Recent recommendations calling for stronger regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists have brought an important question into the spotlight: how can people be confident that the person they are trusting with their mental health is suitably trained, qualified and accountable? For many people, starting counselling is a big step. It can involve sharing experiences, thoughts and feelings that they may never have spoken about before. Feeling safe, understood and confident in

When we think about domestic abuse, physical violence is often the first thing that comes to mind. We might picture visible injuries, frightening incidents or situations where someone is physically hurt by their partner. But domestic abuse does not always leave visible marks. Sometimes, the damage happens quietly, through words, manipulation, control and the gradual erosion of someone's confidence. For people experiencing emotional abuse, recognising what is happening can be

When we talk about grief, we often associate it with losing someone we love. But grief doesn't always follow a bereavement. Sometimes, we grieve something that never happened: a future we imagined, a family we hoped to have, or a life that suddenly looks very different from the one we had planned. Recent comments from actor Greg Wise have brought this less recognised experience into the spotlight. Speaking candidly about his and his wife Emma Thompson's experience of IVF, Wis

Money is something most of us think about regularly. From paying household bills and buying the weekly food shop to planning for Christmas, managing debt or worrying about what the future might hold, financial concerns can affect almost every part of our lives. But for many people, money worries go beyond simply balancing the books. They can lead to sleepless nights, tension in relationships, difficulty concentrating and a persistent feeling that something is about to go wron

You can meet every deadline, answer every email and keep showing up to work while quietly struggling. This World Mental Health Day, we're talking about the hidden impact of workplace stress and why simply getting through the day doesn't always mean we're OK. Have you ever been asked how you're doing at work and automatically replied, “I'm fine, just busy”? Perhaps you've been feeling exhausted for weeks, struggling to concentrate or finding it increasingly difficult to switch

Paddy Pimblett, masculinity and the importance of speaking up Being strong doesn’t mean keeping everything to yourself. It means recognising when you need support, and knowing that you don’t have to face everything alone. When we think about strength, we often picture someone who can push through pain, keep going under pressure and remain composed when things get difficult. For many men, these expectations can become deeply ingrained, making it difficult to admit when they ar

Content warning: This article discusses miscarriage, stillbirth, pregnancy loss, fertility struggles and bereavement. Please read at your own pace and take a break if you need to. There are some losses that the world doesn't always know how to acknowledge. The loss of a pregnancy, a baby who dies before or shortly after birth, or the hope of becoming a parent can be deeply painful experiences. Yet the grief that follows is not always recognised, understood or given the space

Technology has become part of almost every area of our lives, including our relationships. We might share our location with a partner so they know when we're getting home. We might know each other's phone passwords, tag each other in social media posts, or send a quick message asking, “Where are you?” These things aren't automatically unhealthy or abusive. In a trusting relationship, sharing information can feel natural, reassuring and completely voluntary. But what happens w

When we think about burnout, we might imagine someone who has completely reached their limit, unable to get out of bed, unable to work, or having what feels like a very obvious breakdown. But burnout doesn't always look like that. Sometimes, it looks like continuing to turn up to work every day while feeling completely exhausted. It can look like procrastinating over tasks you would normally get done quickly, becoming increasingly irritable with colleagues or family, or count

Motherhood is often described as one of life's most joyful experiences. But for some parents, the reality of becoming a mother can also bring overwhelming anxiety, depression, frightening thoughts or, in rare cases, a serious mental health crisis. Recent coverage of the trial of Lindsay Clancy in the United States has once again brought postpartum mental illness and postpartum psychosis into the public conversation. Clancy's case is complex and remains a matter for the legal

For someone who has experienced rape or sexual violence, seeking justice can be an important part of their journey, but the process of getting there can also be incredibly difficult. The UK Government has announced plans to introduce specialist courtrooms for rape and serious sexual offences across every Crown Court in England and Wales over the next two years. The changes include prioritising rape and serious sexual offence cases, private waiting rooms and entrances for vict

As summer draws to a close and autumn begins, the days gradually become shorter, the mornings darker and the evenings cooler. For some people, the change of season can feel cosy and welcome. For others, it can bring a noticeable shift in mood, energy and motivation. You might find yourself wanting to stay in more, struggling to get out of bed on darker mornings, or feeling less motivated to socialise and do the things you usually enjoy. But when is this simply a case of the '

The start of a new school year can bring a mixture of excitement, anticipation and nerves. For some children, it can feel like a fresh start and something to look forward to. For others, the return to school, or starting a new setting altogether, can feel overwhelming. Whether your child is starting school for the very first time, moving to a new school, beginning secondary school or simply returning after the summer holidays, transitions can bring big emotions. From a wellbe

Have you ever noticed that sometimes you can handle whatever life throws at you, while at other times even a small inconvenience feels completely overwhelming? Perhaps you become anxious, irritable or panicked. Or maybe you find yourself shutting down, feeling numb or wanting to withdraw from everyone. It can be easy to judge ourselves when this happens. Why can't I cope? Why am I so emotional? Why can't I just get on with things? But what if it's not about failing to cope? I

GCSE Results Day can be a big moment in a young person's life. For some young people, today might be filled with excitement, relief and celebration. For others, it may bring disappointment, anxiety or uncertainty about what happens next. And for many, it may be a mixture of several emotions at once. As a parent or carer, it can be difficult to know exactly what to say or do — particularly if your young person hasn't received the results they were hoping for. The most importan

Life’s journey often brings moments when we need a gentle hand to hold, a listening ear, or a safe space to untangle our thoughts. Finding affordable counselling can feel like searching for a rare flower in a vast garden. Yet, in Epsom, there are nurturing spaces where support is both accessible and kind to your pocket. Let me walk you through how to find these low-cost counselling options, so you can take that brave step towards healing and growth. Understanding Affordable C

In the gentle heart of Kingston upon Thames, a place of calm and healing awaits you. The Wellbeing Therapy Hut offers a sanctuary where you can explore your feelings, find support, and nurture your mental health. Life’s challenges can sometimes feel overwhelming, but here, you are invited to take a step towards peace and understanding. Together, we can walk the path to wellbeing, one thoughtful conversation at a time. Discovering Therapy Services in Kingston upon Thames Thera

Summer is often painted as the happiest season of the year. Social media is filled with beach days, family adventures, garden parties, holidays abroad and smiling faces enjoying the sunshine. It can feel as though everyone else is making magical memories while you're simply trying to get through the week. But the truth is, summer isn't carefree for everyone. For many people, it can be one of the most overwhelming times of the year. Whether you're juggling childcare, feeling t

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. For many people, it's not the idea of talking that's daunting – it's the uncertainty. What will happen? What will I be asked? What if I don't know what to say? These are all completely normal questions, and if you've been wondering what to expect, you're certainly not alone. The good news is that your first therapy session isn't about having all the answers or sharing your deepest thoughts straight away. It's simply the beginning of

When a child struggles with emotional or behavioural challenges, it can feel like a delicate dance to find the right support. I have witnessed how gentle guidance and thoughtful approaches can open doors to healing and growth. In Epsom, child therapy experts offer a sanctuary where young minds are nurtured with warmth and understanding. Together, we explore the pathways that lead to resilience, confidence, and joy. Understanding the Heart of Child Therapy Experts Epsom Child