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Finding Yourself Again

Somewhere between growing up, meeting expectations, changing jobs, becoming a partner, a parent, or simply trying to get through each day, it's easy to lose sight of who we really are. The things that once made us feel alive can quietly slip away. We become so busy taking care of everyone else that we forget to check in with ourselves. The good news? You are not lost forever. Finding yourself again doesn't have to mean making huge life changes. It can start with small moments, revisiting an old hobby, spending time in nature, saying "no" without guilt, or asking yourself, "What brings me joy?" Give yourself permission to grow into a new version of yourself while holding onto the parts that have always mattered. You don't need to become someone new—you simply need to reconnect with the person you've always been. Be patient with yourself. Home isn't always a place. Sometimes, it's finding your way back to you. 💛

The Power of Play in Counselling: More Than Just Fun and Games

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When we think about play, words like imaginative, joyful, creative, social, expressive, and fun often come to mind. For children, however, play is far more than entertainment. It is their natural language, their way of understanding the world, building relationships, expressing emotions, and communicating experiences that they may not yet have the words to explain. In counselling, play is not a distraction from the therapeutic process. It is the therapeutic process. Why Play Matters Play is recognised as a fundamental right for every child. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child highlights a child's right to rest, leisure, play, and recreational activities appropriate to their age. Play supports every area of development: Emotional wellbeing Social skills Communication Problem-solving Creativity Physical development Resilience and coping skills Research also tells us that the first 1001 days of a child's life are a crucial period for ...

Online Counselling: Therapy in Your Pocket

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  Have you ever wished you could attend an appointment without battling traffic, finding a parking space, or wondering if you remembered to brush your hair? If so, online counselling might be exactly what you're looking for. As a counsellor, one of the questions I hear most often is: "Does online counselling really work?" The short answer is yes. The slightly longer answer is yes, and it offers some unique benefits that many people find surprisingly helpful. Let's explore what online counselling is, who it can help, and why more people of all ages are choosing to connect with a counsellor from the comfort of their own space. What Is Online Counselling? Online counselling is simply counselling that takes place through a secure video platform, phone call, or sometimes even messaging services. Instead of sitting together in a counselling room, we meet virtually. Think of it as bringing the counselling room to you. Whether you're at your kitchen table, in your home of...

Dinosaur Therapy

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Sometimes support is needed in the form of tiny dinosaurs with big feelings.

New Year, Improved Me: Setting SMART Goals

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New year, improved me" is about using the fresh start of January to set goals for personal growth, focusing on small, specific and kind changes. Some of these may be exercising more, learning a new skill, decluttering, or improving health, rather than overwhelming resolutions, to foster lasting positive changes in your career, well-being, and relationships. Key is to plan realistically, reflect on the past year's lessons, and treat improvement as an ongoing journey, not just a one-time event.   Common Areas for Improvement Health & Wellness:  Exercise (e.g., 15 mins daily), healthier eating, getting closer to nature, improving sleep. Career & Skills:  Update resume/LinkedIn, network, learn a new skill (coding, design), take a course, find a mentor. Mindset & Habits:  Practice gratitude, declutter, try new experiences, be kind to yourself and others, plan enjoyable activities. Relationships:  Spend quality time with loved ones, give back t...

Commonly Asked Questions for a First Therapy Appointment

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  Let’s take the mystery out of your first session Starting therapy can feel a bit like walking into a movie halfway through. You’re not sure what’s going on, who the main characters are, or whether snacks are allowed. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a rundown of questions people often ask before or during their first therapy appointment. If you’ve been wondering any of these, you’re in good company. 💬 1. “What should I talk about?” Anything you want! Some people come in with a list, others just say, “I don’t know where to start.” Both are totally okay. 🛋️ 2. “Do I have to lie down on a couch?” Nope! Unless you want to. Most therapy sessions happen sitting upright in a comfy chair. The couch thing is more of a Hollywood myth than a requirement. 🕒 3. “How long is a session?” Typically, sessions last around 50 minutes. Just enough time to unpack a few thoughts, but not so long that you forget where you parked. 🧠 4. “Will you tell me what to do?” No. I'll help you e...

10 Self-Care Apps

Has Instagram or TikTok told you to take a break from scrolling? Maybe you have changed the setting so you dont get these notifications. Phone's and their apps, play a big part in our society and lets face it, the're addictive. Studies continue to be carried out to find a link between social media and mental health. In 2020 Muacevic and Adler  found a correlation between 'social media envy' with anxiety and depression.  With the 2.7 million apps available on Google Play Store it got me thinking, how many can be benifical to our mental health and well-being? Maybe our phones could help with our self-care? Well, I did the research so you dont have to. Here are 10 of the best apps I could find to promote self-care, and the best part is, they're all free! Happify Headspace MyOasis Recolour Paper throw grand mountain adventure personal zen i love hue virtual cottage blue two dots wordscapes Penguine Ise

BACP

BACP