Terry Burridge Counselling

30/03/2025

Rethinking Motherhood: More Than Just an Ideal
As it's Mother’s Day, I started thinking about what "mother" truly means. I expected its origins to be tied to nurturing or caregiving, but surprisingly, the roots are uncertain. Parenthood, after all, is as unique as the individuals who experience it.
Rather than the idealized quotes we often see, I find comfort in Donald Winnicott’s idea of the "good enough mother"—one who nurtures but also allows her child to grow independently. No two experiences of being mothered (or being a mother) are the same, and that’s okay.
This Mother’s Day, maybe the best gift is giving yourself space to reflect on what motherhood means to you. ❤️

With Mother’s Day approaching, it’s worth reflecting on what "mother" truly means. While often linked to nurturing, the word itself has uncertain origins—much like the varied experiences of motherhood.

16/02/2025

Valentine’s Day: A Tough Day for Some 💕
Valentine’s Day isn’t just about overpriced roses and candlelit dinners—it can also be a tough reminder for those still searching for love. If you find yourself repeating unhealthy relationship patterns or feeling like love is always just out of reach, it might be time to look inward.
Counselling offers a space to explore your self-worth, past experiences, and the expectations that shape your relationships. Too often, people—especially women—end up in relationships that mirror their past hurts, mistaking the familiar for the safe. Others keep chasing the “perfect” partner, never allowing themselves to settle into something real and lasting.
The truth? There’s no such thing as perfect love—just good enough love, shared between two good enough people. And that’s where the real magic happens.
So if today feels heavy, be kind to yourself. The best relationship you’ll ever have starts with you. ❤️

Struggling with love on Valentine’s Day? This blog explores how self-worth shapes our relationships and why some people find themselves in toxic patterns. Whether you're searching for love or stuck in a cycle of disappointment, counselling can help you break free and build a “good enough” rela...

12/02/2025

Counselling is more than just talking—it's about truly being there for someone. Whether through deep listening, making connections to past experiences, or holding space in silence, therapy provides a place to feel seen and heard.

In a world full of noise, having the space to just be can be incredibly healing.

Counselling is more than just talking—it’s about truly being there for someone. Whether through deep listening, making connections to past experiences, or simply holding space in silence, therapy offers a place to be heard and understood. In a world filled with noise, the chance to just "be" can...

02/02/2025

Embracing Your Shadow: The Power of Self-Discovery 🌟

We all have a hidden side—the part of us that feels anger, resentment, or even hate. It’s called the shadow, and whether we like it or not, it influences our thoughts and actions. Ever lost your temper in traffic? Felt unfairly treated and wanted revenge, even for a split second? That’s your shadow at work.

Counselling helps us acknowledge and integrate this side of ourselves, allowing us to live more fully and make better choices. Understanding our darkness doesn’t make us bad—it makes us whole. 💡

Read more in my latest blog: http://www.aylesburycounsellor.co.uk/light_and_shadow

Counselling helps us integrate our shadow side—the hidden, unconscious parts of ourselves that hold repressed thoughts, feelings, and impulses. By acknowledging and understanding our darkness, we gain the power to make informed choices, navigate emotions like anger and resentment, and live more fu...

05/01/2025

We are at that time of year when we look forward and also look back. We fit our past year into the narrative we have already told ourselves about our lives. Was 2024 a “good” year? A “bad” one? What lens do we use when making these judgements? We will undoubtedly use a lens made over time and polished by generational narratives and values....

We are at that time of year when we look forward and also look back. We fit our past year into the narrative we have already told ourselves about our lives. Was 2024 a “good” year? A “bad” one? Wha…

29/10/2024

Wise policy!

Despite our best efforts, our dreams don't always come true: a relationship falls apart; career hopes fizzle; poor health limits our potential. Setbacks can overwhelm us but there are ways to find happiness again.

13/10/2024

The problem with being psychoanalytically trained is that being ill gets so complicated! I can't just have a cold without spending time trying to "understand" it! Is this cold a psychosomatic response to my clinical work? Or a response to something in my marriage? Do I go to my GP or my therapist? Life was so much simpler when I was six!!

08/10/2024

🌍 It’s World Mental Health Day – a time to reflect on the importance of mental well-being and the struggles many of us face, often silently. From everyday stress to deeper emotional crises, mental health affects us all in different ways.

In my latest blog, I dive into these complexities and share the story of "Pat," who turned to unhealthy habits to cope with emotional distress. His journey highlights the importance of seeking help and the courage it takes to start therapy.

Mental health challenges are tough, but reaching out is a sign of strength. 💚 Read more to learn why addressing our mental health is a vital step toward healing and growth.

This World Mental Health Day, explore the complexities of emotional well-being, from everyday stress to deeper crises, and why seeking help is a courageous step toward healing.