Bold Venture Counselling Services

17/03/2026

One important part of reflection in our sessions involves setting goals. But setting goals can often be difficult for people as goals can be vague or too far reaching. Someone may pick to lose weight, to stop drinking or to get fit. But are those totally realistic goals and achievable from a "standing start"?

In a hectic life, balancing work and family, getting out and exercising might not be straight forward. The end goal seems unobtainable, so we give up. But getting off the bus a couple of stops earlier and walking the last bit home could be the start to getting a bit healthier.

Framing our goals, making obtainable choices can provide us the ongoing motivation to make the lifestyle changes we strive for. 💙

09/03/2026

***Update***

Having taken some time for personal reasons recently, I have decided to return to my private practice sessions.

I have availability for face to face or remote counselling on a one to one basis. Sessions are private and confidential and directed by the client.

I offer free 10 minute telephone consultation, so please feel free to click the link and drop me a line💙

Counsellor Liam Sullivan - Darwen & Bolton

Feelings of stress and anxiety are not uncommon and each of us are individual. Talking through our feelings, our experiences and our hopes and dreams can sometimes help clear a muddy picture and lighten our load. Get in touch for a free consultation.

11/02/2026

Being helpful is one of the kindest things we do for each other, but how often do we stop to assess our boundaries?

One analogy I use in sessions is two people in boats, both boats have holes and are sinking. One man is bailing out his own boat while the other man helps him. The second man isn't bailing out his own boat and is sinking quicker as a result.

If we don't maintain strong boundaries with our efforts and energies, it's easy to lose track of what we have left to give. We can't help anyone if we're unwell, so we have to make sure we take care of ourselves to ensure we have the capacity to help others 💙

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/liam-sullivan

31/01/2026

I went to the market yesterday to get a nice steak for tea and was reminded of the best thing you can get there:

Social interaction 💙

31/01/2026

If you’re feeling unsure or worried about a relationship, you’re not overreacting. Clare’s Law gives you the right to ask police if a partner may pose a risk, for yourself or someone you care about.

30/01/2026

In the interest of full disclosure, I'm posting this from my mobile phone 😂

Here's a Friday thought for you. Think back to the 1980s or even think back to 1980s movies you've watched. Anybody using a mobile phone is portrayed as being stressed or in a high pressured job. Contactable 24/7, available and compelled to act or reply instantly.

We're in 2026 now and this availability applies to nearly all of us. We all have mobile devices, we're all contactable 24/7. Able to see the news or opinions through the night, pressured to reply within an unspecified time frame.

How often do we think about this? How often do we consider what is important to us? Could we step away from the device to spend time with family?

When did we all become Gordon Gekko?

💙

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/liam-sullivan

25/01/2026

💙

Chris Sanders struggled with drinking, work and relationships - but now wants to help others.

23/01/2026

Some Friday thoughts about anxiety and how it shapes the world we live in.

When we're anxious, we behave differently, we act in ways trying to hide our anxiety. Think of the times you met someone new, started a new job, a new sports team, a new school. Most of us will confess to being a bit meek or shy, trying to fit in and not rock the boat.

But another thought is that the person we present in those moments is the person the new people meet. Our anxiety is shaping the perception other people have of us and how they deal with us going forward.

Sometimes people are dealing with anxiety constantly, for those it's not simply something that can be turned off like a tap. Anxiety to its sufferers isn't reserved for occasion, it's a lifestyle, so our actions around perceptions matter.

This post isn't intended to shame anybody struggling with their anxiety into behaving or acting in a certain way. It's a post to try and normalise the conversation around anxiety, so that people feel comfortable enough to say "I do struggle with anxiety from time to time" and for others to understand 💙

16/01/2026

Here's something to think about for a Friday:

When we feel pressure from other people or feel we are being judged, we are guilty of judging others. Invariably, the pressure being put on us, comes only from ourselves.

It's worth remembering that making mistakes, getting confused lead to us rushing based on fear of what others might think. Worried that we may be holding up the line or inconveniencing someone else.

But you're allowed to be. Your right to be here, to be in the queue is the same as anyone else's. Take your time, take a moment, chill out. If the people you are stressed about were so very well organised, they'd be in front of you in the queue 😊

Be kind to yourself 💙

14/01/2026

New Year, New You, Same Overfacing Workload that seems to never end???

It's easy to feel overwhelmed at this time of year, a return to work and the school run, dark mornings and cold nights.

Know that you aren't alone in feeling like this and that if you're just getting by, you're doing enough 💙

Counsellor Liam Sullivan - Darwen & Bolton - Counselling Directory https://share.google/uS5wi2ATKa0332aX3

04/01/2026

I am now booking sessions starting from Monday 05/01/2026 please get in touch via the link below or email for a free, no obligation telephone consultation.

I have decided to continue the autumn promotion I started for remote video call or telephone sessions.

💙

boldventurecs@gmail.com

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/liam-sullivan?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOox3NjbGNrA5-S1GV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHoElD4-2TZi0h-shiAcANZr3CJ11nsPtaUkcz4dkEV96jAelGv_dOYem9Gaf_aem_3B9nMQpMv7tOzIPwImtMCg

Feelings of stress and anxiety are not uncommon and each of us are individual. Talking through our feelings, our experiences and our hopes and dreams can sometimes help clear a muddy picture and lighten our load. Get in touch for a free consultation.

03/01/2026

I'm still accepting emails for BV Radio, a series of posts and a playlist of songs submitted by people.

If you have have a song that means something personal to you, please feel free to email me with what feelings you experience. All posts will be anonymous. Please email, like and share to keep this going into the new year 💙

email :

boldventurecs@gmail.com

Sam Cooke · A Change Is Gonna Come · Song · 1964