Geoffrey Carthy has worked as a Psychotherapist for the past 27 years working in drug and alcohol rehabs as a primary therapist and running his private practice which has included workshops and group therapy in Australia and internationally. His working background is in co- dependency, drug and alcohol addiction, family of origin and shame reduction therapy, anger work, grief acceptance, burnout, depression, anxiety and supporting people in reconnecting to their feelings. Counselling Can Help Drug and alcohol problems: Binging, unable to stop or cut down, obsessing about the next drug or drink, drinking or drug taking affecting relationships and work, nicotine addiction. Relationships: Break-ups, repeating patterns from one partner to the next, abusive relationships, loss of self in a relationship, power struggling, feeling alone or engulfed in a relationship. Perfectionism and control: Fear of criticism and feeling critical of others, constantly seeking approval, nothing we do is good enough, using the ‘silent treatment’ instead of talking. Obsession and compulsions: Cant stop nail biting or picking at our skin, going over and over details, compulsive sex or shopping, internet addiction. Grief: Thinking we should be “over it”, feelings of guilt about anger/joy associated with loss, unable to be heard or validated. Struggling to cope with a drinker or drug taker: “My life will be better once this person stops drinking”, they are ‘the problem’, needing them to need us. Work addiction: Working long hours, chronic overachieving or underachieving, working at the expense of our relationships, unable to stop the; “I’ll just do one more thing”. Work place stress/burnout. Mental Health: Counselling can help a person learn about their emotions, thoughts and behaviours and how these factors influence their lives. Shame Reduction: Discovering, melting and breaking up the thoughts and feelings that say "I'm not good enough, I'm different, there is something wrong with me". Figuring things out on your own can be a fine thing. Continuing to do so in the face of problems we are not solving, can be an indication to seek outside help. "Through my work I aim to provide a safe space for people to explore the blocks in their lives. I bring knowledge, caring and a genuine acknowledgement of the unique individual who sits with me. I believe it is through the acceptance of our uniqueness and where we are right now, that we can begin to change what’s uncomfortable or painful and move towards what brings us joy and choice in our lives."