Ever since the pandemic there is a sense that the world has turned upside down. Currently it feels like we are navigating a reality marked by relentless demands on our time and energy, unrealistic expectations, crazy pace of work and changes happening so fast that we can hardly keep up. It feels like we have little control over what happens around us and navigating load shedding as well as an ever-increasing cost of living contribute to a sense of feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.
It is no wonder that we notice an increase in mental health issues as our capacity to manage stress is depleted and anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue sets in. Often we wonder: How am I going to stay sane in this mad reality? This is where counselling can be very helpful.
I follow a holistic and wellness approach in counselling. I will therefore explore with the client all the stressors that contribute to a sense of feeling overwhelmed. We will then explore how the client manages the stress response and look at ways to better support the client’s wellbeing and overall health. I will draw from the client’s existing skills and support base, including social support and skill like creative gifts to help them manage stress and anxiety. We will also explore life-style choices, including exercise and nutrition as well as spiritual practices like meditation that can be a powerful resource to help manage the stress response and regulate emotions. In addition, we will give attention to how the client thinks about their life-situation and will challenge negative thought patterns that increase anxiety and a sense of feeling overwhelmed.
Counselling can therefore effectively help us to manage our stress and life difficulties in such a way that we can experience joy and fully restore a sense of overall well being. It is indeed possible to stay sane in this crazy world.
To book for counselling, contact me at 083 764 5978 or johann@johannvangreunen.co.za.