An Andries

As a former GP I so clearly can see a direct connection between people's physical and mental health. People who experience less than ideal circumstances in early childhood (and even later in life) can end up with a nervous system that is in a constant state of dysregulation. In order to survive, many of us learn to function on automatic pilot. We feel we have no choice but to keep going. And when we stop, we either feel overwhelmed with anxiety or a sense of restlessness or we feel numbed out, exhausted or low in mood. This in turn can keep us stuck in a vicious cycle of unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, unhealthy behaviours, overwhelming emotions or a sense of deep shame and loneliness. We develop coping strategies like people pleasing, avoiding conflict, irritability, anxiety and depression, and this all takes a toll on our physical health. We end up with chronic physical health problems and we might also struggle in relationships.

In order to start healing emotionally and physically we first need to learn how to get safe again in our own bodies. Once we experience more safety in our system, we can explore how what happened in our past has contributed to our current experience and we can start healing our trauma.

I have helped people over the past 26 years as a GP, hospice doctor and as a counsellor. I've been told I'm down to earth, warm and accepting. What I bring to the table is not only textbook knowledge but also my personal experience of overcoming fears, obstacles and uncertainty.

I offer a 30 minutes free of charge in person, phone or zoom introductory session.