The Therapy Rooms. Counselling, Supervision & Training.

The Therapy Rooms. Counselling, Supervision & Training. A wise man once said ‘People really do matter’. At The Therapy Rooms we hope we can help people with life challenges.

We offer in person and online sessions to all age groups. For an intial free consultation please contact Michelle Laverty on 07961218256

As I spring clean my house, it’s got me thinking about how we might also refresh, renew, and reset within ourselves. Afr...
10/04/2026

As I spring clean my house, it’s got me thinking about how we might also refresh, renew, and reset within ourselves. Afresh start. A new beginning. A chance to gently reconstruct what no longer feels right… to reset, restart, and refocus.

We clear out cupboards and make space in our homes, ( & I’m finding it therapeutic ) yet often carry things internally that feel just as cluttered — old worries, habits, or ways of coping that don’t quite fit anymore.

Maybe we don’t need to push harder… just pause and begin again. It’s a process. Take your time and make small, intentional changes.

💛A breath before reacting
🩵 Letting go of what’s weighing you down
💛 Choosing a kinder way to respond to yourself

You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just a willingness to start where you are.

💛 Here’s a line from one of my favourite childhood books that often gave me the motivation when I needed a reset.

‘Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?’
— L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Change …🩵Sometimes we know something needs to change… and that can feel really hard. Old habits can be hard to break.💛Th...
10/04/2026

Change …

🩵Sometimes we know something needs to change… and that can feel really hard. Old habits can be hard to break.💛

There can be a quiet awareness — a sense that something isn’t quite working anymore — and yet, part of us still holds on. Not because we’re weak, but because those habits once helped us cope, feel safe, or get through.

And when we do begin making changes, we can feel like a fish out of water — unfamiliar, uncomfortable, and a little unsteady.
Sometimes it’s not about “breaking” habits… it’s about gently softening and adapting them. You don’t have to rush it or force yourself forward.

You can begin where you are, with kindness:
🩵This made sense once.
💛 It’s okay that this feels difficult.
🩵 What might I need now?

Change doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. It can be slow, thoughtful, and compassionate. It can look like small shifts, new awareness, or choosing something just a little different.

🩵You’re not stuck — you’re in the process of adapting. And that takes courage, especially on the days it feels unfamiliar.💛

It seems a good time to share again the words that inspire the ethos The Therapy Rooms. A wise man once said ‘People rea...
08/04/2026

It seems a good time to share again the words that inspire the ethos The Therapy Rooms. A wise man once said ‘People really do matter’. Mr J McBride O.B.E. 1988

People really do matter… not for what they have or achieve, or how well they cope. Not even for how productive or positive they appear.
People matter simply because they are.

When the world seems to value doing, looking good, and coping well, we can begin to feel that we only matter when everything is fine. We want you to know, that to us, you matter when you’re struggling, when you’re tired, uncertain, grieving, or stuck. You matter when you don’t have the words, the answers, or the strength you wish you had.

At the heart of our work is this belief: every person deserves to be seen, heard, and met with compassion—exactly as they are, not as they think they should be.

If today feels heavy, please remember: you matter.

🩵Sometimes we think joy has to be something big…A holiday. A milestone. A perfect moment.But often, joy is much quieter ...
31/03/2026

🩵Sometimes we think joy has to be something big…A holiday. A milestone. A perfect moment.
But often, joy is much quieter than that.

💛It’s in the first sip of coffee before the house wakes up.
A message from someone who thought of you.
A walk where your mind finally slows down.
A deep breath where nothing is being asked of you.

🩵When life feels heavy, it can be hard to even notice these moments—never mind feel them. That doesn’t mean they’re not there.

💛Finding pleasure again isn’t about forcing happiness.It’s about gently allowing yourself to notice what feels even slightly good.

🩵Today, you don’t have to find joy everywhere.
Just look for one small moment… and let it matter. 💛

🩵💛Being Busy… ( truly resonates )💛🩵Being busy is often praised.I/We can wear it like a badge of honour…“I’ve been so bus...
27/03/2026

🩵💛Being Busy… ( truly resonates )💛🩵

Being busy is often praised.

I/We can wear it like a badge of honour…
“I’ve been so busy”
“I’ve no time”
“It’s non-stop”

But underneath the busyness, there can be something else:

Fatigue.
Irritation.
Overwhelm.
Stress.
Loss.
Disconnection.
Or a quiet sense that we haven’t paused long enough to check in with ourselves and many other things.

Being busy isn’t the same as being fulfilled.

Sometimes slowing down can feel uncomfortable, because it creates space to notice what we’ve been pushing aside.

As we approach Easter break today, instead of asking:
“What do I need to get done?” Try gently asking:
“What do I need?”

🩵Rest is not something you earn
💛Slowing down is not falling behind
🩵You are allowed to pause.. this is permission

Busyness can be a powerful distraction.It can protect us from uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or uncertainty. But over time, constant busyness can pull us away from ourselves —
from rest, from connection, from awareness.

There’s nothing wrong with being productive.
But there is something important about balance.

Creating even a small moment of stillness can help you reconnect with what really matters.

🩵A few quiet minutes
💛A deeper breath
🩵A gentle check-in with yourself
💛Sit for a moment in the fresh air

And just a reminder that- You don’t have to keep going at full speed to be enough.
As a wise lady said to me Loretta O'Hara learn to rest, not quit. 💛🩵

🩵💛 Some days, “moving forward” feels impossible.💛🩵Not because you don’t care…Not because you’re lazy…But because you’re ...
27/03/2026

🩵💛 Some days, “moving forward” feels impossible.💛🩵

Not because you don’t care…
Not because you’re lazy…
But because you’re exhausted in ways people can’t always see.

When motivation is low, the world can feel heavy. Even the smallest task can feel like too much.

So today, instead of pushing yourself to “do more”…
Try this instead:

🩵Lower the expectations
💛Do one small thing (even getting out of bed counts)
🩵Be kinder to yourself than usual
💛Focus on gentle movement, not big leaps
🩵Instead of asking,
“Why can’t I move forward?”
Try gently asking,
“What do I need right now?

Progress doesn’t always look like productivity.
Sometimes, it looks like showing up… quietly… imperfectly… anyway.

You are still moving forward — even when it doesn’t feel like it.

🩵 Be gentle with yourself 💛

🩵💛What Is Depression?🩵Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a difficult day. It is a mental health conditio...
10/03/2026

🩵💛What Is Depression?

🩵Depression is more than just feeling sad or having a difficult day. It is a mental health condition that can affect how you think, feel, and experience daily life.

💛People experiencing depression may notice:

• A persistent low mood

• Loss of interest in things they once enjoyed

• Low energy or constant tiredness

• Difficulty concentrating

• Changes in sleep or appetite

• Feeling hopeless, numb, or disconnected

🩵Depression can make even small tasks feel overwhelming. It’s important to remember that depression is not a sign of weakness and many people experience it at different points in their lives.

💛Some gentle ways to support yourself when feeling low:

🩵Take small steps

On difficult days, focus on one small achievable thing at a time. Even simple tasks can help build momentum.

💛Move your body

A short walk, stretching, or gentle activity can help boost mood and release tension.

🩵Challenge self-critical thoughts

Depression often brings harsh self-talk. Try to notice these thoughts and ask yourself if you would say the same thing to a friend.

💛Stay connected

Talking to someone you trust can help reduce feelings of isolation.

🩵Prioritise rest and routine

Regular sleep and daily structure can help support emotional balance.

🩵💛Depression can feel heavy, but support can make a real difference. Speaking with a counsellor can provide a safe space to explore what you’re experiencing and find ways forward.

🩵💛If this resonates with you, please remember you are not alone and support is available. 🌿

Free support via links counselling- they are offering up to 10 funded sessions to clients struggling with substance abu...
10/03/2026

Free support via links counselling- they are offering up to 10 funded sessions to clients struggling with substance abuse or in need of relapse prevention.

Family members can also avail of counselling sessions through this service. People can self refer. ( see link below)

This service is offered in Southern and Northern Trusts. Other agencies cover western and eastern trusts. For more information or referral forms visit Links Counselling Service

https://www.linkscounselling.com/

🌙 🩵💛Struggling with Sleep? You’re Not Alone💛🩵🩵Sleep difficulties are incredibly common, especially when life feels busy,...
10/03/2026

🌙 🩵💛Struggling with Sleep? You’re Not Alone💛🩵

🩵Sleep difficulties are incredibly common, especially when life feels busy, stressful, or emotionally overwhelming. When our minds are full, it can be hard for our bodies to fully switch off.

💛You might notice:
• Lying awake with a racing mind
• Waking during the night and struggling to get back to sleep
• Feeling tired but unable to relax
• Worrying more at night

🩵Sleep is closely connected to our emotional wellbeing, so when we’re anxious, stressed, or carrying a lot mentally, our sleep can be affected.

💛Some gentle tips that may help improve sleep:

🌙 Create a wind-down routine
Give your mind and body time to slow down before bed. Reading, stretching, or listening to calming music can help signal that it’s time to rest.

📱 Reduce screen time before sleep
Phones and tablets stimulate the brain and can make it harder to drift off. Try switching them off about an hour before bedtime.

🧠 Write down your thoughts
If your mind feels busy, try writing down worries or things you need to do tomorrow. This can help clear mental space.

☕ Limit caffeine in the evening
Caffeine can stay in the body longer than we realise and may interfere with sleep.

🌬 Slow your breathing
Gentle breathing exercises can help calm the nervous system and prepare your body for rest.

🩵Sometimes sleep problems are linked to stress, anxiety, or unresolved worries. Talking things through with a counsellor can help you understand what might be affecting your sleep and explore ways to support your wellbeing.💛

🩵💛Take care of yourself tonight. Rest is important. 🌿💛🩵

🩵Anxiety can feel exhausting.💛Many people live with:• constant worrying• overthinking• feeling on edge• difficulty relax...
10/03/2026

🩵Anxiety can feel exhausting.

💛Many people live with:
• constant worrying
• overthinking
• feeling on edge
• difficulty relaxing

🩵Anxiety is often your mind trying to keep you safe, but when it becomes overwhelming it can start to affect everyday life.

💛 A few things that may help in the moment:

🌬 Slow breathing
🚶‍♀️ Gentle movement
👀 Grounding exercises
💬 Talking things through

Sometimes anxiety is connected to deeper experiences, patterns, or stress that need space to be explored.

Counselling can provide a safe and supportive place to understand what is happening and find ways forward.

🩵💛If you feel ready to talk, support is available. 💛🩵

🩵💛7 Subtle Signs You Might Be Living With AnxietyAnxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks or obvious worry.Sometim...
10/03/2026

🩵💛7 Subtle Signs You Might Be Living With Anxiety

Anxiety doesn’t always look like panic attacks or obvious worry.
Sometimes it shows up in quieter ways that people don’t immediately recognise.

Here are 7 subtle signs of anxiety many people experience:

1️⃣ 💛Overthinking conversations
You replay things you said hours or even days later wondering “Did I say the wrong thing?”

2️⃣ 🩵Difficulty relaxing
Even when nothing is wrong, your body still feels tense or on edge.

3️⃣ 💛Trouble sleeping
Your mind becomes busiest just as you’re trying to fall asleep.

4️⃣ 🩵Always preparing for the worst
You automatically imagine what could go wrong rather than what might go right.

5️⃣ 💛Feeling responsible for everything
You often feel you must keep everything under control or make sure everyone else is okay.

6️⃣ 🩵Avoiding situations
You might cancel plans, delay decisions, or avoid things that feel overwhelming.

7️⃣ 💛Physical symptoms
Anxiety often lives in the body too — headaches, tight shoulders, stomach discomfort, or fatigue.

🩵💛The important thing to remember is anxiety is very common and very treatable. Many people silently carry these feelings without realising support could help.

Talking things through with someone who understands can make a real difference.

If this resonates with you, know that you are not alone. 💛🩵

💛 Living With Loss 🩵Loss changes us.It can arrive suddenly, or unfold slowly.It may be the loss of a loved one, a relati...
03/03/2026

💛 Living With Loss 🩵

Loss changes us.
It can arrive suddenly, or unfold slowly.
It may be the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a role, a version of yourself, or the future you imagined.

Grief isn’t something we “get over.”
It’s something we learn to carry.

You might notice:
• Waves of sadness that come without warning
• Irritability or numbness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling different from everyone around you
• Questioning your identity or direction

All of this is human.

There is no correct timeline for grief.
There is no “right way” to do it.

💛Some gentle supports during loss:
• Allow the feeling without judging it
• Speak their name or honour what was lost
• Keep simple routines when everything feels uncertain
• Lower expectations of yourself
• Reach out — even if it feels hard

Grief can feel isolating, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Counselling can offer a steady, safe space to speak about what hurts — at your pace, in your own way.

If you are carrying loss right now, be especially gentle with yourself.
You are adjusting to something significant.

🩵If this resonates, you are welcome to reach out.💛

Address

24 Fountain Street
Antrim
BT414BB

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 9pm
Tuesday 9am - 9pm
Wednesday 9am - 9pm
Thursday 9am - 9pm
Friday 9am - 6pm

Telephone

+447961218256

Website

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