NARCISSISTIC SPECTRUM / NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER
Do you think you display narcissistic traits?
Or is there someone in your life you feel might be a narcissist? They could be your spouse, parent, sibling, colleague or friend. Do you want to understand them better and know how to navigate your relationship with them without causing harm to yourself?
Or maybe you are recovering from traumatic experiences caused by a person displaying narcissistic traits such as an ex, a family member, colleague or friend. Your self-esteem and confidence have taken a hit from these experiences and you are seeking help to heal.
Or perhaps you may be involved in litigation with a narcissist and need support through the legal process on an emotional level.
I offer a gentle, curious approach to help you through these difficult experiences.
Andy, 2016
Eleanor offered counselling to me at one of the lowest points in my entire life, and after a year of sessions with her, I’m arguably the best me I’ve ever been. Potential patients will be hard-pressed to find a more empathetic counselor who listens to what you have to say and provides you with the insight that will allow you to grow in the direction that is best for you.
RECOVERING FROM DIVORCE / SEPARATION
Divorce and separation can be an especially stressful experience, where both parties are often left emotionally bruised and with a sense of ‘matters unresolved’. People can continue to experience the grief process for the loss of ‘what was’ and ‘what might have been’ for months or even years.
At the end of a relationship you may need to rebuild your self-esteem and develop new found confidence. You may also want to understand your contribution to the breakdown of the relationship so that you can learn from it, to approach future relationships differently and with a greater sense of self and what and where your relational boundaries may lie. I am able to help you explore this collaboratively in therapy. Once you have a greater understanding of yourself it is helpful for us to work on establishing clear values and boundaries as a framework for setting goals and planning for the future.
DEALING WITH ANXIETY AND/OR DEPRESSION
Everyone is likely to feel anxiety at some time in their lives, however, for some people it becomes an all-consuming problem which can be debilitating.
Problematic anxiety arises when your concerns govern your day to day decisions. You become overly concerned, perhaps afraid of the future and in this state you are often unable to refer to and detach from events in the past. Historic events tend to inform your responses and thus your decisions, often undermining your ability to manage the situation from the position of now. The more this occurs the more embedded the responses become.
Depression conversely is a deeply overwhelming sadness caused by an inability to move forward, to leave behind the past with acceptance. An inability to look to the future with any sense of joy, optimism or hope. Depression interferes with your motivation, your capacity to make healthy decisions and colours your perception of everything. You are likely to withdraw from human connection and you feel alone and isolated but unable to reconnect. This mindset feels insurmountable and can be challenging to overcome.
Counselling can help you to rationalise these difficult feelings and begin to build a broader perspective of your world, ultimately alleviating the pain experienced within. I provide a safe place to explore uncomfortable feelings and help you understand where they come from, to make sense of them and to create new processes and practises which help you to experience life from a refreshed perspective. Understanding that you have the power to choose your responses and practising choosing different ways of thinking is key to your healing journey. In our work together I will help you reflect on your reactions to situations, to notice the thoughts, feelings and actions and how they do or do not help and in turn to identify ways of changing your patterns of behaviour to help you move into a different space.
Ben, 2021
ELEANOR UNDERSTOOD ME FROM THE MOMENT WE HAD OUR FIRST SESSION. THIS WAS SO REASSURING AS I HAD ALWAYS FELT VERY MISUNDERSTOOD. SHE GAVE ME SUCH PERSONAL TOOLS TO SCULPT AA POSITIVE, PRESENT MINDSET AND GUIDED ME THROUGH A JOURNEY TO SELF LOVE AND BRIGHTNESS THAT I TREASURE. ALL I CAN SAY IS THANK YOU.
LOSS & GRIEF WORK
Dealing with loss can be a challenging experience for most people which can, if not fully processed, leave the individual feeling hopeless, helpless and unable to perceive a future worth living.
Bereavement is not always the result of the death of a loved one, but can be the end of a relationship, retirement from a long work career, significant changes to health, loss of support structures due to relocation etc.
Anticipated end of life can create difficulties for many people whether it is anticipating their own death or the death of a loved one. Periods of serious illness or the diagnosis of a terminal/incurable condition force us to confront our mortality and often there is no opportunity to explore feelings about these issues.
Counselling offers a safe place to bring these topics into the open and together we will navigate our way through the complex and unique emotional responses which arise for you when confronted with loss, mortality etc.
COMMUNICATION BRIDGING SERVICE
The service is designed to help clients exiting a narcissistic relationship to manage their interactions better and change the historical basis of the relationship.
It is a stand alone service for clients who perhaps can not afford or are not ready for the depth of therapeutic work and can be an invaluable tool for dealing with the narcissist and retraining the client’s brain to reduce instances of emotional triggering.
It is not suitable for clients who are still living with a narcissistic partner or parent.
Matt, August 2020
I have received excellent ad hoc coaching advice from Eleanor for managing conflicts during my divorce from a narcissist as well as with narcissistic professional peers.
Her guidance has incrementally helped me to develop resilience and the ability to react less and respond more calmly when exposed to the triggers narcissistic behaviour generates in me.
Professionally, the support has helped me to communicate more safely in person and over the telephone, which has helped me to achieve what I set out to do, rather than be tripped up by narcissistic patterns.
WALKEASE©
WALKEASE© is an excellent approach for many clients with varied therapeutic needs. Therapy begins with a face to face consultation in the counselling room or online. WALKEASE© may be introduced early in the process, or later when a relationship is firmly established. It is not a requirement of being in counselling.
When WALKEASE© therapy has been included as part of the counselling process I have noticed significant changes. I have observed the healing process accelerating, physical health improving, self esteem climbing and mood calming. The idea of filling an hour talking one to one in a small space can be daunting and off putting for some. The idea of talking and walking one to one has less intensity and may feel more comfortable.
Please contact me and we can talk about starting safe Socially Distanced WALKEASE therapy.
