Penelope Barnes

Most of us experience depression, anxiety or stress at some stage of our lives, sometimes as a result of things that have happened, or in a general way that can't clearly be understood. In both instances, we need to take note of what we are experiencing and come to terms with the resulting pain, disappointment and confusion that can often arise.

This can often be resolved without professional help but, sometimes, the problems persist, creating difficulties at home, work, or in our relationships with others. This can be because current issues are stirring up feelings from the past of which we are not consciously aware.

In this situation, professional counselling or psychotherapy can really help, by enabling us to address these issues and to understand, and make sense of, more hidden aspects of ourselves.