Hiskins Arts Therapy & Counselling

12/03/2026

World Sleep Day 🌙
Sleep supports both the body and mind.

Small things we do throughout the day
can make a big difference to how we rest at night.

Which of these helps you most?






RestAndRestore
Wellbeing

10/03/2026

Ever felt like a deer in the headlights?

You freeze.
Your mind goes blank.
Your body feels alert and tense.

It is a simple analogy.
Of course the human mind and body are far more complex.

But sometimes breaking things down like this can help us understand what is happening inside.

Your nervous system is always reading the world and asking:

• Am I safe?
• Do I need to protect myself?

When the system senses threat, it may move into:

• Fight – pushing back or reacting
• Flight – wanting to escape
• Freeze – feeling stuck or shut down
• Fawn – trying to please or keep the peace

Like a deer caught in headlights, the system becomes alert and still while it decides what to do.

Awareness is key.

When we notice our nervous system responses, we can begin to gently support them.

We can ask ourselves:

• What is my nervous system telling me right now?
• What might help me feel a little safer in this moment?
• What calm self am I cultivating inside?

Small steps matter.

• slow breathing
• grounding through the senses
• gentle movement
• creative expression

These small moments help the nervous system learn that safety can return.

🌿 Go gently with yourself today.






CreativeHealing
Hypnotherapy
EmotionalWellbeing
SelfAwareness
GoGently

26/01/2026

https://youtu.be/23nWlT6xu4w?si=-fOO4508fU2Eifuh

A short, gentle hypno-style reflection to help you reconnect with your body’s natural ability to settle and keep going.Please do not listen while driving or ...

15/01/2026

“As a man imagined himself to be, shall he be, and he is that which he images.”

The images we hold about ourselves are often shaped by experience, not choice.
In therapy, we explore these inner stories with care — gently noticing what may be ready to soften, shift, or be held with more compassion.

26/11/2025

It’s safe to say the thinking that served you five years ago might be outdated baggage today.
(Inspired by Daniel Priestley)

We grow.
Life shifts.
The world changes around us.

• The choices you made then were based on who you were and what you knew.
• The tools, advice, and influences that shaped you at the time may no longer fit.
• And that’s not a failure, it’s a sign of movement and maturity.

Outdated thinking isn’t something to cling to.
It’s something to thank, release, and move beyond.

You’re allowed to update your mind.
You’re allowed to choose differently now.
You’re allowed to step into ideas that match who you’ve become.

Ps. I took a break from social media.
I’ll be slowly resurfacing. Go gently.

25/02/2025

Get Some Distance with Distance Self-Talk

Sitting with something uncomfortable? Feeling the ick? Instead of slipping into self-criticism, try creating a little space between you and your thoughts.

Rather than: “I can’t believe I messed this up.”
Try: “Rachel, this is tough, but you’re figuring it out. You’ve handled challenges before, and you’ll get through this too.”

This is called distance self-talk—a simple way to gain perspective, quiet the inner chatter, and be kinder to yourself.

Next time you’re stuck in self-doubt, step back and talk to yourself like a friend.

12/02/2025

Boundaries Are an Artform.

Boundaries are like constellations—each connection shapes the way we move through relationships. They’re also like a garden fence—you decide what comes in, what stays out, and what needs tending. Without them, your space can become overgrown with others’ expectations, leaving little room for your own needs.

Ask yourself: What’s an important boundary I want to set with someone in my life? Why haven’t I set it already?

Healthy boundaries aren’t walls to keep people out; they’re guideposts for how you wish to be treated. Your needs are valid. Your voice matters. What boundary will you create today?

05/02/2025

Navigating Stress in a World That’s Always Changing

The world is constantly shifting—yet so often, we struggle because we try to hold it still. Harvard psychologist Dr. Ellen Langer reminds us that flexibility is the key to resilience. The more we embrace change rather than resist it, the less stress takes hold.

✨ Pause & Breathe – Before reacting, take a breath. A moment of stillness helps shift your perspective.

✨ Stay Flexible, Not Fixed – When things don’t go as planned, ask: What else is possible? Remind yourself: This is just an inconvenience, not a catastrophe. Adaptability creates freedom.

✨ Create, Don’t Just Consume – Art, music, journaling—expressing yourself transforms stress into something tangible and meaningful.

✨ Set Boundaries, Not Walls – Protect your peace without shutting out growth. Boundaries should support flexibility, not rigidity.

✨ Find Joy in the Unexpected – A detour might lead to something beautiful. Stay open to new experiences and possibilities.

The world will always change, but you have the power to move with it, not against it. What helps you stay flexible in challenging times?

15/01/2025

I got these amazing cool cards. Today’s reflection question: What Have You Outgrown? What Are You Growing Into?

Growth isn’t always loud; sometimes, it’s a quiet shedding of the old.
A habit, a belief, a role you played for too long.
It’s the moment you realise you’re no longer fitting into spaces that once felt like home.

Ask yourself:

• What have I outgrown? (A fear? A story about who I am?)
• What am I growing into? (Courage? A new chapter? A truer version of myself?)

Growth is messy, tender, and beautiful all at once.
Today, honour both what you’ve released and the person you’re becoming.

Pause. Reflect. Grow.
What’s shifting in you?

14/01/2025

Cognitive distortions can act like little trick mirrors, making situations seem more negative or personal than they really are. By pausing to name your feelings instead of making assumptions, you’re giving yourself the chance to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.

This shift not only eases your own emotional state but also fosters healthier communication. Asking open-ended questions, like, “I noticed you’ve been quiet—how are you feeling?” creates space for understanding and connection.

Let’s rewrite our internal narratives with compassion and curiosity!

10/12/2024

Symbolic Expression in Creative Couples Therapy.

Sometimes, words aren’t enough to capture the depth of our emotions and experiences. Art provides a non-verbal way for couples to explore and express their relationship.

Try This Exercise:
Each partner creates a “relationship landscape” using colours, shapes, and symbols. What does your relationship look like? 🌊 A stormy sea? 🌳 A blossoming tree? These visuals open the door to deeper understanding and meaningful conversations about your shared journey.
Let your creativity bridge the gaps.

27/11/2024

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Creative and Experiential Therapies Belong in the NDIS