Annamaria Antoniou counselling

An individualised approach to mental health

About me

I started my counselling journey many years ago.

At a time I was feeling lost and disconnected, I reached out to a Counsellor. I felt heard and understood and learnt how to accept myself. I was offered a space where I could express myself and work through difficult feelings. As I felt supported, it inspired me to train as a Counsellor. I believe given the right conditions, we each have the capacity for growth.

I am a qualified Counsellor, committed to supporting you on your journey of self-development.

I believe that each person has their own story to tell. I also believe that we all have a natural striving towards growth and healing.

If you feel ready to start your journey, I am ready to listen.

How I can help

As a Counsellor I have been on a journey and appreciate how difficult it is trying to navigate through life challenges on my own.

I offer a non-judgmental space, where you can express difficult thoughts and feelings to better understand them.

I can help you to explore your past experiences through to the present, find ways of coping and gain clarity and understanding in your experiences.

Counselling can also help you to feel more in control of your life and gain a different perspective on situations and relationships.

I am experienced in supporting people through many issues, including;

• Betrayal
  
• Trauma
• Stress
• Abuse
• Anger
• Abandonment issues
• Loneliness
• Separation/Divorce
• Childhood issues
• Life changes
• Low self-esteem
• Self-harm/suicidal ideations
• Bereavement/Loss
• Domestic abuse
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship issues
• Family issues

Qualifications and Experience

• Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
• Certificate Counselling Skills
• Introduction to Counselling Skills

Alongside my qualifications I am also trained in other areas including working with trauma and how trauma affects the body; working with young people; hoarding behaviour and living with chronic pain.

I currently provide counselling with the Terence Higgins Trust, working with young people and adults.

My fee is £50 per session.

Concession slots are available.

Appointments are available on Wednesday and Thursdays morning to evening.

I currently work from a comfortable space in Enfield Town; Genotin Terrace and Church Street.

I also work online using Teams, Skype, and telephone.

Online Counselling

Via Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and telephone

In person Counselling

Comfortable rooms based in Enfield Town

I offer long term as well as short term counselling, depending on your needs.

Anxiety in the workplace

February 2024

Anxiety in the workplace is an experience shared by many. You may be feeling an increase in your stress levels, more irritable, less patient with yourself and others, trouble sleeping with the dread of going to work. Anxiety can present in various physical and psychological signs; feeling a knot in your throat, racing thoughts, heart pumping through your chest, difficulty concentrating, sweaty palms, self-critical. It can feel overwhelming and as if you are alone. There will be others with a similar experience.

It can be helpful to keep a diary of when you’re feeling anxious, what it feels like; noticing any sensations in your body. Keeping a log can be useful in increasing your awareness of any potential triggers, where you’re feeling unsafe, and noticing when you feel calm.

It can be difficult to talk to people when you’re feeling anxious, even isolating and lonely. By talking about it you might find others having a similar experience, opening up a conversation and connecting with people over shared experiences.

Self-care is crucial in managing anxiety;

• talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling
• keep a diary
• maintain hydration (drinking water and non-caffeinated drinks can help)
• Engage in exercise you enjoy (e.g. yoga, running, walking)
• Take short breaks when you can. Changing your environment can help you feel calmer.
• Talk to your Manager/Occupational Health Department

You may be surprised that even with a short 10 minute walk, or 15 minute yoga session can make a difference. Without adding extra pressure, it’s about doing what you can, when you can.

Emotions as Guides

November 2023

Emotions can feel uncomfortable and cause you to feel out of control. It can feel overwhelming trying to cope with daily life and keep your head above water. We feel emotions for a reason, for example, anger can be a way of expressing a need within you that hasn’t been met, such as not being listened to. You might be feeling sad from missing a relationship, or feeling hurt by someone you trusted. Ignoring these emotions can lead to more distress. It can help to keep a journal of your emotions in order to keep track of how you are feeling day to day, and to identify any triggers. Having counselling can help you to make sense of how you feel and to provide a space for you to feel heard and understood.

Let’s get talking

May 2023

Mental health affects us all in some way. There is a good chance we know someone who is going through a difficult time. Chances are, we are that someone. The words mental health, depression, anxiety, loneliness, can all sound quite scary, but it doesn't have to be. Talking about how mental health impacts each of us takes a lot of courage, and when we do, we connect a bit more with each other. So let's take that first step in opening that conversation.

April 2023

We live in a world where access to online media and information is ever-growing, which is great. However, it’s important to be aware of the information we are accessing and to ask ourselves some questions; how accurate is it? Who is it written by? Is it from a reputable source? We are flooded with information as a result of the internet and social media, which can be helpful or a potential hindrance to our wellbeing.

For further information on mental health see counselling-directory.org.uk, Bacp.co.uk, Mind.org.uk.

April 2023

Anxiety can feel crippling and paralysing. It can feel overwhelming and you might feel as if you are alone in feeling this way. You are not alone. Anxiety is a common experience.

If you’re feeling this way on a daily basis, it can feel exhausting. Ways to reframe your anxiety starts with getting to understand what triggers it. Exploring your anxious thoughts and feelings can feel scary, even daunting. It can help to keep a journal of when you feel anxious, what it feels like, and to identify triggers.

Working with a Counsellor can help you to explore your anxious thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental space. Counselling can support you to delve a bit deeper and help you to understand your experiences, and to develop ways of coping.

Google my Business page: Enfield Town Counselling: https://g.co/kgs/mcsuFm

Full profile on Counselling Directory https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/annamaria-antoniou