What to Expect It may have been months, it may have been years. But on average it can take up to 12 months for someone to eventually see a counsellor. It is a big deal, and even after all these years I don’t take it lightly when people get in touch with me. So...
What is an accredited counsellor? If you’ve been considering counselling you may have come across all kinds of terms and abbreviations. We don’t make it all that easy to understand, to be honest counselling can sound confusing. Between the qualifications and ‘modes’ (styles of counselling) even down to whether we call ourselves a counsellor, therapist...
How to feel better about yourself Self-esteem can be high or low – or somewhere in the middle. It sort of sounds a bit like a thermostat. With feeling warm and toasty or cold and gloomy. But what is self-esteem? Basically, it’s a fundamental aspect of your mental well-being. It shapes the way you...
The best Christmas gift Christmas is a whirlwind. All the planning, preparing, shopping, wrapping, decorating – adding financial and family pressure. There is so much to do; it just doesn’t happen by magic. You have to do it all. Focusing on materialistic traditions, finding the best Christmas gifts, sorting the food, and organising the...
And why positive thinking is so powerful Thoughts are like a domino effect, where one can topple the next. It sets the stage for a cascade of emotions and actions. It’s fascinating. How a single thought, whether negative or positive, can initiate a chain reaction. Simultaneously influencing your mindset and emotions in profound ways, which...
Three main effects Did you grow up in a dysfunctional family? If you never really talk about growing up. It can feel like a sticky subject. You describe your family as difficult, tricky, or complicated. You may have likely lived with caregivers or parents who experienced generational trauma and exhibited chemical dependence, mental illness, or...
Thinking about Therapy? In 2021/22 1.81million referrals were made to the NHS talking therapy service. This means more people are open to counselling, but that also services cannot keep up with demand. An alternative is private therapy which can be a transformative journey, yet many people grapple with the question, “Do I need therapy?” The...
What is trauma exactly? Trauma often conjures up the image of a terrible accident or incident, or a ‘traumatic experience’. Understanding trauma is paramount for our mental and emotional well-being. It has a profound impact on the brain and body, and produces telltale symptoms. It can be considered as a single event, chronic, and...
Anxiety, can invade your thoughts and ultimately disrupt your life, often uninvited and certainly not welcome. But It’s essential to be aware of the signs that may indicate the presence of anxiety. What are the 5 signs you have anxiety? Here are the 5 signs you have anxiety and some practical tips on how to...
8 Signs of Post Traumatic Growth Post-traumatic stress is commonly talked about. Understandably. This is the effect of prolonged and complex trauma on our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. And it really leaves its mark if unhealed, as a painful wound affecting every aspect of life. Trying to feel safe when safety may never have...