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 […]
What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy. “Help” said the horse.
I love the book The Boy, the mole, the fox and the horse by Charlie Mackesy. This is a story of friendship, courage, overcoming fear and finding fulfilment. It is about being loved and accepted for just who you are. I have many favourite quotes from the book but one I particularly like is the […]
Life is a journey
I read a post recently about living life like Google Maps. On the way to a destination, you may take a wrong turn, or there is an obstacle in the way, but Google Maps never gives up on you. It never says you are in the wrong, or make bad decisions, it just calmly reroutes […]
Christmas is the season to be jolly …. or is it?
Christmas often comes up in the therapy room at this time of the year. 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 others anxiety, depression, can be made worse by the pressures of Christmas. […]
Not Parent Expected (NPE)
Not Parent Expected (NPE) I learnt a new acronym recently. NPE, or Not Parent Expected. This is the term used when people using DNA testing sites, for example AncestryDNA and 23andme, learn that their mother is not their mother, or their father isn’t their father, or even that they have siblings they didn’t know about. […]
Trauma, Hope, Recovery
Over the weekend I found myself watching the film Castaway. Tom Hanks stars as Chuck, a FedEx employee who finds himself the only survivor of a plane crash and stranded on an uninhabited island. Chuck is forced to find ways to survive, finding food, water, shelter – the basics of human needs. He faces immense […]
Self-compassion
How often do you find yourself angry, critical with yourself? Judging yourself for perceived flaws, angry with yourself for doing something you regret or for not being on top of things? Do you find yourself saying: ‘I am usually strong; I just get on with it?’ Life challenges happen, things may not go the way […]
World Childless Week, 16-22 September 2024
As a bereavement counsellor I have heard first hand from clients the devastating loss and grief when their much-loved baby dies, or the loss of a planned future that included children. World Childless Week aims to raise awareness of those who are childless not by choice (cnbc), or who are not able to have children, […]