Life presents us all with challenges. You may be entering a new phase in your life. You may notice repeated patterns that negatively impact you, your work and your relationships. These might include negative self-talk, an inability to take care of your body despite your best attempts or feeling totally overwhelmed.
Perhaps global crises have left you contemplating your identity and seeking meaning and purpose in your place in the world. You may wish to make sense of the intersectional influences of belief, race, class or other systems and the accompanying feelings these evoke.
However much (or little) you desire a change or a fresh perspective on life, it’s natural to want someone to help you navigate the discomfort and achieve your goals.
Understanding Your Mental Health
Mental health refers to a foundation of well-being that allows people to cope with the stresses of daily life and fulfill their potential. It also provides the foundation for learning, working and contributing to communities.
Many things contribute towards good mental health, including social engagement and physical health. Similarly, mental health can be diminished when someone suffers from physical illness or social isolation.
Depression and anxiety are examples of mental health conditions. Individuals with depression may disengage socially, feel a loss of interest in activities that once interested them or have suicidal thoughts. Symptoms of anxiety include an intense feeling of overwhelm and an intense sense of fear or doom.
We often think about mental health in relation to having a mental health illness; however, mental health also encompasses enjoying good mental health and well-being. As such, someone may not have a mental health condition but might feel isolated or overwhelmed to such a degree that they need mental health support.
The importance of support and therapy for good Mental Health
When people think that they may have a mental health condition, or fear that they have poor mental health, it is important that they seek support.
Mental health professionals help to support good mental health, and to treat mental illness so that good mental health can be enjoyed. Clinical psychologists use psychotherapy to treat mental health conditions.
Psychotherapy is also referred to as “talk therapy”. During these psychology sessions, a psychologist can diagnose a mental health condition, tailor a treatment plan for the individual client and work through this plan over a period of time. Using evidence-based therapies such as psychodynamic therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), a psychologist can help the client alleviate symptoms and boost mental health.
It’s vital for anyone with a mental health condition to know and feel that they are not alone. Growing mental health awareness across South Africa and the world means that there are more resources available to people struggling with mental health. In addition to individual therapy with a psychologist, there are support groups and online resources that can assist people with looking after their mental health.
Putting mental health first with support practices and therapy is an important principle for improving well-being. When individuals are well-supported, they can navigate stress and daily challenges, and establish good practices for mental health and well-being.
common challenges our Psychologists support clients with
Our qualified clinical psychologist, Beulah Marks, can offer Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to help individuals navigate these difficulties.
Beulah can diagnose and treat a broad range of mental health conditions. Her special interests include intergenerational trauma (including the fallout from oppressive systems and discriminations like racism) and neurodiversity.
People of all beliefs, sexualities, neurodiversities, races and cultures can find a safe place to unburden themselves in therapy. The process allows individuals to experiment with new and emerging ways of being and, ultimately, to engage life and its struggles in a much more meaningful, intentional and satisfying way.
How We can support You
The first step towards therapy for mental health is to book an introduction call. This free telephonic call allows you to ask any questions you may have and to find out more about therapy with Beulah. Therapy is available for individuals and families; for couples counselling, we can offer a referral.
Sessions are available online and in our private rooms in Cape Town. Sessions are booked at regular intervals. This consistent commitment provides a containing therapeutic space to support your growth towards increased meaning, authenticity and connection in your life. Guided by research-based best practice, we’ll check in regularly to tailor the pace and kind of therapy support to your needs.
