Diana Pringle, Existential Therapist, MA, UKCP accredited

Existential therapy is essentially philosophical. It is about coming to terms with life, the world and oneself. It is about facing the worst while preparing for the best, becoming equal to the task of living well while aiming for authenticity and wisdom.

The style of counselling I practice is also practical, rooted in concrete problems of today. It incorporates humanistic and cognitive approaches; and my business background enables me to support you with professional and work related matters. I adapt the emphasis depending on your needs.

It is about us working together to help you find new meanings and direction.

"I realise now that if you had told me what my problems were it wouldn’t have worked, I needed to find out for myself – with you there, us exploring together".

(Said by a client towards the end of his therapy).

It gives you space to think things through and gain fresh perspectives on your concerns. We will look at how you currently live your life so we can see where some thoughts, behaviours or beliefs may be undermining or limiting you. Through understanding yourself better you can evaluate your options and see how you can overcome present difficulties. In turn you can find a renewed sense of direction and zest for life.

"The surprising thing has been breaking down the amorphous mass of yuk into component parts that I could think about rather than just feeling 'I've been done over' and 'I've lost my family'. I was falling into depression but now am experiencing little moments of joy."

Said by a client who had gone through a difficult time with his family business).

Counselling can help you become more accepting of yourself, more relaxed and happier. The focus is on current dilemmas and your hopes for the future. It is forward looking.

Issues I've helped clients with include:-

• anxiety and stress

• life crises and dilemmas

• bereavement and loss

• depression, despair and alienation

• feeling empty and directionless

• relationship difficulties

• separation and divorce

• professional and work related concerns

• incapacity, illness and ageing

People often start therapy because of a sudden crisis such as divorce, bereavement, illness or redundancy. Others come because of a 'slow burn' crisis like chronic anxiety that makes every day an exhausting struggle.

Having worked through their original issue people often surprise themselves by going on to find well-being they did not have before, becoming a revitalised, more ‘filled out’ person.

“I came to get for help with my bereavement. I hadn’t expected it to make such a big difference to all of my life.”

(Said by an older female client at the close of our work together).

There is no age barrier. It is never too late to make sense of life and find peace of mind.