Flourish Counselling

15/09/2025

Midlothian Trauma Awareness Week was launched today (Monday 15 September) by Midlothian Council leadership at a special event at the Dalkeith Art Centre.

This is not just Midlothian’s first Trauma Awareness week but also the first in Scotland.

The aim of the week is to raise awareness and understanding of the impact that trauma can have on individuals, families and communities, whilst also showcasing the positive and supportive steps that staff, services and organisations across Midlothian are taking to support everyone to grow, recover and thrive.

Today’s launch event kicked off a week of free events exploring trauma-informed practice in Midlothian. These events run between 15 – 19 September and are open to people in the community and professionals whose work may involve working with clients who may have experience of trauma.

More information and sign up for these free events:
https://ow.ly/oG3a50WWW1E

Pictured (left to right) at the launch event are Trauma-Informed Practice Lead Officer Ciara Burke, Provost Debbi McCall, Council leader Cllr Kelly Parry and Chief Social Work Officer Nick Clater.

14/09/2025

Be the light ☀️ 🌻🥰

13/09/2025

13/09/2025

Because every mind deserves to flourish 🌸

01/09/2025

I’ve just completed sandtray therapy training with the Southern Sandtray Institute. Sand tray therapy is a form of counselling where you are invited to create three-dimensional pictures in sand trays, using miniature objects or figures. It is an expressive, non-verbal, creative approach that can be used with people of all ages and can be used at various points throughout the therapy journey.
Sand tray pictures can be reflective, and self-expressive, representing many aspects of life such as people, ideas, situations, and feelings. They can also symbolise a person’s “inner world”. You can become more aware of your unconscious mind and of any current difficulties in your life that might be causing you low mood and difficult emotions. Previously unknown thoughts and feelings may surface and become visible through the imagery, which can make sessions feel very deep and powerful. If you are interested in finding out more, just get in touch. As I am a pluralistic counsellor, I draw on lots of different therapeutic techniques, not just one modality, and sandtray therapy is another useful therapeutic tool you may like to use in sessions, from time to time. Some people like to use a sandtray occasionally, and others like to get their fingers in the sand every week! As always in our sessions, you decide.

01/09/2025

Choose YOU! ✌️🫂❤️🌎

01/09/2025

✌️❤️🫂🌎

16/08/2025

Two kind souls that bring me peace and joy are these two! Meet Hazel and Max. We rehomed Max last August - despite his size, he’s only 1 year old and such a sweet boy. He’s our real life Scooby Doo. Hazel is the sweetest girl, so well-behaved and she’s Max’s aunty! Such a good role model for him. She will be 7 tomorrow!
One of the things that I value most in my day is my walk with these two. And how is it these beautiful animals are so in tune with us and can read our emotions and comfort us in times of need? They truly are our best friends. Loyal and sweetest of souls! I am taking a moment to share my gratitude for them today.
What brings you joy each day?

16/08/2025

I read this - I love Winnie the Pooh (who doesn’t?!) - and it reminded me of the benefits Walk and Talk therapy. Being outside, the bilateral movement of your body allowing both sides of your brain to work together and the sensory experience of walking in nature, all work together to ease and rebalance the nervous system, regulate the emotions and produce a state of peace and calm. Of course, this all aids the therapeutic process as you walk and talk.
I am able to provide Walk and Talk therapy in a number of locations in Midlothian. Just ping me a message to find out more. 🚶‍♀️ 🌳

"Say, Pooh, why aren't you busy?" I said.
"Because it's a nice day," said Pooh.
"Yes, but ---"
"Why ruin it?" he said.
"But you could be doing something Important," I said.
"I am, " said Pooh.
"Oh? Doing what?"
"Listening," he said.
"Listening to what?"
"To the birds. And that squirrel over there."
"What are they saying?" I asked.
"That it's a nice day," said Pooh.
"But you know that already," I said.
"Yes, but it's always good to hear that somebody else thinks so, too," he replied..

Pooh wasn’t wrong in taking time just to listen … to enjoy just being.
Kindred Spirits

21/06/2025

Love this image.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1AW1zjZM7J/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Know your circle. ✌️🫂❤️‍🩹🌎