Borders & Northumberland Counselling Support

21/04/2026

Hello! I wanted to introduce myself, especially for those who don’t already know me, and share a little about my work.

I’m Elspeth, an experienced counsellor (or therapist—the terms are interchangeable), working from a person-centred perspective while integrating other approaches and practical strategies into my sessions.

This means our work together is shaped around you. Rather than following a fixed structure, I draw on different ways of working depending on what feels most helpful in the moment.

I work with adults and young people aged 12 and over, offering sessions in person in Berwick, online to anyone living in the UK, and outdoors in Berwick and the surrounding areas.

Over the next couple of weeks I'll talk a bit more about the different settings and the benefits of these, as well as what counselling is (and isn't!) and how it can be helpful.

For now though, if you’re curious about counselling or wondering whether it might be right for you, feel free to check out my website or get in touch.

18/04/2026

I find that being outdoors in the woods and beside the water is so calming and grounding, especially in and springtime. The scents, sounds and colours that surround us in the natural world are so beautiful. Nothing else is needed. I hope you too can enjoy time outdoors this weekend 💕

13/04/2026

Taking the first step in any difficult situation is scary. We can become overwhelmed with "what if.." questions, which usually focus on the negative rather than the positive, and the anxiety and fear arising from these may cause us to freeze. Yet often, once we take the first step, our situation starts to change and improve.

Whether you're thinking of leaving an unhealthy relationship, changing jobs, setting boundaries or reaching out for counselling support, remind yourself that the first step is usually the hardest, and you don't have to see what lies ahead in order to make the change.

09/04/2026

This makes so much sense!

Our individualistic, fast-fix culture often criticises us for being traumatised and insists that if we don't heal ourselves (and right now!) then we're being too 'needy'.

But recovery from requires real human beings.

Read more in my blog post 'Why the symptoms of trauma make sense': https://www.carolynspring.com/blog/why-the-symptoms-of-trauma-make-sense

08/04/2026

Sometimes, we just need to pause and reflect on how far we've travelled.

05/04/2026

Whatever you do or don't celebrate this weekend, I hope you have a peaceful and happy few days.

03/04/2026

APRIL!

It feels like it's taken a long time to get here, with an exceptionally dull, grey and miserable winter and all the awful things that are going on in the wider world. I've felt heavy and tired - but the last few days when I've been able to get out in the sunshine and take some time to notice the changes in the natural world have really helped lighten my mood and de-stress me.

The absolute joy on Tuesday morning of watching an otter on the river (sorry, no photos - I was too enraptured!), the buds bursting open on the trees, the spring flowers popping up everywhere... nature really does help my mental wellbeing. It's so important for me to get outside when I can - even if it is raining!

What helps you maintain good mental health?

02/04/2026

01/04/2026

Looking at these amazing rocks and their beautiful patterns, I got to thinking about the patterns in my life - my thought patterns, my patterns of behaviour, the narrative around them and where this all comes from.

So many of our thoughts and actions are automatic and often develop as a result of things that we've been told many years ago, whether by parents, teachers or someone who has influenced us in some way. Or even by general societal or cultural expectations.

Sometimes these can be positive influences and sometimes not. Sometimes the resulting thought and behavioural patterns can be helpful to us, but when they're unhelpful or unhealthy they can cause us discomfort, internal conflict or emotional pain. And it can be really, really hard to challenge and change these unhelpful patterns, and we often criticise ourselves for them.

The first and most important thing is to notice your own patterns, celebrate the helpful ones and reflect on what could be a better alternative to the unhelpful or unhealthy patterns. Then you can slowly work on changing these, whilst reminding yourself that you won't always manage - and not being hard on yourself about this, because it takes time to change deep-seated patterns!

15/03/2026

Sending love to all the Mums out there. For some this is a day of happiness, for others - less so. Wherever you are and how ever you’re feeling, know that you are amazing ❤️

08/03/2026

Today has been International Women’s Day. I’ve spent a fair chunk of it driving, which has given me plenty of time to reflect on women who’ve gone before me, women who have come after me and those who support me or have done so in the past. There are so many amazing, wonderful, strong women in my world and in the wider world, and I celebrate them all. And I especially celebrate those who are surviving in the face of huge adversity, who are living through trauma, who fear for their lives of that of their children, just because they happen to be female.