Sarah Beetham Psychotherapist

27/03/2023

10/03/2021

“There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” Cohen

09/08/2020

Never before has so much been expected from couples—for partners to be emotional soulmates, faithful sexual partners, perfect parents, and unwavering allies through life's many storms. And never before have so many relationships crumbled under the weight of such heavy expectations.

So when couples seek our help, we can't just sit back and let them rehash their repeated conflicts and bring out the worst in each other.

We need to help them explore new possibilities and experience creative solutions that free them from whatever's keeping them stuck.

17/07/2020

Working With Feelings of Worthlessness

To help clients shift out of these painful core beliefs, we need to:

-know why the ruminating brain embellishes feelings of self-contempt
-understand the specific biological factors that fuel inadequacy
-understand how self-criticism roots itself in the body
-address the one overlooked fear that directly links feelings of “never good enough” to depression

Working With Core Beliefs of “Never Good Enough” Counselling helps to find the origin of the injury and reprocess the pain

09/07/2020

The meeting between I and Thou is seen as the most important aspect of human experience because it is in relationship that we become fully human. The I-Thou relationship is characterized by mutuality, directness, presentness, intensity and ineffability. Therapists view the client – therapist relationship as the foundation of all therapeutic growth because it fundamentally affirms of human connection, validation and participation.

The attempt at understanding the subjective inner world of the client is not a one-way street because the therapist must account for their own influence upon the client as both participants come into psychological contact. The I-Thou is a relational event that is co-created; it does not fully reside in one participant or the other. This interpersonal encounter contains wonderful potential that far exceeds two separate people in conversation. This is the place and space I reside as a counsellor.

05/07/2020

The Polyvagal Theory has revolutionized our understanding about the body's autonomic nervous system and the way it responds to anxiety, fear, and trauma.

One of its key findings is that when our nervous systems are stuck in states of despair and hopelessness, it can be difficult for clients to make changes to their thoughts, feelings, & behaviors.
..Our bodies simply aren't wired that way.

But when we can change our nervous system state, THEN we can change our stories.

Fortunately, Polyvagal Theory provides that foundation for effective techniques that will help clients engage their nervous systems to access safety and compassion.

30/06/2020

Are Your Boundaries Too Weak or Too Rigid?
Do you struggle with setting boundaries? Is it hard for you to say no or assert yourself? Do you have trouble trusting people? Do you frequently feel mistreated or resentful? These can all be signs of boundary issues.

Most of us are familiar with the concept of boundaries. Boundaries serve as limits, telling others how we want to be treated and what we’re each responsible for. They create a separation between you and others so you can maintain your individuality and values.

However, it can be hard to know what constitutes healthy boundaries – that sweet spot between boundaries that are too weak and boundaries that are too rigid.

17/06/2020

The early 21st Century is presenting monumental challenges to both leaders and everyday people. The Covid-19 Crisis may represent the most devastating ongoing event since the Great Depression. In addition, global threats of climate change, mounting numbers of refugees, declines in civility and respect for democracy and accelerating inequality, are a few more of those challenges. Such matters may feel ‘all too big’ to fathom, let alone respond constructively. Evidence also suggests these conditions are raising a degree of existential anxiety in societies across the world. The ‘outside world’ is increasingly visiting us in our lives as well as our provision of care.
How can we respond individually and collectively ?
Climate change and ecological breakdown are considered among the greatest threats to our personal, societal and planetary wellbeing. In Australia, the sheer scale of devastation wrought by extended drought, catastrophic bushfires and the pandemic has moved this threat out of a ‘what will be’ context into the here and now of ‘what is’. This can provoke anxiety, grief and despair and raise questions about who we are in our world and how we may need to respond and change. These times call on us to confront existential concerns, acknowledge collective responsibility and reshape generative ways of living and finding meaning. Within counselling these questions are resonating more deeply. I have put together resources and delved deeper to provide support and make sense of the existential questions that we all want and need to connect with in an integrative and supported manor.

15/06/2020

When we're hurting, it's not uncommon to look for ways to fill the void.
The void is made up of the empty, lonely feelings that stem from holes in our heart and soul. Sometimes these holes are fresh wounds like a breakup, death in the family, or losing our job. Sometimes they stem from something much deeper, like a lack of connection with family growing up, a childhood trauma, or hurt caused by someone in our past.
When we lose someone or something in our life, most of us jump right into distractions. We start seeing new people, working on every single thing that needs to be done around the house, picking up more hours at work or packing our schedule full of things to do. We do all of this instead of feeling what we feel.
This is called stuffing to fill the void.

When you lose something or someone, all of the wounds, emptiness, pain and hurt are exposed. As much as it hurts, the void should not be feared. The void is where miracles, strength and change are born.
The truth is that anytime you try to distract yourself from feeling what you're feeling, you're avoiding the fact that you're not whole. Something is missing, damaged or broken, and until you face it, no person or thing will ever make you feel complete.

When you take the time to really feel and experience the uncomfortable space that is the void, you begin to see things clearly.

09/06/2020

26/02/2020