Debbie Fitchsampson Counselling, Cheltenham

18/02/2026

When too much happens at once and we experience burnout. In this article Alison shares her experiences and what helped her recovery.

Have you ever told yourself you were “just tired" while feeling emotionally drained, easily overwhelmed, or disconnected from work you once cared deeply about?

For Alison Huckle, these subtle, accumulating signs were burnout, although she didn't recognise them at the time.

In this month's edition of Therapy Today - It changed my life, Alison shares what burnout felt like, how it quietly took hold, and what helped her begin to heal.

Read more of Alison's story here 👉 https://orlo.uk/7JO1J

24/03/2025

A useful guide to what happens in counselling.

20/01/2025

It's a Monday like any other...

It might be a good day for your mental health, a tough day - or somewhere in between.

Blue Monday was created to sell holidays. We don't need companies telling us how we should feel on any given day.
Your mental health is personal.

However you're feeling today, remember you and your mental health matter, every day of the year. 💜

16/01/2025

If you’ve made new year’s resolutions, they might start to feel a bit harder at this point of January. With that can come feelings of guilt or shame, leaving us feeling down about ourselves. These emotions can be tough on our mental health, as they affect how we view ourselves and our self-esteem.
If this feels familiar, it might be helpful to rethink some of your resolutions. By approaching your goals with more flexibility and kindness, you can make any changes you’d like in your life feel more achievable and encouraging.

08/01/2025

Has the holiday season left you and your partner feeling disconnected? Couples therapy can help you heal together, and strengthen your relationship.

Is the holiday season leaving you and your partner feeling disconnected? Couples therapy can help you heal together, and strengthen your relationship.

10/10/2024

Today is 🌎

Mental health can often be overlooked in the fast-paced world of work, but now more than ever, it’s essential to prioritise it. Supporting mental well-being at work isn’t just the right thing to do... it leads to happier, more engaged and more productive teams.

'It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace' - World Federation for Mental Health💡

To gain more insight on supporting mental health at work, visit: https://ow.ly/ZLZ350THCK2

Let’s make mental wellbeing a priority, today and every day! 💚

13/08/2024

A useful read as a good introduction or reminder to Mindfulness.

What are the key principles of mindfulness and how can practising it enhance mental and physical health?

16/05/2024

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024.

This share this post and spread the word 👇🏼

Regardless of the week, your mental health matters and YOU matter. You don’t have to face it alone.

Huge shout out to worrywellbeing for this gorgeous illustration 🩵

09/01/2024

With the uncertainty a new year can bring, you may feel stressed or anxious about what lies ahead in 2024.

Therapy can help you to explore and understand these feelings and find ways to cope.

Find all the information you need here 🔗 https://orlo.uk/KLmpI
or contact me directly to discuss how I may be able to support you.

With the uncertainty a new year can bring, you may feel stressed or anxious about what lies ahead in 2024.

Therapy can help you to explore and understand these feelings and find ways to cope 💜

Find all the information you need here 🔗 https://orlo.uk/KLmpI

05/09/2023

I'm back in my counselling room after a lovely break. It's now 12 years since I started my private practice and I'm 17 years into the very privileged role of counsellor.

15/01/2023

January can be a tough month but I like this; no more Blue Mondays, make it a Brew Monday instead.

Did you know, Monday 16th January is Brew Monday? The third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as ‘the most difficult day of the year’ but this is a myth. There’s no such thing as ‘Blue Monday’ – we all have our good days and our bad days, and those aren’t for the calendar to decide.

Samaritans say it's time to stop this myth about Monday being 'blue' and instead start a conversation over a brew! Make time to reach out and connect with family, friends, colleagues and loved ones.

We can always make time for a cuppa and a catch-up. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Monday morning or Saturday night, or if you’re drinking green tea, black coffee or orange squash. If you’re sharing a cuppa and listening, you’re doing it right.

Let’s make sure nobody struggles alone, by remembering to check in on friends, family or colleagues. It doesn’t need to be a Monday or a cup of tea, it’s about connecting and really listening to each other.

Find out more about setting up your own Brew Monday (although it doesn’t need to be a Monday, or in January!) at https://orlo.uk/uIYtV

If you or someone you know needs some support, take a look at Be Well Glos https://orlo.uk/hYl6T

13/01/2023

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/what-is-narcissism-1

A useful article looking at narcissism. Having a relationship with someone with narcissistic traits can be very challenging and is frequently some of the work undertaken in counselling.

Counsellor and coach John Kenny explores narcissism and its different manifestations.