Lorna Knott Counselling and Psychotherapy

02/10/2025

Ernest Hemingway once said: In our darkest moments, we don’t need solutions or advice. What we yearn for is simply human connection—a quiet presence, a gentle touch. These small gestures are the anchors that hold us steady when life feels like too much.
Please don’t try to fix me. Don’t take on my pain or push away my shadows. Just sit beside me as I work through my own inner storms. Be the steady hand I can reach for as I find my way.
My pain is mine to carry, my battles mine to face. But your presence reminds me I’m not alone in this vast, sometimes frightening world. It’s a quiet reminder that I am worthy of love, even when I feel broken.
So, in those dark hours when I lose my way, will you just be here? Not as a rescuer, but as a companion. Hold my hand until the dawn arrives, helping me remember my strength.
Your silent support is the most precious gift you can give. It’s a love that helps me remember who I am, even when I forget.

17/09/2025

She sat at the back and they said she was shy
She led from the front and they hated her pride
They asked her advice and then questioned her guidance
They branded her loud then were shocked by her silence

When she shared no ambition, they said it was sad
So she told them her dreams and they said she was mad
They told her they'd listen then covered their ears
And gave her a hug whilst they laughed at her fears

And she listened to all of it, thinking she should
Be the girl they told her to be, best as she could
But one day she asked what was best for herself
Instead of trying to please everyone else

So she walked to the forest and stood with the trees
She heard the wind whisper and dance with the leaves
And she spoke to the willow, the elm and the pine
And she told them what she'd been told, time after time

She told them she felt she was never enough
She was either too little or far, far too much
Too loud or too quiet, too fierce or too weak
Too wise or too foolish, too bold or too meek

Then she found a small clearing, surrounded by firs
And she stopped and she heard what the trees said to her
And she sat there for hours not wanting to leave
For the forest said nothing, it just let her

breathe

******

Becky Hemsley 2021
It's 4 years since I first shared this as a spoken word reading on TikTok to my 37 followers at the time. What a four years it has been!

This poem is in the collection 'Talking to the Wild'
https://a.co/d/hILggul

Artwork by the amazing Siski Kalla from the children's book of this poem.
https://siskikallaillustration.com/

15/09/2025

We're excited to introduce our latest training course: Grief and Neurodiversity - an insightful exploration of how grief is experienced and expressed through a neurodiverse lens.
🩵 Individual places (online): Choose from one of three upcoming dates this Autumn/Winter (5 November, 5 December or 19 February) - https://www.crusescotland.org.uk/training/training-calendar/
🩵Bring this course directly to your team: We offer flexible delivery options, online or in-person, at a time that works best for your organisation - https://www.crusescotland.org.uk/training/bereavement-training-for-workplaces/

15/09/2025

It’s never too late…..

21/08/2025

It’s easy to forget that life isn’t linear, we have bursts where it feels we are unstoppable and then sometimes a little wave of wobble.

And that’s okay, the moon does it every single month and at every single stage it’s still beautiful.

Don’t forget to be gentle with yourself 🌕🌙🌝

19/08/2025

love came first…

My love to all who are grieving. ❤️

(A beautifully illustrated version of this is in my next book ‘Joy chose you’ )

13/08/2025

When people ask me if I enjoy my job and how hard it must be to listen to others in pain, especially bereavement, I’m not always sure how to answer. I feels odd to say I love it, but it’s not about loving it, liking it……it actually is an honour to sit beside another person in the dark. Just to be present for them, hear them and not be an expert on anything as we are all unique, sometimes I don’t know either. But I’ll be there, steady and supportive and present .

“The best medicine you can bring for sadness is not joy. it is not telling them that they need to move on or get over it or realize how much worse things could be. no. the medicine for a spirit in mourning is tenderness. and warmth. and compassion. and connection. and presence. sit with someone in their grief and let them cry their ugly tears. do not shine and scurry grief away. they must walk through it. this is love. to abandon all that we think we know and be so full of grace that we are invited in to partake in someone else's darkest moments. what an honour it is to simply be a light. the antidote for sadness is love. it is always love.”
- "the antidote" by Ullie Kaye
Poetry
~ Art 'Mending the Broken Heart' by
Claudia Olivos
www.stephysplace.org

12/08/2025

I wish the world was kinder.
A little softer on those who are healing, grieving, waiting,
or just starting to understand how lonely the road can be.
May we greet one another with the same kind of light that we ourselves are searching for.
Just because we look strong doesn't mean we feel strong -
we just carry the heavy things well.

~ 'Kinder' by: Ullie-Kaye

~ Art 'A Moon to Call Their Own' by: Sam Toft

12/08/2025

07/08/2025

My friends and colleagues have started a new counselling hub. I’m often asked if I know of any male counsellors that would appeal to men of all ages. Couldn’t recommend these guys more highly and the lovely Zoe of course too. Something for everyone at this wonderful service in Aberdeen.

07/08/2025

My friend and colleague, check out her counselling service

Why do people come to therapy?

Well, there are a multitude of reasons! You could need support while navigating a particularly challenging time in life. You could be struggling with a bereavement, anxiety or stress and need a safe environment to talk it through while you process. Maybe you feel unheard or lonely, and need someone to listen and understand you.

In the therapeutic space, you can truly be your most honest self, without fear of judgement, criticism or rejection.

The reasons for seeking therapy are personal and individual, and at Hillside Counselling you can expect to be met with warmth, kindness and empathy. Whatever has brought you here, I'll walk beside you.