Bold Venture Counselling Services

01/05/2026

People talk about the pack and how there's a leader or even a lone wolf, but the members of a pack look after each other.

When we talk with our pack at home, do we follow the following:

P - positive. Is what we're saying to each other positive? Are we building each other up rather than tearing people down?

A - accurate. Is what we're saying the truth? Is it or is it opinion or speculation?

C - constructive. Can what we're saying be used by the people we're saying it to? Are we trying to help or score points?

K - kind. Is what we're saying kind? Does it need to be said, will people feel better having heard it?

If we're a pack and we look after each other, but what we say is none of the above, why are we saying it? 💙

17/04/2026

Self discovery isn't charging into someone new, it's finding who you are after years of outside influence.

Throughout our lives we adapt and mould ourselves to our environment and relationships. Sometimes it's positive because we want to be like someone or to fit in, other times it's a case of self survival.

Self discovery is reconnecting to the person you are at the heart of you. Then choosing which aspects you wish to adapt and retain, to be your best version of you.

The you that makes you happiest 💙

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

05/04/2026

A friend has kindly got my website up and running. It looks really good and I'm super appreciative, please have a look:

Confidential, non-judgemental counselling with Liam. Face-to-face and online sessions available. Free 10-minute consultation — call 07455 190 402.

27/03/2026

A thought for today.

Some people struggle to process their emotions, to recognise them and subsequently how to articulate them to others.

I know for me, I was taught from a young age that "you never see cowboys cry".

Crying is a sign that your emotions are working, crying when something upsets us is a normal process.

People need to learn that crying is OK. Parents need to tell and show their children that crying is OK.

Being aware of your emotions, being able to articulate your emotions helps to relieve the build up of pressure.

If cowboys didn't cry, maybe they should have done 💙

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

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 💙