What we can help with
Anxiety
As a psychologist, we help individuals understand the root cause of their anxiety and develop practical strategies to manage it. Through compassionate evidence-based therapy, you'll learn to reduce excessive worry, calm your mind and regain a sense of control and balance in your daily life. We work with experiences of generalised anxiety disorder, health anxiety, panic, social anxiety or phobia). Working together we seek to provide personalised assessment, evidence-based therapy, and ongoing support to promote mental well-being and resilience.
Depression
Depression can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. In therapy, we aim to work collaboratively with you to explore underlying emotional patterns, strengthen self-awareness and reconnect with hope and purpose. An individualised approach empowers you to move beyond low mood and reclaim a sense of job and vitality. Psychological treatment can help to relieve the symptoms of depression and lower the risk of becoming depressed again – for instance, by helping you to deal with negative thoughts or challenges better.
Couples and Other Relationships
We understand the significance of healthy and fulfilling relationships in overall well-being. Good relationships are at the heart of almost everything we do. We help individuals and couples improve communication, build trust, and navigate conflict with empathy and compassion. We have training in Emotion Focused Therapy which draws primarily from attachment theory to facilitate the creation of secure, vibrant connection with self and others. Rooted in the science of emotions and attachment, EFT helps individuals and couples identify and transform the negative processing and interaction patterns that create distress. We aim to help individuals and couples strengthen their relationships, improve communication, and navigate challenges with resilience and empathy. Couples therapy offers a safe space to explore challenges and deepen intimacy. We guide partners through open, honest dialogue to improve understanding, resolve conflict, connect deeply and strengthen emotional body. This work supports healthier patterns and a renewed sense of partnership.
Trauma
Trauma can profoundly impact your sense of safety and self worth. Trauma disrupts our fundamental sense of safety, stability, and sense of control over our environment. Trauma can disrupt our relationships, overwhelm our coping mechanisms and leave a lasting impact on our ability to regulate, experience our emotions, think and relate to others. At Solas Psychology, we use a trauma-informed approaches to help with processing of difficult experiences, develop healthier coping strategies and rebuild a foundation of resilience and empowerment. Healing is possible and you don't have to face it alone.
Adolescent Therapy
Adolescence is a time of rapid emotional and developmental changes. It can be challenging for the individual going through all the changes and it can be difficult for those who are connected to the young person and experiencing the changes. My therapy, takes understanding from adolescent development frameworks to support young people and their families to understand their feelings, improve emotional regulation and build self confidence. We can also work to support your understanding of your brain and the changes it is experiencing and how this can impact day to day life. Together we create a supportive space for growth, self discovery, positive coping and helping with connections to others.
Adjustment
Life changes and transitions are a normal part of living. For some people stressful change or events can be much more intense than would typically be expected. This can cause a lot of problems in getting along with others, as well as at work or school.
Work problems, going away to school, an illness or any number of life changes can cause stress. Most of the time, people get used to such changes within a few months. For some people, you may continue to have emotional or behavioural responses that can make you feel more anxious or depressed. Therapy for adjustment difficulties helps you navigate these transitions and build resilience and find healthy ways to adapt, empowering your to move forward.
Anger
Anger is a natural and valid emotion. It often signals when your boundaries have been crossed or when something in your life needs to change. But when it feels intense, unpredictable or overwhelming it can damage relationships, impact your health and leave you feeling out of control. As psychologists, we help you explore the underlying causes of your anger which sometimes includes unresolved hurt, past trauma, chronic stress, or feelings of helplessness. Together, we work to understand your triggers and emotional patterns in a safe, non judgmental space. Through therapy, you will learn to express anger in healthier, more constructive ways rather than reacting impulsively or shutting down. We focus on building self-awareness, developing calming techniques and practising new ways of communicating your needs. With support you can transform your relationship with anger to use it as a guide rather than letting it control you. Ultimately, the goal is not to eliminate anger but to help you harness it in a way that supports your growth, protects your relationships and empowers you to live more intentionally.
Assertiveness
Being assertive isn't about being aggressive or demanding. It is about expressing your thoughts, needs and feelings clearly and respectfully. Many people struggle with assertiveness, often because of deep- rooted fears of rejection, conflict or being seen as "too much'. Over time, this can lead to resentment, anxiety and a loss of connection to yourself and others. As psychologists, we work with you to understand what holds you back from speaking up and setting healthy boundaries. Together we explore emotional patterns and past experiences that have shaped your communication style and we gently challenge unhelpful beliefs that may be keeping your silent or compliant. In therapy, you'll learn practical skills to express yourself confidently and calmly without guilt or apology. We will practice how and when to say"no" when needed, how to ask for what you need and how to handle difficult conversations while maintaining self-respect and compassion for others. Becoming more assertive empowers you to create healthier more authentic relationships. You deserve to take up space and have your voice heard and it's possible to do so with kindness and clarity.
Child Related Issues
Parenting can be so deeply rewarding, but it can slo bring moments of worry, frustration and self doubt. This is especially true when your child is struggling. Whether your child is facing emotional challenges like anxiety or sadness, behavioural issues such as outbursts or withdrawal, or difficulties adjusting to changes it can be hard to know how best to help. At Solas Psychology, we work with both children and their parents to understand the root causes of these struggles. Together, we explore your child's feelings and experiences in a safe and supportive environment while also empowering you with practical strategies to support them at home. We address communication patterns, family dynamics, parenting approaches all tailored to your unique situations. Therapy can help your child develop healthier ways of expressing emotions, improve self esteem and build resiliences. At the same time, it can give you greater confidence in your parenting and strengthen the bond you share. You don't have to navigate these challenges alone. With guidance and compassion, we help your family move toward greater understanding connection and growth.
Family Difficulties and Relationships
Family relationships shape how we see ourselves and how we move through the world. While families can be a powerful source of love and support, they can also be a source of conflict, hurt, and misunderstanding. Tensions may arise between parents and children, siblings or any family dyad often leaving members feeling disconnected or alone. At Solas Psychology, we help families and individual members understand and navigate these challenges with compassion and clarity. Together we will explore the patterns that keep you stick, whether it is cycles of conflict, struggles with communication or unspoken emotional wounds. We work to create a safe space where each person can feel heard, valued and understood. Family therapy focuses on improving communication, rebuilding trust and fostering empathy among all members for others perspectives. Whether you are facing ongoing tension between siblings, misunderstandings between parents and children, or broader family system issues, therapy can help each relationships become more stronger and resilient. With support your family can move from conflict and disconnection toward healing, deeper understanding and a renewed sense of connection and belonging.
Chronic Illness
Living with a chronic illness impacts more than just your physical health. It can also bring feelings of loss, frustration, isolation and fear about the future. It can change your daily routines, affect your relationships and challenge your sense of identity and independence. These emotional struggles are just as real and important to address as physical symptoms. As psychologists, we help individuals navigate the couples emotional landscape that comes with illness. Together, we explore your feelings and experiences in a safe and non-judgmental space, giving voice to emotions that are often carried silently. We also work to build practical coping strategies, strengthen resilience and find new ways to connect with meaning and purpose., even when life looks different to expected. Therapy can empower you to reclaim a sense of agency, while helping you navigate the ups and downs of your condition with greater emotional balance. You deserve support not only for your body but also your mind and spirit.
Parenting Issues
Parenting is one of the most meaningful and challenging roles we can take on. Even the most caring and attentive parents can feel overwhelmed by self-doubt, frustration or guilt when things don't go as planed. Whether you are navigating tantrums, adolescent pushback, worries about your child's well-being, or your own emotional responses it can be hard to know where to get guidance. At Solas Psychology, we work with parents to explore their unique struggles in a safe and supportive space. Together we uncover patterns that may be contributing to stress and learn strategies to respond to your child's needs with more patience, confidence and clarity. We also focus on strengthening your own emotional resilience, so you can feel more balanced and connected in your role. Therapy can help you build a deeper understanding of your child and yourself, empowering you to parent in a way that aligns to your values and fosters healthier family relationships.
Shame and Self Criticism
Many people live with a constant, critical inner voice. This voice may say that you're never good enough, that dismisses your successes and magnifies your mistakes. Deep feelings of shame can keep you stuck in patterns of self-blame and disconnection, holding you back from living fully and authentically. Over time, this inner struggle can affect your relationships, career and overall sense of self-worth. As psychologists, we help you understand where these harsh beliefs and expectations came from and how they have shaped your life. Together, we gently challenge these internal stories and work to replace them with more compassionate and balanced perspectives. Through therapy, you'll learn to recognise your strengths, honour your imperfections and build a kinder relationship with yourself. You don't have to keep living under the weight of shame and self-criticism. With support, it is possible to step in to a space of greater self-acceptance and emotional freedom and start experiencing life with more confidence, connection and peace.
Work Related Stress
Work can be a source of great pride and fulfilment, but it can also bring intense stress, overwhelm and burnout. Long hours, high expectations, workplace dynamics, or feeling undervalued can drain your energy and affect your mental and physical health. Over time, this stress can spill into your personal life impacting your relationships and sense of self. At Solas Psychology, we help you explore the specific pressures you face at work and how they affect your overall well-being. Together, we identify unhelpful patterns, develop healthier coping strategies, and find ways to set boundaries that honour both your professional goals and personal needs. We also work on building resilience and reconnecting with your core values, so work feels more manageable and meaningful.
Bereavement & Grief
Grief touches us all, but no two experiences of loss are the same. The pain of losing a loved one can feel overwhelming, leaving you feeling adrift and along. But grief is not only about the loss of a person. Sometimes it can also include the loss of an anticipated future, such as the heartbreak of unsuccessful attempts at family creation or fertility treatment or the dream of a child that never came to be. At Solas Psychology, we offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can process these deeply personal and often invisible layers of grief. Together, we explore your unique experience, help you make sense of your emotions, and honour the hopes and connections that were so meaningful to you. Therapy can support you in integrating your loss, finding ways to carry your memories and hopes forward, and slowly rebuilding a sense of meaning and connection in your life.
Behaviour that Challenges
Challenging behaviour, whether in children, adolescents or adults, often signal deeper emotional needs or unspoken pain. These behaviours might look like anger, outbursts, withdrawal, defiance or patterns that disrupt daily life and relationships. While they can be frustrating for confusing they are rarely simply "bad behaviour". They are often a way of coping with overwhelming feelings or unmet needs. As psychologists, we work with you or your family to understand the underlying emotional drivers behind these behaviours, rather than simply trying to "fix" them on the surface. Together, we explore what the behaviour is communicating, build healthier coping strategies, and strengthen emotional regulation skills. Working together, we aim to help reduce conflict, increase understanding and create more supportive and connected relationships.
Self Esteem
A healthy sense of self-esteem is the foundation for how we engage with the world and connect with others. When your self-esteem is low, it can shape the way you think, feel, relate to others and make choices. Often leading to self doubt, people pleasing, harsh self-criticism or holding back from opportunities and relationships or experiences. Over time it can leave you feeling small, stuck and disconnected from your true potential. At Solas Psychology, we help you explore where these critical inner beliefs come from and how they impacted your life. Together, we work to challenge unhelpful thought patterns, build self-compassion and reconnect to your strengths and values. Through therapy you can learn to see yourself with more kindness and step into your life with greater confidence and authenticity.