Clarity Therapy Helsinki

13/12/2023

In my latest blog post, I discuss how I lean on something called the window of tolerance to support people in safely expressing what is bothering them. I have found it to be such a nice way to visualize one's emotional readiness for therapeutic work and that it really assists clients in understanding themselves to a deeper level.

The Window of Tolerance

As a therapist, I am watching for emotional expression. If the client begins to feel overwhelmed by their emotional state, I check in with them and if needed we use a series of grounding techniques to lower the intensity of the session. If the client is removing their emotions from the counselling s

21/09/2023

When we understand we are not alone in our suffering, and that someone cares we begin to understand ourselves in a new and more positive manner. We slowly transform from isolated child to emotionally engaged adult.

To learn more about how I harness attachment science in my work as a therapist take a look at my latest blog.

https://www.claritytherapyhelsinki.fi/counsellinginsights/attachment-science-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-so-usefulcounsellinginsights

22/08/2023

In our Western world, we are often encouraged to be stoic, or then culture tells us we can only express one emotion.

This can be based on gender as females are given permission to cry while for men, traditionally, it has been more acceptable to be angry than vulnerable.

But all emotions, no matter whether "negative" or "positive" ones, are the way our brain tells us: this is important. Essentially our brain is saying: wake up, pay attention: THIS MATTERS!

In my work, I look for and focus on 6 key emotions:

▪️Anger primes us to assert ourselves.
▪️Joy tells us to move towards something.
▪️Surprise primes curiosity and tells us to look at something more closely.
▪️Sadness primes us to withdraw or to seek support from others.
▪️Shame tells us I am inadequate and unlovable.
▪️Fear acts as an alarm bell telling us something needs to be taken care of.

Emotions often feel like a big mass of energy that takes over or it is something we work really hard to suppress. Both are exhausting and often leave us feeling sad and depressed or anxious and stressed.

But I have found that something powerful happens when an environment is created that allows us to explore the emotion, instead of suppressing or fleeing from it. In my therapy practice I aim to support my client's move toward their emotions using the tenets of Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), an evidence-based modality of psychotherapy that aids us to harness the power of emotions.

In my recent blog post I explore EFT and the ways it can help us understand and form a new relationship with our emotions, even the most vexing ones. You can find the link in my bio to read the whole post or feel free to comment your thoughts below.

15/08/2023

Emotions can feel overwhelming. But I have found that something powerful and therapeutic happens when an environment is created that allows for emotional exploration. If you are interested in hearing more you can check out my recent 'counselling insight' post. In the post, you will find information on what an emotion is and how it can be harnessed to support your mental health.

https://www.claritytherapyhelsinki.fi/counsellinginsights/putting-the-emotions-in-emotion-focused-therapy

10/02/2023

https://www.claritytherapyhelsinki.fi/counsellinginsights/couples-counselling-the-emotions-underneath The Emotions Underneath: Marsh Cooper

The unknown factor that affects our relationships can cause us to lash out in unexpected and overwhelming ways. This experience is not only frustrating for the partner it can be surprising and scary for the individual as well.

21/12/2022

Self-care: It’s like the importance of servicing your car. When we are rolling along a smooth highway you will not even notice your car but when we get stuck in a blizzard or are driving on a bumpy gravel road that is when we really need to ensure the car is running smoothly. "

https://www.claritytherapyhelsinki.fi/counsellinginsights/resilience-and-self-care

Photo Courtesy of Spencer Selover

Self-care is an important element of resilience because when we take appropriate care of ourselves, we are more able to meet the challenges life sends our way. Consider your self-care plan. Does it include times to be social, and physical, to develop professionally or seek psychological, spiritual,

23/09/2022

I get that it can be really frustrating to invest time and money in seeking out a therapist only to realize it is not a good fit for you. In fact, studies show the connection you feel with the therapist is the single biggest indicator of therapeutic growth.

It's for these reasons that I offer a free 15-minute exploratory phone call. During the call, you can hear a little bit more about me, and (much more importantly) share what is going on for you. Afterwards, you can decide if you would like to continue working together.

If you are interested in learning more or know someone who could benefit from mental health support can always visit my website or simply send me a DM. On my website, you will find information about me and my approach to therapy.

My aim is to make reaching out for mental health support easy.

28/08/2022

I have shared some of my thoughts on the magic that can take place when engaged in couples counselling. If you are interested give it a read and if you like you can always leave a comment or DM me to discuss further.

"This process is simultaneously difficult and incredibly rewarding. Imagine the opportunity to unearth and share with your partner the reasons behind your most precious qualities." https://bit.ly/3Aoqpie

Photo Credit: Min An

17/08/2022

Over time arguments within a relationship can build. There may be a hope that the holiday season will offer an opportunity to work through those disagreements or that things will suddenly improve. Sadly, it doesn’t always work out that way. If you are feeling desperate, you are not alone – divorce and separation rates tend to peak right after the vacation period.

I understand the post-summer period can be a period of tension and reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. That is why for the month of September, Clarity Therapy Helsinki is offering couples therapy sessions for half price (while spaces are available).

Couples therapy provides an opportunity to share and be heard without judgement. When we work together we will explore the emotions and sore points related to your relationship. Together we will slow down and focus on improving the communication and support within your relationship.

Photo Credit: Ketut Subiyanto

02/08/2022

I would like to share a little bit about how I see my role as a therapist and some of the areas I specialize in.

Therapy is such a personal experience in which you may choose to share something from really deep inside of you. As the therapist, I respect the person sharing immensely.

When we work together my aim is to be genuine and focused on your experience. I will offer support while also highlighting contradictions or ‘stuck points’ that may be negatively affecting your life.

I have experience supporting individuals and couples from many different backgrounds and a wide range of different concerns. Examples of some of the themes I have helped clients work through include, stress related to immigration, and life transitions such as the feelings related to leaving a job or a relationship. I have also worked with those who are suffering from anxiety, depression, and grief. I am trauma-informed which means I have both the knowledge and professional experience regarding how to support someone to work through and process difficult experiences from their past. In these cases, it's especially important to remember the client sets the pace.

I also work with couples and believe in the importance of exploring the emotions and feelings related to your relationship. The aim is always geared towards improving communication in your relationship because when you can share and listen deeply issues are more easily resolvable.

Lastly, with any concerns, you may bring forward I aim to foster a sense of compassion and curiosity towards the parts of you that are causing you distress. Through this perspective, we can start to create new internal relationship and relationships with others.

27/07/2022

Achieving mental clarity. What a challenge! To de-clutter, filter through, and gain a deeper level of self-awareness. That is tough stuff.

Especially when we are bombarded with all sorts of demands; different stimuli that beep, blink and light up. In particular, I am thinking about social media here (well hello, Facebook 👋).

Add on working life and family dynamics then mix in our own past experiences (that seem to rear their head at the most unhelpful of times) and clarity can seem very far away indeed.

Certainly, I struggle with this. I have had days and weeks in which it seems like I can't focus on one thing for longer than a minute. My relationships suffer, anxiety and irritability rise and eventually fatigue sets in.

There is a place in all of this for running, cycling, or spending time in nature as some of my followers have suggested. In fact, I seek solace in those exact things. Hobbies with friends, (like Kalle who is featured in the photo above), creating room for artistic expression and hanging out in a supportive community also help put things into perspective.

My experience also tells me that to gain a deeper level of clarity we need to foster an empathic and curious relationship with the parts of ourselves that gives us trouble. By diving deeper into our early life experiences and reflecting on how they have affected who we are an internal awareness is formed.

With awareness, a sense of clarity emerges. Clarity over our own emotions, knee-jerk reactions, and behaviours.

If you are looking to attain a deeper level of clarity, reach out for a free 15-minute phone call with me or visit my website for more information.

25/07/2022

Hi! My name is Marsh Cooper and as the founder of Clarity Therapy Helsinki, I aim to support you work through your mental health concerns.

We all deal with difficult experiences, have setbacks or feel low and if you feel life’s pressures are getting the better, please feel free to reach out.

I aim to create a warm and connected relationship that supports your therapeutic growth and I do this by fostering an environment in which you can slow down and express yourself deeply, feel your feelings and work through your thoughts. From this, a new way of understanding yourself emerges.

As a native English speaker with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology living right here in Helsinki, Finland I am well positioned to support you.

After our initial conversations, I will adopt a scientifically supported treatment plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs. After which, together, we can begin the process of working towards creating a deeper level of self-awareness and mental clarity.

What brings clarity in your life?

18/07/2022

11/05/2022

Get personalized and confidential therapy in person or from the comfort of your home.

I believe individuals and couples who are struggling with their mental health or relationship don’t need to be judged or told what to do but instead need kindness and, support along with a safe space to reflect. I also believe in the power of human connection as in my experience, it is the single best vehicle to work through a wide variety of mental health concerns.