My focus areas

Childless not-by-choice

For many people, the choice not to have children is made consciously and happily. But some of us grieve for children we expected and longed for but didn't have -- whether due to infertility, not finding the right partner or other reasons.

We may hide our sadness and pain, with no social ritual to mourn the loss of not having a child. People around us may not know how to talk to us about it. So they don't mention it at all.

We may grieve missing out on being a mother -- a powerful and revered cultural identity. Our grief may be constantly reactivated as friends, family and colleagues with children mark the many milestones of parenthood. We could even experience stigmatism socially, such as being excluded from child-centred events, or expected to work during family-focused holidays.

I provide a safe, understanding place to talk about, feel and grieve these losses. I will walk beside you as you find other ways of fulfilling the need to nurture and care, and help you rediscover purpose, meaning and joy.

Perimenopause and menopause

Menopause and the years leading up to it, perimenopause, bring a range of physical, mental and emotional changes. Mid-life is also a time of significant life events and stresses, such as caring for ageing parents, supporting children or other family members, career and work changes and relationship issues. It can also bring up 'unfinished business' such as hurts we haven't processed, or dreams we're yet to realise.

Studies suggest that women in perimenopause may be more vulnerable to depression, while post-menopausal women may be more prone to anxiety (Fenton & Panay, 2010). Previous mental health issues may resurge during perimenopause or menopause (Mullhall et al., 2018).

I can work with you to help you:

• Manage anxiety and depression

• Reduce stress and improving self-care

• Work through grief, anger or other unfinished business

• Set new life goals and work towards achieving them.

Fenton, A., & Panay, N. (2010). Estrogen and mental illness - a new frontier. Climacteric : The Journal of the International Menopause Society, 13(2), 101–102. https://doi.org/10.3109/13697131003676342

Mulhall, S., Andel, R., & Anstey, K. J. (2018). Variation in symptoms of depression and anxiety in midlife women by menopausal status. Maturitas, 108, 7–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.11.005