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Welcome
Welcome to my blog page. Here I share insights and guidance on trauma, perinatal issues, domestic abuse, and sexual assault recovery. As a counsellor specialising in these areas, my posts offer a compassionate space to explore the complexities of healing and emotional well-being. You can expect to find practical advice, supportive reflections, and resources designed to help you navigate difficult experiences and regain your sense of peace. Whether you're looking for information, comfort, or encouragement, my blog is here to support your journey.
Latest Posts
Stress Awareness Month – 5 Common Symptoms of Stress
April is Stress Awareness month, so let’s talk about stress. Not the obvious, head-in-hands, “I’m going to scream into a pillow” kind (although, of course, that’s stress too). I’m talking about the quieter, sneakier kind that creeps into your day, messes with your focus, and makes everything feel just that little bit harder than it needs to be.
Is Social Media Messing with Our Minds?
There’s no denying the positives. Social media keeps us in touch with friends and family, no matter where they are. It gives us access to supportive communities, whether that’s a mental health group, a hobby-based forum, or just a space where people share cute pet videos (arguably the best part of the internet). For many, social media is a lifeline—especially for those who feel isolated or struggle with in-person social interactions.
What Does Going To Therapy Feel Like? First Call to First Session
So, you’re thinking about therapy. Maybe you’ve been mulling it over for a while, or maybe something happened that tipped the balance and made you think, “Alright, I need to talk to someone.” But then comes the hard part—actually reaching out.
Why Is Therapy So Expensive?
Therapy is a valuable investment in mental and emotional well-being, and understandably, people sometimes wonder what goes into the cost of a session. While therapy fees may seem high at first glance, they reflect much more than just the time spent in the therapy room
Self-Harm Awareness Day
Self-harm remains a significant concern in the UK. According to Mind, approximately 1 in 14 people engage in self-harm during their lifetime. The prevalence is notably higher among young people; nearly half of 17 to 19-year-olds with a diagnosable mental health disorder have self-harmed or attempted suicide at some point, with the rate rising to 52.7% for young women.
Time to Talk Day: Why Starting the Conversation About Mental Health Matters
Mark your calendars! February 6th, 2025, is Time to Talk Day, an annual opportunity to spark meaningful conversations about mental health. This event, run by
Understanding Health Anxiety: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Manage It
Health Anxiety – Have you ever found yourself googling every ache and pain, convinced it must be something serious? Or maybe you’ve been to the
What to Expect from Your Initial Counselling Session
Taking The First Step Booking an Initial Counselling Session: Reaching out for therapy can feel like a mountain to climb. It’s not uncommon to hesitate
Is Healing After Sexual Assault Possible?
Sexual violence is far too common in today’s world. For instance, According to Rape Crisis England and Wales, 1 in 4 women in the UK have been raped or sexually assaulted after turning 16, often by someone they know. In some parts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, those numbers are even higher. But it’s not just women who experience this – men, boys, and transgender individuals are also affected. Healing after sexual assault can feel impossible.
Why Do I Feel Depressed in the New Year?
January can be a tough month – it’s cold, dark, and the festive buzz of December has faded. If you’re like me, you might find yourself juggling resolutions that feel more like punishments for enjoying yourself during the holidays. It’s no wonder January often feels like a month full of endless Mondays! A few years ago, I realised that January isn’t just something to endure – it’s one-twelfth of my year and, by extension, my life. Instead of wishing it away, I decided to make the best of it. Here are some simple strategies I’ve found helpful for tackling those winter blues and actually enjoying the start of a new year.
9 Steps to Recover Financially After Christmas
The festive season is a magical time filled with twinkling lights, family gatherings, and the joy of giving. But for many, it can also bring a hefty dose of financial stress. From gift-giving expectations to extravagant meals and decorations, the pressure to create a “perfect” Christmas can lead to overspending – and a financial hangover in the New Year.
What is Mental Health?
Mental health isn’t just about avoiding problems or being “happy” all the time. It’s about balance. It’s your ability to handle stress, connect with others, and make choices that work for your life. Whether you’re feeling joyful, stressed, or even just “meh,” your mental health plays a role.
What Are The Signs of Domestic Abuse?
What are the signs of domestic abuse? Domestic abuse, sometimes called domestic violence, is sadly more common than many people realise. In this blog, we’ll
Looking Back or Moving Forward? Counselling Or Life Coaching
When you’re feeling stuck, lost, or just ready to level up your life, there are plenty of helping hands out there. But it can be tricky to work out whether you need a counsellor or a life coach and this can feel like its own mini-identity crisis. Both sound like they’ll guide you to a better version of yourself, yet these roles are fundamentally different. Think of them as two separate roads that occasionally run parallel but ultimately lead to different destinations.
The Power of Words: How Vocabulary Shapes Your Wellbeing
Have you ever stopped to consider the power of words? How the words you use – whether out loud or in your own head – shape the way you feel? The connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours is well-documented, but what often gets overlooked is how much our vocabulary influences this cycle.
Why Can’t I Say No?
For many of us, the thought of turning someone down feels unbearable. We worry about disappointing others, being seen as unkind, or even damaging our relationships. Questions like, Am I a bad friend, parent, sibling, or colleague if I don’t say yes? can plague our minds. But the reality is: constantly saying yes isn’t always the act of kindness we think it is – to others or ourselves.
Anxiety at Christmas?
Dear December: Why Are You So Stressful?
Not everyone looks forward to Christmas with open arms. For some, it’s a tough, lonely, or downright stressful time of year. If that’s you, you’re probably already feeling the pressure to “be merry,” “have fun,” and “make it magical.” Sound exhausting? You’re not alone.
For others, Christmas is a season of joy: twinkling lights, advent calendars, markets, the smell of pine trees and cinnamon, and cosy evenings with mulled wine and hot chocolate. But even for the Christmas enthusiasts, let’s be honest – December is usually way too busy.
So how can we all survive – and maybe even enjoy – this chaotic season? Here are some simple tips to make Christmas less stressful and a little more meaningful.
SAD: Finding Light in the Dark Months
At this time of year, many of us find ourselves searching for ways to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD as it’s commonly known. When the clocks change and the dark mornings and evenings set in, it can feel like a real struggle to stay positive, energised, and connected to joy. For those affected by SAD, the six months of autumn and winter can feel like an endless waiting game – hoping for the light, both literal and metaphorical, to return.
6 Signs of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is a mental health condition characterised by persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations. Unlike occasional anxiety, which might be linked to a specific event, GAD often involves worrying about many aspects of life – work, relationships, health, or even minor day-to-day tasks. These worries can feel uncontrollable and interfere with daily life.
What Are The Symptoms of Burnout?
In today’s fast-paced work environments, burnout has become a widely recognised issue, however, it’s much more than feeling tired after a busy week. Burnout is a serious condition that arises from chronic, unmanaged workplace stress, leaving you physically, emotionally, and mentally drained.
Is it Normal to Struggle as a New Mum?
Pregnancy, labour and birth are times when expectant and new parents can be at their most vulnerable. Becoming a new mum is often portrayed as
What is EMDR Therapy and How Can it Help?
If you’ve experienced a challenging or traumatic event, you might find yourself grappling with uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with your daily life. Traumatic events can
What Happens to Your Body After Miscarriage
Experiencing a miscarriage is a heart-breaking and deeply personal event. The emotional toll is profound, but many people are also surprised by the physical changes
When Silence is All Around: A Reflection on Baby Loss
After a loss, the world becomes quiet in ways that feel unbearable. Silence takes over where there once were dreams of tiny cries, giggles, and the soft sounds of a baby breathing while sleeping peacefully. For parents who lose a child, this silence can be suffocating. They often return to homes filled with baby items never to be used, or to the echo of a nursery that never got the chance to hear its occupant.
Men After Miscarriage: Unspoken Grief and Silent Struggles
The loss of a pregnancy is one of the most devastating experiences a couple can face. While much of the focus often falls on the
Does “Mum Guilt” Ever Go Away?
Motherhood is a journey filled with highs, lows, and a wide spectrum of emotions. One term that has gained popularity in recent years is “mum
Male Suicidal Ideation and the Healing Power of Counselling
In the dimly lit corners of society’s understanding, a silent struggle rages on — the prevalence of male suicidal ideation. For too long, this profound
Did You Know? Understanding the Prevalence of Perinatal Mental Health and How Counselling Can Help
Did you know that perinatal mental health issues affect a significant number of individuals during pregnancy and after childbirth? According to research, around 15-20% of
Your Therapy Journey: Common Mistakes to Avoid!
As a counsellor, I want to share some insights to help you make the most out of your therapy experience. Therapy can be a transformative
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: 5 Facts You Need to Know!
As a counsellor, I believe it’s crucial to shed light on anxiety disorders. These conditions affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated
Refresh, Recharge, Renew: Your Guide to Taking an Emotional Break
In today’s fast-paced world, our emotional well-being often takes a backseat to the demands of daily life. Whether it’s work deadlines, family responsibilities, or societal
Inside the Therapist’s Notebook: Answering Your Burning Questions
Hey there, curious minds! Have you ever wondered what’s scribbled inside your therapist’s notebook during or after your sessions? Or perhaps you’ve had lingering questions
Out Now!
This book is for adults seeking practical solutions to emotional challenges like anxiety, overthinking, grief, trauma, and low self-esteem. Drawing on over a decade of experience as a counsellor, it emphasises that there is no such thing as "normal"; your past does not define your future, and change is always possible. With self-awareness as the key, this book helps you unpack your thoughts and emotions, replace outdated coping mechanisms, and take conscious control of your life. It’s not about perfection, but understanding yourself and showing up with more confidence, authenticity, and resilience. Through insightful strategies and mindful exercises, this book offers a path to healing and personal growth. Whether you’re looking to break free from old patterns or simply live more fully, this is your guide to creating lasting positive change.
