Borders & Northumberland Counselling Support

Borders & Northumberland Counselling Support Counselling service for adults & young people aged 13 years and over in Berwick, North Northumberland & the Scottish Borders; online throughout the UK.

Clinical Supervisor - online only.

It's been a VERY icy cold week and weekend here 🥶 And it's easy to begin to feel really fed up or inconvenienced when we...
12/01/2026

It's been a VERY icy cold week and weekend here 🥶 And it's easy to begin to feel really fed up or inconvenienced when we have to keep turning up the heating, don loads of layers to go outside, defrost the car, etc etc. (All very first world problems!)

So it's worth continuing to reflect on the process of what winter is about and how we navigate it. This quote from Katherine May's book "Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times" ** sums this up perfectly.

There are certainly beautiful things to see in wintertime, and it is indeed a time for "slow replenishment". When we slow down, we are more able to notice those beautiful things and tune into what we actually need to do to nurture ourselves.

**If you haven't read this book I would highly recommend!

As schools go back and everyone returns to their busy lives, I feel it's important to remind ourselves that we are stil...
07/01/2026

As schools go back and everyone returns to their busy lives, I feel it's important to remind ourselves that we are still firmly in mid-winter.

And if, instead of living by the Gregorian calendar, we tuned in with nature, we'd not be putting pressure on ourselves to make "new year resolutions" and fighting feelings of sluggishness or low energy.

In January it's dark, cold, and a time when nature rests and regenerates. We too should be resting, sleeping and generally taking things easy.

So instead of pushing yourself to do more, consider taking January as a time of reflection and restoration, a preparation for when spring comes, light returns, the natural world once again comes to life. You may find that then you naturally begin to feel more refreshed and energised.

These words from are exactly the message I am sending to everyone. Happy New Year! #2026 ❤️
01/01/2026

These words from are exactly the message I am sending to everyone. Happy New Year!
#2026 ❤️

I'm taking a break for a couple of weeks to rest and relax - back to work on 7th January. I hope that, whatever you are ...
24/12/2025

I'm taking a break for a couple of weeks to rest and relax - back to work on 7th January. I hope that, whatever you are doing during this last part of 2025, you can rest and relax too.
This time can be hard for many people, so if you're finding it tough then try to be kind to yourself - and do what is right for you at this time.
If you're struggling over the festive period, remember there are many organisations you can reach out to for support. These include:

The Samaritans - call free at any time on 116 123
Papyrus - supporting anyone under the age of 35 who is experiencing thoughts of su***de - Call 0800 068 41 41, or text 88247, at any time
CALM 0800 58 58 58 - helpline open 5pm to midnight, daily
National Domestic Abuse Helpline - support for women who have or are experiencing domestic abuse - call 0808 2000 247 any time
SHOUT - confidential text service offering help if you're in crisis and in need of immediate support. Text SHOUT to 85258, any time
Men's Advice Line - Confidential advice and support for men who have or are experiencing domestic abuse. Call 0808 801 0327 Monday-Friday, 10am-5pm
NHS 111 - call 111 for not urgent advice, or select option 2 to access a 24/7 helpline offering urgent mental health support

The Winter Solstice, or shortest day, is my favourite day of the winter. From now on, very gradually, there'll be more d...
21/12/2025

The Winter Solstice, or shortest day, is my favourite day of the winter. From now on, very gradually, there'll be more daylight and less darkness every day.

As hard as I try to rationalise that, in the scheme of things, the period of ever-darkening days is relatively short, I still struggle with lower energy levels and feeling less motivated during November and December.

So although we're still in the depths of winter, today is a day of change, a day of hope. This poem by James A Pearson perfectly captures what the solstice signifies.

If you're struggling with dark days, be it daylight hours or your own thoughts, feelings or situation, I hope that you too can put your faith in this quiet shift, and dream songs of hope.

Today marks the beginning of against Gender-Based Violence, an annual, international event which runs from 25th Novemb...
25/11/2025

Today marks the beginning of against Gender-Based Violence, an annual, international event which runs from 25th November until 10th December, led by UN Women and uniting individuals and organisations across the world in working to end violence against women and girls.

This year the the theme is . The digital world should offer connection and empowerment, but for millions of women and girls, it has become a world of abuse. Digital violence is one of the fastest-evolving forms of abuse worldwide, and artificial intelligence, anonymity, and the absence of effective laws and accountability are all contributing to this. From online harassment and cyberstalking to doxing, non-consensual image sharing, deepfakes, and disinformation, women and girls across the world are silenced, shamed and intimidated.

And the shocking thing is that fewer than 40 per cent of countries have laws protecting women from cyber harassment or cyber stalking. This leaves around 1.8 billion women and girls and no access to legal protection. This year the aims to highlight this and campaign for urgent global action to close legal gaps and hold perpetrators and tech platforms accountable.

You can find out more at https://campaign.unwomenuk.org/16-days

A useful explanation as to why I ask you to read my Counselling Agreement (or Contract) and then sign it if you are happ...
25/11/2025

A useful explanation as to why I ask you to read my Counselling Agreement (or Contract) and then sign it if you are happy with the content.

Yaaayyy! It’s Saturday! 🍁
11/10/2025

Yaaayyy! It’s Saturday!

🍁

25/09/2025

I just love this time of year, with the crisp morning air and warm afternoon sunshine. Summer hasn’t quite left yet we’re definitely heading into autumn. The abundance of berries, the changing colours of the leaves, early morning frosts and mists, gorgeous sunrises… it’s all so good for the soul! Walking in nature, and noticing everything around us, is such good therapy. 🍁

We all have busy lives, and sometimes this can feel like a barrier to accessing therapy. So I thought it may be helpful ...
19/09/2025

We all have busy lives, and sometimes this can feel like a barrier to accessing therapy. So I thought it may be helpful to outline the options I offer for counselling sessions.

If you are looking for in person counselling sessions I can provide these in Berwick-upon-Tweed from the lovely calm and comfortable therapy room at hub.

I also offer "walk & talk" therapy sessions, in Berwick-upon-Tweed, Coldstream and Kelso, giving you the opportunity to explore the challenges and difficulties you are facing whilst experiencing the benefits of being outdoors in nature, and which may feel more informal and less daunting than sitting in a therapy room.

Finally, I offer remote sessions - either by video call or phone - to anyone residing in the UK. These sessions can be better suited to your lifestyle if you are unable to travel to Berwick or the surrounding areas, or if you prefer to be in the comfort of your own home whilst engaging in therapy.

Before choosing an option I will always discuss with you what you feel would best for you, and you're welcome to "mix and match" how therapy takes place according to your needs. My aim is to make counselling as easily accessible and as comfortable as possible for you.

For more information please contact me!

A reminder of some of the things I will, and will not do as a counsellor. If you're thinking about starting therapy it's...
15/09/2025

A reminder of some of the things I will, and will not do as a counsellor.

If you're thinking about starting therapy it's important to know that your sessions are your space, for you to express and explore whatever you need. You are in the driving seat, your therapist is there to support you in navigating your journey.

It was so lovely to receive an email this week from a client who has just completed some long-term work with me.Supporti...
12/09/2025

It was so lovely to receive an email this week from a client who has just completed some long-term work with me.

Supporting my clients with whatever they bring to counselling is such a privilege, and it's wonderful to witness their growth and change through the process of therapy.

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Bab'yama Wellness Hub, 23 Castlegate
Berwick On Tweed
TD151LF

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Elspeth Gilliland - Counsellor

Having recently set up private practice and I’m delighted to have joined the team at Bab’yama Wellness Hub in Berwick-upon-Tweed. I’m also able to offer appointments outside of Berwick - please contact me for more information.

My core training is in person-centred counselling and I work from a pluralistic perspective. As such I offer a non-judgemental, confidential and empathetic space where clients can safely explore their experiences and emotions and find what is right for them.

Initially, I discuss with each client what they want from their sessions and how this might best be achieved, therefore I may draw on a range of therapeutic methods in order to work towards attaining their goals.

I have experience of working with survivors of sexual, emotional, psychological and physical abuse and work with a wide range of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, stress, self-harm, loss, bereavement, confidence, self-esteem and relationship difficulties.