Brave journeys

26/05/2026

Absolutely delighted to announce that after nearly six years of study, growth, and many many hours of practice, I am now a fully qualified hypnotherapist.

Introducing…
Graham Wilson Dip Hyp at your service.

At Brave Journeys I’ve always believed that healing and change happen when people feel safe, heard, and understood. Hypnotherapy is another powerful tool that can help people quiet the noise, break old patterns, build confidence, and reconnect with the version of themselves they want to be.

For some people, being brave is walking through the counselling room door for the first time. For others, it’s finally believing change is possible. I’m honoured to now be able to officially support those journeys in even more ways.

This has been nearly six years of learning, practising, doubting myself at times, pushing through, and growing both professionally and personally. All while doing my counselling diploma, running a theatre school raising a family and opening and developing Thrive Ellon.
I’m really proud to finally say… I did it.

Thank you to every client, friend, family member, and supporter who has encouraged me along the way.

The brave journey continues 💙

24/05/2026

Square Pegs, Round Holes & Finding a Routine That Fits...

It has been nearly three months since I began counselling at Brave Journeys, and I am gradually settling into a new rhythm — balancing my own routine with my family’s and, of course, my clients.
One thought that keeps returning is how different everyone’s routine truly is. While it may seem obvious, it can often be overlooked. Whose routine takes priority? What fits around when? And where can flexibility be found? How will it all fit?

I would describe myself as an adapter — whether through choice or circumstance, I’m not always sure! I can appreciate change and uncertainty, although there are also times when it feels overwhelming — particularly when I’m tired, busy, or managing competing demands.
I wonder how this feels for you?

In my work I value the diversity of clients and experiences I have the privilege to support. As a result of this I see the value in different routines and where compromises are made. The space we offer and the counselling support gives you a chance to look at your routines and find a way through.

However, I am very aware that from the client perspective, taking the first step into counselling can feel challenging. Long waiting lists, difficulty accessing appointments, and balancing work and family commitments can make seeking support feel too challenging.

Brave Journeys, provides a consistent, and welcoming space — somewhere you can pause, reflect, and feel truly heard.
With this in mind, we offer:
✨ Evening appointments
✨ Flexible session options
We believe counselling should work alongside your life, not add further pressure.

If you have been considering counselling but are unsure how it might fit into your routine, please feel free to get in touch. Sessions can be arranged to fit different timescales.
You could book a 15-minute introductory appointment — a relaxed, conversation where you can learn more about the service and share what has brought you to seek support.

If you’re ready, or simply curious, take a step and see whether we might be the right fit for you and your routines. Graham are and I both here to help.

Angela🌻

https://bravejourneys.co.uk/

https://brave-journeys.selectandbook.com/all

21/05/2026

Just finished watching Episode 4 of "Ted Lasso" as I embark on a binge watch for the third time before the new series, and I’m reminded of why this show is so special. The heartbreak of Ted letting his wife go and saying goodbye to his son is horrendous.

"Ted Lasso" isn't about the football; it’s an exploration of life, love, and the challenges we all face. It fills me with moments of reflection and inspires me to embrace and always look for moments of kindness and resilience.

If you haven't watched it yet, I highly recommend giving it a chance. You won't regret it! 🙌✨

19/05/2026

BPD is one of the most misunderstood mental health struggles I see.

People living with Borderline Personality Disorder often feel emotions deeply and intensely. Relationships can feel overwhelming.
Fear of abandonment can be huge.
One minute someone can feel connected and hopeful, the next they can feel rejected, panicked or completely alone.

Underneath the anger, the pushing people away, the mood swings or impulsive behaviours, there is usually someone carrying enormous emotional pain.

Many clients with BPD have spent years feeling “too much”, misunderstood, judged or dismissed.

Some have experienced trauma, unstable relationships or environments where they never felt emotionally safe. They often become experts at hiding how hard they are fighting inside.

Living with BPD can affect every part of life. Relationships. Parenting. Friendships. Work. Self worth. It can leave people exhausted from constantly battling their own thoughts and emotions.

But here’s what I want people to know…

People with BPD are not manipulative. They are not attention seeking. They are human beings trying to survive emotional pain that can feel unbearable at times.

With the right support, understanding and safe relationships, things can improve. Healing is possible. Learning emotional regulation, building self compassion and understanding the “why” behind reactions can make a huge difference.

If this resonates with you, or someone you love, you are not alone.

At Brave Journeys, I offer a safe, down to earth space without judgement. No waiting lists. No labels defining you. Just support, understanding and someone willing to walk alongside you.

And if finances are difficult, support may also be available through the Brave Journeys Access for All Fund.

Graham🧡
Book now: https://bravejourneys.selectandbook.com/

www.bravejourneys.co.uk

Support for anxious children, overwhelmed teens, struggling parents and adults. I’m based in Ellon, Aberdeenshire, offering in-person and online support t

18/05/2026

Huge well done to the penultimate session of Brave Little Hearts tonight. 💛

Tonight we explored something really important… finding our voices and being brave enough to let ourselves be heard. For some of these children, that has been a massive step.

It’s been such a privilege to watch them grow in confidence over these weeks. Seeing quieter voices become stronger, seeing friendships form, seeing children realise that their thoughts and feelings matter… that’s what Brave Little Hearts is all about.

I honestly can’t believe we’re nearly at the end of this journey together.

Next week is our final chapter of Bella Brave and I already know it’s going to be a special one. I’m so proud of every single child who has walked through the door and given this their all.

See you next week, brave hearts. 🌟

Brave journeys The Club Hoose fans

14/05/2026

Today I received an incredibly generous donation of over £200 towards the Access for All Fund from a client who wishes to remain anonymous. Their kindness will pay forward 5 therapy sessions for someone who may otherwise not be able to access support.

I wanted to publicly say thank you. This is such a thoughtful and compassionate thing to do, and I feel so grateful for the trust and generosity shown by those who support this fund.

Since starting the Access for All Fund, around 20 clients have been able to benefit from reduced-cost or funded therapy sessions. Support like this can make a real difference to someone’s ability to manage their mental health and access help when they need it most.

I’m also very grateful to the companies and individuals who continue to support this work behind the scenes.
If anyone would like to contribute to the fund or find out more, please feel free to get in touch. Every contribution helps make therapy more accessible to those who need it.

12/05/2026

To the people who wake up every day and quietly fight suicidal thoughts…

I see you….

I know how exhausting it can be trying to keep going when your mind is telling you otherwise. I know what it feels like to smile on the outside while battling something heavy underneath. And I also know how much strength it takes just to stay.

As someone who has fought those battles myself, I know first hand how dark things can feel. I also know how lucky I am to still be here, helping others find their way through thier storm.

If you are struggling right now, please know this — you do not have to carry it alone.

At Brave Journeys we offer a safe, calm, non judgemental space to talk. No waiting lists. No pressure. No judgement. Just space to breathe, talk and be heard.

You matter more than your mind is telling you.

Book now or reach out when you are ready

https://brave-journeys.selectandbook.com/

10/05/2026

Just a little reminder that I do have some counselling appointments available this week for children, young people, adults and parents.

Life can feel heavy sometimes. Anxiety, overwhelm, low mood, stress at home, school struggles, relationship difficulties, grief, self esteem issues… whatever is going on, you do not have to carry it alone.

I offer a warm, down to earth space where you can talk openly without judgement and feel heard. Sessions are available in person here in Ellon or online.

I also know that finances can sometimes be a barrier to getting support, which is exactly why I created the Access for All Fund to help make counselling more accessible for those who need it.

If you’ve been thinking about reaching out, this could be your sign to take that first brave step.

Message me directly or visit Bravejourneys.co.uk to book or ask any questions.

09/05/2026

One of the saddest things I hear from children, teenagers and even adults is:

“I don’t care.”

Because most of the time… they really do.

Sometimes “I don’t care” is protection.
It’s armour.
It’s safer than admitting:
“I’m hurt.”
“I’m embarrassed.”
“I feel left out.”
“I’m struggling.”
“I’m scared you’ll not understand.”

And here in the North East of Scotland especially, we’re often brought up to just get on with things.

“How are you?”
“Aye, fine.”

Even when we’re absolutely not fine.

We learn early on to minimise things, brush things off, stay strong and not make a fuss. A lot of young people are growing up believing they should cope quietly, keep their feelings to themselves or laugh things away and get on with it!

But feelings don’t disappear just because we hide them. They usually come out somewhere else and in other ways, like anger, shutting down, anxiety, school refusal, tears, numbness, panic, withdrawal and acting like nothing bothers them.

Sometimes the child saying “I don’t care” is actually the child who cares the deepest.

I offer warm, down to earth counselling sessions for children, young people, adults and families, both in person and online.

And through the Access for All Fund, support may also be available for families struggling financially.

Just give me a shout

Graham 🧡
Brave Journeys 

07/05/2026

At Brave Journeys, I offer a warm, compassionate space for children, young people, adults and families to feel heard, supported and understood.
When support through CAMHS can take months, you don’t have to wait to begin your journey. Appointments are available now for therapy that is gentle, professional and tailored to your needs.
Because every child, every family, and every story deserves care at the right time.

https://brave-journeys.selectandbook.com
Graham💛
Brave Journeys

05/05/2026

****Trigger Alert****

Last nights post has brought about a lot of conversation offline with a few people and I felt I needed to be a bit more curious of my own experiences as someone who has self harmed and my experience as a parent/carer and supporter of children who have self harmed.

There’s a kind of fear that comes with this that’s hard to put into words. It’s not just worry, it’s that deep, gut-level panic… the “what ifs” that creep in when you’re trying to sleep, the constant checking, or trying to check and the second guessing everything. It can feel like the ground has shifted under your feet and you’re trying to find something solid again.

For many parents, there’s also this sense of grief. Not because anything is lost, but because things aren’t as simple or as safe as you thought they were or could/should be. And alongside that comes guilt, even when there’s no real reason for it. Your mind tries to join dots that don’t actually connect.

And for children and young people, it’s just as scary in a different way. Admitting what’s going on can feel overwhelming. There can be shame, confusion, even fear about how others will react, what it might mean about them and how they will be seen or treated.

For me, my reason for self harming was because physical pain was easier than emotional pain…. There was a reason for my pain, and something I could connect with instead of it being in my head. At times I felt it was like punishment for being such an awful person and believing my self worth to be so low it was non existent. This is my experience and everyone is different.

Sometimes young people don’t have the words, so it comes out in behaviours instead. Anger, moodiness, withdrawn, over criticism, change of the clothes they are wearing, locked doors, shorter fuses, and generally just becoming harder to read….
These are also normal age and stage behaviours so don’t think just because this is happening they are self harming.

So what often happens is both sides are scared… but in silence. Parents trying not to make it worse. Young people trying not to worry their parents. And that gap in the middle can feel huge.

Gently and tenderly opening that space, little by little, is where things start to shift. Not big, heavy conversations all at once. Just small moments of honesty, even though it feels vulnerable, of being alongside each other in it.

It’s scary, yes. But it’s also the beginning of understanding. And that’s where things can start to change.

Again if needed I am here.
I have 15 min free consultations available just visit here and book.

https://brave-journeys.selectandbook.com/

Graham 🧡
Brave Journeys