Why you might seek out a counsellor

According to Dr. John Gottman, a leading researcher on relationship stability,  the four greatest predictors of an intimate relationship dissolution are harsh criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling.  Couples counselling can help clients develop healthier ways of conflict resolution. At Metanoia we work with people of all genders and sexual orientations,  and people in all types of relationships including open relationships and polyamorous relationships. 

Issues within the family can be extremely taxing and can impact even the most resilient and close-knit families. These can result in ongoing frustration, buried resentments, and traumatic experiences and result in anger, sadness, guilt, and disappointment. Seeing a counsellor/psychologist will be an essential step in having family discussions that reduce the emotions attached while addressing the issues at hand. 

Life transitions can be both daunting and rewarding. However, even the most resilient individuals can find themselves dealing with increased stress, mixed emotions, sleep disruption, anxiety, and confusion. From positive transitions such as a promotion at work or moving to negative transitions such as job or relationship loss, these changes impact the human condition. Taking time to talk about these transitions can be essential in making sense of such changes and finding ways to adapt in clear and cohesive ways. 

Some issues related to sexuality include

• Impotence
• Lack of sexual desire
• Anxiety or uncertainty about sexual orientation
• Conflicting sexual desires between partners
• Recovery from sexual abuse or assault
• Loneliness
• Body image issues
• Sexual impulses or compulsions that cause distress

At Metanoia, we take a sex-positive and stigma-informed approach to these concerns in order to help clients feel at ease and comfortable exploring and expressing their sexuality. 

Those who seek counselling to deal with addiction (this can include drugs, alcohol, sex, and gambling) can expect a general intake session that involves an assessment of their presenting issue. They will receive unbiased emotional support throughout individual or family sessions, including couples sessions, to get to the roots and influences of the addiction.  

At Metanoia, there is a strong emphasis on seeing individuals who want to work on setting and working towards life goals. These goals are different at any stage of life. Having an unbiased person to discuss these can be of significant assistance. Time will be spent laying out these goals and finding patterns that will help promote success and avoid pitfalls in this process.  

 Life is challenging at the best of times; sleep disruption can further impact an individual’s ability to function. Sleep issues can involve everything from sleep apnea, the ability to fall asleep, the inability to fall back asleep, or restless sleep, to name a few. Individuals seeking assistance with sleep disruptions will involve discussion around sleep hygiene and positive habits that can significantly influence positive periods of rest.  

Sessions occur face/face in our counselling Hub on Fort Street. As we live in Covid times, all sessions involve adhering to safety practices. Clients are seen in clean, bright, and safe environments. Privacy is of utmost importance.  

For those more inclined to meet their counsellor online, Metanoia is set up with various clinicians to provide this service. The same services are provided as in face-face, but you can complete sessions in the comfort of your home. All efforts are put forth to ensure your privacy as per the counselling profession’s ethical standards. These sessions can involve 1:1, couples, or families.  

Sometimes it can be challenging to talk about personal issues in an office or online. Metanoia provides the option to meet somewhere outside, beit in a setting where clients feel comfortable. Walking side/side, sitting on a bench, or sharing a coffee can prove to be a better medium to talk about issues that are personally difficult at present.  

For specific client presentations, group therapy is a medium that can be extremely helpful. Understandably, groups can be daunting for many. However, if the group is well-grounded in theory and safety for all is ensured, groups can be a very empowering experience. Please check the Metanoia notice board for ongoing groups coming up.  

At Metanoia, we are pleased to offer couples counselling. Our mantra is that any relationship is not set and requires work to deal with the various bumps along the way. As the research suggests, couples need to know how to “roll” with these changes and be comfortable turning towards their partners rather than turning away during these periods.  

Similar to couples counselling, functioning families require work. We can accommodate families either at the clinic or online.