Support with common issues
Understand more about what you’re experiencing – and how therapy can help
Here you’ll find some brief explanations of the challenges I often help clients with – from anxiety and low self-esteem to perfectionism and trauma. I've also included some links to further resources.
Select the titles below to see the information and links.
ADHD
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects focus, emotional regulation, organisation and motivation. While often diagnosed in childhood, many adults live with undiagnosed or recently recognised ADHD.
How it affects people
ADHD can lead to overwhelm, low self-esteem, difficulty managing daily tasks or frustration in work or relationships. It may feel like you’re always 'behind' or not living up to your potential.
How I can help
Together, we’ll explore your unique experience of ADHD and work on practical strategies for managing time, focus and emotional ups and downs – while building greater self-understanding and acceptance.
Further reading
- ADHD in adults (NHS)
- ADHD and mental health (Mind)
Anxiety
Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but when it becomes constant or overwhelming, it can affect how you think, feel and function day to day.
How it affects people
You might feel tense, restless or on edge – or notice racing thoughts, trouble sleeping or avoiding things that feel overwhelming. For some, anxiety shows up as panic attacks or physical symptoms.
How I can help
I use CBT, EMDR and other integrative approaches to help you understand the roots of your anxiety, learn practical tools to manage it and shift unhelpful patterns of thinking or avoidance.
Further reading
Depression
Depession can affect people in different ways and can be debiliating. The orgin of depression can be due to some kind of loss or failture in life, and can also be passed down from parents who eperienced similar sytoms and behaviours.
How it affects people
This can depend on the type and level of depression which can result in not being able to get out of bed in the morning to more 'functioning depression' where you can get on with everyday life and chores, but have a low mood and negative thoughts.
How I can help
Together, we’ll explore your particular symptoms and work on practical strategies for managing depressive patterns– while building greater self-understanding and acceptance.
Further reading
- An overview of depression (NHS)
- Depression explained(Mind)
Life transitions and emotional overwhelm
Sometimes we go through life events that shake our sense of identity, purpose or stability – such as a relationship ending, moving country, health changes or career shifts.
How it affects people
You may feel emotionally overloaded, stuck in decision paralysis or like you’re suddenly unsure of who you are or what you want. These periods can trigger anxiety, grief or exhaustion.
How I can help
Therapy offers a calm, reflective space to help you process what’s changing and find clarity in what comes next – with tools to support resilience, grounding and self-trust.
Further reading
- How to deal with change and uncertainty (NHS - Every Mind Matters
- How to cope with change – our top tips (Mind)
Low self-esteem
Low self-esteem means having a negative or overly critical view of yourself – often shaped by past experiences, relationships or internalised expectations.
How it affects people
It may show up as self-doubt, guilt, shame, difficulty asserting yourself or a constant sense of 'not being good enough'.
How I can help
Therapy can help you understand where these patterns come from, and gradually build a more compassionate, balanced view of yourself – so that confidence can grow from within.
Further reading
- Raising low self-esteem (NHS)
- Overcome low self-esteem: rediscover your worth through therapy (Counselling Directory)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) aimed at reducing anxiety. These can become distressing and time-consuming.
How it affects people
OCD can create a cycle of fear and relief that’s difficult to break. It may interfere with work, relationships or your ability to relax – and often leads to feelings of shame or confusion.
How I can help
I use an integrative CBT approach to help you understand the thought patterns behind your obsessions and compulsions, and develop practical tools to reduce their impact. Therapy can also support you in managing distress and rebuilding a sense of control in daily life.
Further reading
- OCD Action
- OCD (NHS)
Perfectionism and procrastination
Perfectionism involves setting unrealistically high standards and being highly self-critical when those standards aren’t met. It often goes hand in hand with procrastination – putting things off out of fear they won’t be done 'perfectly'.
How it affects people
You might struggle to start or finish tasks, feel paralysed by fear of failure, or constantly doubt your own ability. This can lead to stress, burnout, low self-worth or feeling stuck.
How I can help
We’ll explore the beliefs driving perfectionism and procrastination, and develop new ways to approach tasks, decisions and self-talk – helping you move forward with more confidence and self-compassion.
Further reading
- How to finally break your procrastination habit, explained by a psychologist (BBC Science Focus)
- Perfectionism (Counselling Directory)
Social anxiety
Social anxiety goes beyond shyness. It’s an intense fear of judgment or embarrassment in social situations – even ones that seem 'ordinary' to others.
How it affects people
You might avoid phone calls, meetings, public speaking or social gatherings. It can lead to isolation, exhaustion or a fear of being 'exposed'.
How I can help
CBT is particularly effective for social anxiety. We’ll work together to understand and gently challenge the thoughts and behaviours that are keeping you stuck – so you can build confidence in real-life situations.
Further reading
- Social anxiety (social phobia) (NHS)
- Shyness and social phobia (Royal College of Psychiatrists)
Trauma and PTSD
Trauma may result from a single distressing event or from long-term exposure to harm or fear. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one way trauma can continue to affect the mind and body long after the event.
How it affects people
You might experience flashbacks, emotional numbness, hypervigilance, nightmares or a constant sense of unease. Trauma can also affect your relationships, self-image and ability to feel safe.
How I can help
I use EMDR and trauma-informed approaches to help you process distressing experiences in a safe and supported way – at your pace, and in ways that respect your emotional safety and resilience.
Further reading
- PTSD (Mind)
- Treatment - PTSD (NHS)
“Christie has helped me come out of a period of anxiety and depressive feelings. [She] helped me use CBT and [it] has completely changed my life. [...] It is something you can use whenever you need it. Thank you so much Christie!” – former client