal-specific and designed to be more short-term. It's different from counselling and psychotherapy in that we don't explore your past experiences in detail and instead focus on how to make things better for the future. We mostly work with the conscious mind, while in therapy you often work with the unconscious. Coaching methods are veru fitting with polyvagal theory, which is focused on working with the present instead of spending time in the past. 

 

The polyvagal approach is unique in that it combines working with thoughts, emotions and feelings in the body. Many talking therapies often only address thoughts that is not enough. Let’s be honest - if you could think your way out of anxiety you would’ve done it a long time ago. Talking about traumatic experiences additionally adds the risk of re-traumatization.  Talking can bring a temporary release, but won’t create the long-lasting change that you’re after. By applying polyvagal theory, we work with the sensation from the body as well as emotions. This helps bring more flexibility to experience emotions without them overwhelming you. 

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I am currently studying towards becoming a therapist but I only offer coaching at this stage. If in our work it becomes apparent that therapy is needed and you need to explore issues from the past, I will support you in finding a therapist. 

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Who do you work with?

I work with women experiencing symptoms of persistent anxiety, depression, and emotional overwhelm. Women struggling with anxiety , emotional dysregulation, perfectionism, people-pleasing, inability to be assertive, toxic relationship patterns, insecure attachment, feeling unsafe in a social context, overachieving and burnout, emotional eating, a constant feeling of shame and guilt. I currently work exclusively with women and people who were raised female.

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Who do you not work with?

I won't be able to support you if you struggle with self-harm, substance abuse, PTSD, DID, or are experiencing suicidal thoughts. I also am not the right person to support you in resolving sexual trauma or disordered eating, as those require a specialist approach. If you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis, it's not the right time for us to work together. If you're in crisis, please seek help here (NZ only)

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Do you work with depression too?

I do work with women who struggle with depressive symptoms as well as anxiety. Being stuck in an anxious and depressive state can both be signs of being stuck in a survival response. Your nervous system is capable of becoming regulated again and that's something I would love to help you with.

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How often do I need to come and for how long?

Sessions last for 55 minutes and weekly sessions are recommended to maintain support and engagement. There is usually a takeaway to explore between sessions.  Depending on what you would like to work on, a package of 12 sessions may bring the change you're looking for, but for deeper work on anxiety ongoing coaching over a longer period of time feels more supportive and helps to create a lasting change. See the available coaching packages here.

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What qualifies you to do this work?

I draw from my own experience of overcoming anxiety as well as extensive training. You can read more about my education, qualifications and work experience here, and in 'Training' Highlights on my Instagram page. 

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How do I know it will actually work?

Even though it may be difficult to hear, a coach or therapist who promises you that therapy will work, is doing you a disservice. Success will depend on the relationship and right fit with the coach or therapist, capacity for change at present and your goals for coaching. Polyvagal anxiety coaching won't help you get rid of anxiety completely, because that's physically impossible. It's a goal just as unrealistic as 'getting rid of joy'. But what I can promise you is that you will learn to understand your experience, know how to work with your anxiety triggers, give yourself self-care and find a sense of safety. The polyvagal approach has helped heaps of people including myself.  I really encourage you to read testimonials here from those who worked with me before. You can learn more about polyvagal theory here and on my Instagram under 'Polyvagal' highlight (coming soon)