|
We all come from families and are ‘related’ to them, our partner and children. Getting on well with all of them, plus neighbours and colleagues and ourselves is an ongoing challenge. If something goes wrong and relationships suffer it can cause grief, stress and depression.
|
| "We should not be asking who this child belongs to, but who belongs to this child." Jim Gritter |
Before adopting a child, most couples will have more questions to answer then ever before. While supported by agencies during the process and for a while after the adoption many parents face much bigger challenges later on. Questions about their family of origin, body image, experimentation with challenging behaviour, or alcohol and other drugs might test your relationship with your children. You might ask yourself if these problems are related to the adoption or hurdles on the way to growing up.
Counselling, with elements of systemic family therapy, clarifies reasons for difficulties and increases mutual understanding, resulting in behavioural changes of all concerned.
back to TOP
Relationships
| It takes two people to create a pattern, but only one to change it. Esther Perel |
Unresolved problems in our partnerships will have a negative impact on our mental health. Confusion, anger, disappointment, anxiety, depression and the fear of the end of a relationship are the result.
Counselling helps to explore causes and can support change. Partners get to know each other in a way they might have not before. New beginnings are possible!
Counselling can also provide support during break ups and new orientation.
back to TOP
Adolescence
| Adolescence raises two questions, depending on who is asking: Why are my parents so difficult? Why has my child turned so horrible? |
Counselling supports each member of the family to see things from different perspectives, give each other the needed space to change and to adapt to changes.
It provides a safe space for interaction without banging doors and abusive yelling at each other.
Caring for the (emotional) needs of adolescents can also mean to work with other members of the family, if the adolescent is not yet ready to see a counsellor.
back to TOP
Life Changes
| Change is a constant process, Stability is an illusion. Tao |
Changes are challenging and force us into developing new skills.
If we succeed, we can be proud and a step further. The process however can be painful and slow; sometimes we can feel like getting stuck.
Angelika von Sanden is convinced that ‘Every problem has the seed of its own solution’ and together we discover how this solution might look like.
back to TOP
Expatriate Assimilation
| In the beginning I was totally paralysed by nostalgia. Isabelle Allende ( in exile) |
Moving to another country, far from home, be it for a job, love, or a change of life style, might sound like an exciting dream. Waking up is painful for some. Suffering from homesickness, missing family, friends, food, sounds, and smells, they feel trapped and unable to think clearly and enjoy life. The experience of nostalgia can be overwhelming. Some feel physical ache, shortness of breath and suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety. Establishing a new life takes time and is easier with support. With family and friends far away, counselling is often the only place to unload face to face and to establish plans for a future. Angelika von Sanden has lived in different countries and she has experienced what it means to embrace the challenge.
back to TOP
Illness
| One should take advantage of the power of medical science to regain one's health. But it is the inherent power of life within us that will ultimately bring out the benefit of the treatment. Daisaku Ikeda |
The effects of long-term illnesses are profound to the sufferers and to those, emotionally close. Angelika von Sanden has years of experience in supporting people with HIV/AIDS. Illness is robbing us of many things we took for granted. The person affected by illness has not only to fight the illness, but possibly also to struggle with stigma, dependency, pain, grief and loss. Counselling helps to identify strength and to become aware of what is still possible and enjoyable. Counselling can support carers, often the silent sufferers, in fighting their own struggle.
back to TOP
Grief and Loss
| “There is no magic answer to loss.” … Rabbi David Wolpe |
Loss, leading to feelings of disbelief, anger, sadness and grief, describes the loss of something or someone we have truly treasured and loved. A grieving person often loses the sight for future and might experience symptoms of depression and intense emotional and physical pain. As mentioned before, there is no magic cure. Angelika von Sanden will assist you, or someone you are concerned about, to work through those intense feelings. Acceptance of what has happened is the goal and the key to be able to move forward. Patience and mindfulness are essential in the process.
back to TOP
Depression and Anxiety
| ‘Depression is more than just a low mood – it’s a serious illness’ www.beyondblue.org.au |
“We live in a society of instant pudding, instant coffee and instant e-mail, but the skill of anxiety management is not an instant process,” writes Dr. Larson. “If you have been anxious for a long time you are facing a major change.”
http://www.anxiety-disorder-help.com/attacking-anxiety.html
Depression and anxiety are both prominent issues in today’s society. Sufferers are affected in all areas of their personal and professional life. There is no ‘quick fix’ as much as we would like to use it and ‘make’ someone ‘snap out’. However, counsellling, using elements of CBT ( Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a proven way to address and change unhelpful thoughts and behavioural patterns.
Angelika von Sanden will develop an individualised treatment plan, providing you with strategies to live a healthier, happier life.
