Counselling Student Reflections – South Staffordshire College
I recently had the privilege of being invited by Osahon Orchard, my amazing, supportive former tutor, to South Staffordshire College to talk with counselling students about my journey through studying, qualifying and moving into Private Practice. Osahon is an experienced counsellor, supervisor and the best tutor I have ever had. It was also a privilege to share the space with my peer Kevin Talbot. Kevin is based in Tamworth, works in person and online with a specialism in male centred therapy.
Snowdrops and the Quiet Return of Hope
Every January, when the days still feel heavy and the light seems reluctant to return, something small and determined begins to push through the cold earth. Snowdrops — delicate, white, easily overlooked — appear long before the world feels ready for them. They don’t wait for warmth, or certainty, or perfect conditions. They simply rise. […]
Grief Awareness Week – Growing with Grief
Grief holds no boundaries, no timescales, no right or wrong emotions. All of us will encounter grief at some time in our lives. Loss is not only with death. Grief can be experienced with the end of a relationship, loss of health, moving home, retirement, children leaving home to name a few. Yet bereavement, grief, is still a conversation many people avoid for fear of not knowing what to say, or of upsetting the bereaved person further. Grief can be an isolating, lonely place, but talking about the loss, acknowledging their grief, listening, can be a huge comfort. National Grief […]
Coping with grief at Christmas
Christmas is enjoyed by many for its Christian beliefs, or as a time of reconnecting with family and friends, experiencing the joy of giving and receiving of gifts. For the bereaved Christmas can be especially difficult. Whether the bereavement is recent, or historic, Christmas can worsen or trigger memories of grief. If you are grieving, or supporting someone who is, you may find this short blog helpful.
More busting grief myths
This is my second article about grief myths; common misconceptions around grief that can get in the way of healing after loss (my first article can be found here: Blog – Counselling with Christine ). By continuing to bust these myths my wish is that you find some comfort, hope and peace after loss. Loss and grief are something that all of us will experience at some point in our lives. It can’t be avoided. Myth: There is something wrong with me as I sometimes see, hear or sense the person who died. Reality: Hearing, seeing or sensing the person […]
Unexpected outcomes of using DNA Genetic Testing
Over 30 million people worldwide (source BMC Psychiatry) are estimated to have taken a DNA test. For thousands of people DNA testing is seen as a fun way to discover more about their family history, physical traits, hidden traits and finding other family members. However, there can be significant, unforeseen, consequences to DNA, genetic testing. You can read more about this in my recent article on Counselling Directory.
How does bereavement impact on sex and intimacy?
There is still a reluctance for many to openly talk about grief. Talking about sex can feel awkward too. Add sex and grief together and it may become impossible to talk about them in relation to each other. Yet death can impact on a bereaved person’s sex drive, trigger feelings of sexual loss, a fear […]
Busting grief myths
Loss and grief are something that all of us will experience at some point in our lives. It can’t be avoided. There are common misconceptions around grief that can get in the way of healing after loss. These myths frequently emerge in my counselling room, as clients begin to explore and express their grief. My […]
Mental Health Awareness Week 12th-18th May 2025
The 12th to 18th May is Mental Health Awareness Week, led by the Mental Health Foundation. The focus this year is on the power of connection with communities and people, whether in person or online. Connections, belonging, can provide a safe place to be, a sense of purpose. We become isolated for many different reasons. […]
Covid-19 Day of Reflection Sunday 9th March
Five years ago, our world was turned upside down as the Covid-19 pandemic swept the world. The impact of that time is still being felt by so many, including: Grief at not being able to say goodbye to loved ones before they died. Limitations on funerals and attendees, funeral traditions and rituals placed on hold. […]
What is love?
As Valentines Day approaches, I have been reflecting on its origins, and love in all its guises. The origin of Valentines Day is an ancient rite going as far back as the Roman times, containing elements of Roman and Christian tradition. One version is that Valentine continued to secretly perform marriage for young lovers when […]
Things to consider when looking for a counsellor
My qualifications, and registered membership with The British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), provides assurance for you that I hold the appropriate academic training in counselling and psychotherapy. Before a counsellor can work with clients there is a minimum of 4 years academic and practical training. To become a registered member of the BACP […]
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