Charlotte996 |
Listener - Supporter 4

ABOUT ME :
Hi!

I'm a South African woman living in Japan and it certainly won't be my last time moving countries.  

I have finished my undergraduate degree in psychology as well as my psychology honors degree, so I have studied psychology for quite a few years. As I am taking a break from studying, I still want to be able to put these skills to good use and help people who either don't feel they need to go see a therapist, or just can't afford the sky-high fees.

I am an open, kind, yet firm-handed person. Supporting my listeners is my main objective, but brining to attention possible faulty thoughts and defense mechanisms is very much a part of my approach (see below for more). I am here to listen since everyone needs different things at different moments.

I have had anxiety for as long as I can remember, so I can also relate to most of the problems brought on by it. I have found ways to help me control it and feel that I can help someone learn ways that will help them! I have also dealt with people who have social anxiety, as well as being a shoulder to cry on for many friends going through hardships.

Having moved to a new country, one so different from my own, I have also been through the ups and downs of changing your entire life so drastically. So, if you're an expat struggling with adaption and resilience, I can lend a sympathetic shoulder to cry on.  

MY APPROACH
Given my history in psychology, I try to implement the therapeutic techniques I've learned. My main focus is on thoughts and thought patterns, meaning I try to identify negative or faulty thought patterns, and then try to correct them in a way that helps a listener deal with their thoughts more effectively and build defense mechanisms that heal rather than hurt. This can be a daunting and sometimes helpless path, but it truly is what helped me control my anxiety in most situations.