Hello, and thank you for dropping by. I appreciate that looking for a counsellor can be quite confusing, given the huge range of choices available in this directory. I hope this section clarifies your questions about the issues and people I tend to work with.
What you might be struggling with:
Sometimes we can all feel a bit defeated. The demands of everyday life are already challenging enough. When you add to that either broken relationships, insurmountable work problems, or unhealthy coping mechanisms, it can all get a bit too much. No wonder our ability to manage or make sense of our issues becomes overwhelmed. When this happens, it’s normal to seek to withdraw from your usual routine and find a safe space to unwind, regroup and repair.
Dealing with career breakdown or unforeseen changes might make you feel insecure or fragile. Family life might be particularly stressful at this point, especially if you are a single parent. You might struggle to find the motivation to stay on top of your studies or university work. You might be seeking closure post-breakup or the ability to maintain a long-term relationship.
How you might be feeling:
You might wonder if anyone cares about you, but deep down, you long for a deeper connection. You might notice you attract emotionally unavailable partners, but you yearn to feel more valued, respected and cared for. You might feel like the only responsible adult, but you often get crushed under the weight of responsibilities. Your self-care routine might be minimal, non-existing or replaced by comfort eating or substance misuse. You might criticise yourself for what you’ve done wrong or beat yourself up for not living up to your own expectations.
Your moods might be unstable, and your strength might wither away as you feel isolated, misunderstood or taken advantage of. You might often feel overburdened with guilt or worry or overwhelmed by the weight of your unresolved issues. Whatever you do, it never feels like it’s quite good enough..? Whatever you might be going through, there could also be an undercurrent of existential dilemmas about the meaning of life, happiness or your purpose that you find confusing or even terrifying.
How I can help:
I help my clients explore complex feelings and make sense of their suffering in a way that allows them to build inner security, regain trust in themselves, and establish clarity in moving forward.
My clients learn to practise assertive communication and establish healthy boundaries by gently processing old traumas and identifying their needs. This makes them feel hopeful and empowered again. They begin to build a sustainable attitude towards well-being and harmony in their life, inner and outer.
My areas of expertise revolve around the issues of low self-worth & self-esteem, high sensitivity, depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, attachment trauma and recovery from abuse. I know first-hand what it’s like to feel unheard or missed by others, so I do my best to listen with care, compassion and curiosity to what’s happening in my clients’ lives.
How I work:
I work in a non-directive way, which means I do not take charge of what goes on in my sessions. Instead, I invite my clients to bring what matters to them, what feels alive in the moment, and we take it from there. I foster an environment of collaboration, open dialogue and self-responsibility. I empower my clients to implement realistic solutions, stay accountable for the changes they need to make and work at a pace that feels appropriate to their needs.
Who I tend to work with:
I tend to people who identify as caring and kind but struggle with overgiving and people-pleasing. They tend to be hard-working and driven but often come crashing down from exhaustion and excessive stress. I have experience supporting people in education, healthcare, social care, IT and management.
I also enjoy working with those passionate about personal development, such as psychology students or coaches. They have a strong drive to better themselves but often get caught in the trap of perfectionism and can be too hard on themselves. They usually benefit from self-forgiveness and setting realistic expectations.
I also work with spiritually or artistically inclined people who identify as intuitive, highly sensitive and interested in cultivating self-expression, mindfulness and inner peace. They often feel a strong calling to make a difference in our ailing world but are overwhelmed by its harsh demands. They need support in integrating their artistic or spiritual visions into everyday existence. I have experience working with photographers, tarot readers, dancers, environmental activists, and musicians. I am a writer myself.
I have experience working with people in the LGBTQ+ and polyamory communities. I believe in everyone’s right to be who they want to be and love who they feel to love. I particularly feel for the challenges of ex-pats and migrants since I am one myself. I have experience working with Spanish, Italian, Thai and Indian residents in the UK. I work with people of any colour or background, and I enjoy seeing international clients via Zoom. If the descriptions here don’t match you, but you still resonate with the issues described above, do not hesitate to get in touch.
Practical Information:
I work in person and online. My in-person treatment space is in a private residence in Nunhead, SE15 London. I mainly work with people seeking long-term counselling or therapy, so it’s important to establish whether you feel comfortable with your choice of working with me. You can do so by booking a free, no-strings-attached 20 min introductory call (phone or video) by filling out the intake form at the bottom of my website’s home page. I will aim to respond within 2-3 working days. http://www.bristenamantu.com