Adolescents/Teenagers

Teenagers in Hong Kong face many challenges and should be encouraged to seek out help if they are suffering from depression, anxiety, and/or stress.  Many problems are related to their studies and school life.  I maintain a relationship with several of the international schools in Hong Kong and have been invited as a speaker on various occasions.  I work with ages ranging from around ten up through late adulthood. When appropriate, couples and/or family therapy may be incorporated into the treatment.  

For younger children, I am happy to recommend trained psychologists who specialize in play therapy and child development.                                            

LGBTQ Affirmative therapy

LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer) affirmative therapy is a method of counseling that focuses on stressors specifically connected with those in the LGBTQ+ community.

While homosexuality was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1973, significant clinical issues continue to exist and drive LGBTQ clients to therapists who often mean well but lack clear insight and empathy with the client. An LGBTQ therapist is not merely “gay-friendly” but is also knowledgeable about numerous clinical issues, such as:

• Discrimination

• Heterosexism, homophobia, transphobia

• Sexual identity/gender confusion

• Societal and personal stigma

• Trauma/Abuse

• Relationship concerns

• Body shaming/stigma

Learn more

Anxiety & Stress management

Anxiety can range from mild everyday stress to a chronic state of unease and restlessness. This constant state of being “on edge” is also known as Generalized Anxiety Disorder. While a certain amount of anxiety is unavoidable in life, if the amount of stress outweighs one’s ability to cope with it, then this becomes an unmanageable condition causing undue distress in life. There are many treatments for anxiety, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), stress reduction, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness training.

Depression

Many people experience feelings of sadness and unhappiness as part of life’s normal routine. However, getting “stuck” in these emotions for months or even years can be a sign of clinical depression. Symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:

• Changes in appetite (eating more or less than usual)

• Changes in sleep patterns

• Persistent feelings of sadness

• Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness

• General feeling of being discontent with life

• Unable to experience joy or pleasure in activities

My approach to psychotherapy aims not merely at symptom management, but also at exploring the underlying issues and conflicts that contribute to depression. This approach focuses on the root causes of depression to help ensure lasting change and improvement in your quality of life.  
 

COMPULSIONS

My personal philosophy is that these types of compulsions are sometimes symptoms of underlying psychological distress. Chemical dependency can be linked to feelings such as inadequacy, low self-esteem, despair, and lack of fulfillment/purpose in life. Psychotherapy can assist clients in identifying what emotional needs are being met through the addiction so they can begin to find healthier ways of meeting those needs.

It is important to note that not all compulsions are drug related. Compulsion can also manifest itself through behaviors such as gambling, shopping, internet overuse, and sexual compulsions/impulsivity, to name just a few examples. Treatments are tailored to treat the specific struggles of the individual.

Sometimes, clients will also need to be under psychiatric care if medication is required to decrease cravings and/or restore chemical balance in the brain.