Managing Anxiety- My first suggestion is usually, “don’t watch or read so much of what is called “news.”  We’ll look at your situation in life and how thoughts about a situation manifest themselves in feelings.   The mind body connection is important here; exercise, guided meditation and breathing all help.

Relief from depression - depression can be debilitating and difficult to understand if you haven’t been there.  Psychotherapy is effective as is exercise and medication.  We would look at making some small changes while acknowledging how difficult any movement can seem when you are depressed.

Drug or alcohol use and/or addiction – In treating the disease of addiction the key words are nonjudgmental support and setting realistic goals. And finally, “the answer to addiction is healthy relationships” Dr Geoff Kane. 

Relief from anger- to let go of it needs expression; how to do that well is an art. Perhaps you are mad all the time or don’t get mad at all and neither way seems quite right to you.  For some we will look at expressing anger wisely and authentically so as to preserve relationships.  For others it will be important first to simply accept that anger exists and that it is normal.  Your anger may be a call for a change in some area.

Relationship issues – It’s about listening, responding rationally, compassion, managing and expressing anger, and compromise…and a lot more. I’ve been married 30 years and am still learning.

Grief is a part of life no one welcomes but it can be a great teacher.  There is no timetable.  “Give sorrow words” and the soul will find its resonance. Trust is called for here.

The big question is “why am I even here?” Therapy is really about how to live and what to live for. Finding a sense of meaning and purpose is the crux of a full life and living well.  We’ll consider your loves, beliefs, values and dreams.  If we have meaning and purpose, we can get through anything.  The insights of Buddhism and major religions are valuable here.

To be deeply listened to, I believe, is the key to a connection with life and it is the mark of good therapy.  Being deeply understood opens doors where none seemed to exist. 

Whether we work together or not, consider making an experiment with gratitude.