Kent > Whitstable > CT : 5 > Deborah Gibbons Name:   Deborah Gibbons    Whitstable Counselling & Psychotherapy I practise at:   Margate, Kent CT9 and at:   Whitstable, Kent CT5   Website:   http://www.whitstablecounsellingandpsychotherapy.org.uk     Phone:   01227 261159      Prof. membership:   UKCP  -  United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy   Sometimes we find it difficult to cope and don't know why. It could be something that's changed in the family, the death of a loved one or an unexpected illness. Life changes like having a baby can bring up forgotten or hidden feelings that we think we put behind us. We can suddenly be overwhelmed by loneliness, whether we live alone or surrounded by friends and family, and just don't know what to do to make things better. These feelings not only leave us feeling bad but can interfere with our ability to cope with everyday life. Common issues that people bring are: Depression Anxiety and panic attacks Bereavement and other losses Issues in relationships and sexuality Low self esteem & meaningless Childhood abuse and neglect Living with a serious illness Life crisis, change or change in direction Feelings of guilt Parenting, mid life changes and retirement How can counselling or psychotherapy help? I can help you explore your issues and understand why they are getting in the way of you living your life the way you would want. Once you understand what is happening you can then think about ways of changing your life and your responses to difficulties. Sometimes problems are simply solved in eight or twelve sessions and you feel more able to cope again. More deeper rooted behaviours can take a longer time, because issues that you might have been living with most of your life don't disappear over night, and it can will take time to change the patterns of behaviour we might have developed to help us cope. For example, if you were abused or bullied as a child, in order to cope you might have learnt to disassociate or cut out the difficult feelings. But as an adult this response to problem situations can be inappropriate or make matters worse. The therapist can help you work on this. Everything you discuss with the therapist is confidential. If you would like to consider therapy just pick up the phone to make an appointment. The first session will give us an opportunity to share your issues and to find out more about you. This will help you decide whether you are able to work together and find out more about the therapy process. Key words for this entry: Groups, Individual Counselling, Adults, Elderly, Women, Young, Long-term, Short-term, Time-limited, Training/tutoring, Workshop, Concessionary rates, Domestic abuse, Mental Health, General counselling, Behavioural, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Counselling, Group, Psychotherapy, Stress management, Life Coaching.