Serenity Counselling

05/01/2026

Ever noticed how a child can “hold it together” all day… then explode at home? It is also relevant for us as adults.

This is one of my favourite ways to explain why that happens — and it’s simple enough to do with a real Coke bottle.

Sit with your child and pass the bottle back and forth.
As you talk about their day, gently shake it each time a stress or trigger comes up. Share your own triggers also.
Noise. Work pressure. Friendship stuff. Trying to behave. Trying not to cry.

Then pause and ask:
“What do you think will happen if I take the top off now?”

That moment matters.

It helps children see that the explosion isn’t about being naughty or out of control — it’s about pressure building with nowhere to go.

From there, you can explore the real question:
How do we take the lid off without an explosion?

We talk about letting the bottle settle first.
Deep breathing.
Quiet time.
Food.
Movement.
Connection.
Time to decompress.

Regulation isn’t about forcing calm.
It’s about releasing pressure safely — a little at a time.

👉 You can find The Coke Bottle Activity linked in the comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

I’d love to know — what “shakes the bottle” most for your child after school?

31/12/2025

The New Year can stir up all kinds of complicated feelings, especially if you’re struggling at the moment. Add in the pressure to celebrate and it can all just feel like too much.

If you find this a hard time of year, you're not on your own – we’ll be here all night long 💚

19/12/2025

If you are struggling over the holidays, please reach out for support. You are not alone. …….

18/12/2025

05/12/2025

You are not alone 💚

Sometimes all the extra pressure at this time of year makes things feel even heavier, especially if you’re already having a tough time. We’re here if you need us. 116 123 📱

28/11/2025

Wise words in how not to take things personally..

Take care of you 💖

24/10/2025

This Saturday night, Sunday morning- remember clocks go back an hour!

27/09/2025

Who’s willing to give this a go….. 💖

17/09/2025

Can you relate……
You can recover from past issues. You are worth it 💖

10/09/2025

Today is ***dePreventionDay2025.
Let’s mark it by being mindful in how we talk about su***de. There is so much shame around su***de. Saying someone ‘committed’ su***de is adding to that shame. Su***de is NOT a crime and as tragic it is to lose someone this way, we need to not use the word ‘commit’.

Please remember always be kind. You do not know what people are going through…. 💜💚

If you are struggling you are not alone. Please talk to someone or call the Samaritans 116 123

Words shape lives. It’s time to stop saying “committed su***de” 🚫

Today is ***dePreventionDay2025, and this year’s theme is changing the narrative around su***de.

For those living with the impact of su***de loss, language matters. The words we use can either open up space for support or create barriers to talking about our grief.

Phrases like “committed su***de” come from a time when su***de was a crime, and decades later, still linger in dictionaries, classrooms and everyday conversation. But su***de hasn’t been a crime since 1961 - and it’s time our language reflected that.

That’s why we’re calling on Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press to remove “committed su***de” from their print dictionaries and replace it with compassionate alternatives such as “died by su***de” or “took their own life.”

✍🏼 Add your name to the petition and help us change the narrative: https://chng.it/CwM9Qf4rFB

***dePreventionDay25

31/08/2025

“Let them……” wise words from Mel Robins.
Take care of you ..,💖