Bold Venture Counselling Services

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

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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.

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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

22/12/2025

No sessions booked over Christmas and the New Year, so that's me off until w/c 05/01.

I've cheated a little with today's BV Radio as no one has picked a Christmas song. So I've gone again.

Not my "favourite" Christmas song, but the one that takes me back to my childhood at this time of year. I have a mixed relationship with Christmas now, as an adult my anxiety is always high and I rarely feel comfortable. But as a kid, I only have truly happy memories of Christmas. This song takes me back to being a kid and just sitting on the sofa, troughing sweets from one of those big plastic tubs. I do try to remind myself of those days when I feel Christmas anxiety now, it helps to focus on positive vibes.

I know you all will have different feelings about Christmas and New Year, but try to be kind to yourself and each other. Take some time for yourself and chill out, don't put pressure on yourself.

If you want to email a song and your feelings and reflections, please feel free: boldventurecs@gmail.com

Wizzard · I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday · Song · 2007

15/12/2025

Today's BV Radio song:

"When my son was born, he was very, very ill and under the care of Manchester Children's Hospital. His mum was able to stay with him at the time, but i was driving to and from Manchester every day, and this song, I found, spoke to me in the most profound way. The lyrics were, and still are, an amazing comfort and source of strength, which gave me that little bit extra on that lonely journey. Its a song that still means so much.

My son is 11 now and is a beautiful, big strong lad. But this song takes me back to a time where he was so vulnerable and needed his dad to be strong for him. It really helped.

Just listen to the words, man. Its one of the greatest (love) songs committed to vinyl and gets me in the feels every time. I'm even getting emo typing this😂.

Thats my song and my story."

Feel free to email boldventurecs@gmail.com with a song and how the feelings and emotions impact you 💙

The Stone Roses · Second Coming · Song · 1994

12/12/2025

Like a puppy, this message is for life, not just for Christmas :

There's no point stretching yourself to breaking point trying to keep other people happy.

Set some boundaries. Adhere to them.

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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.

08/12/2025

Today's BV Radio pick:

This was a simple email from a follower saying that this song reminded them of their dad.

The whole point of doing this was to help show how powerful music can be for each of us and I think this connection shows that. When songs remind us of family, especially ones that are no longer with us, it can help give us a sense of belonging still 💙

Meat Loaf · Bat Out Of Hell · Song · 1977

05/12/2025

One of the biggest pressures we experience over the Christmas period is expectation and we put it on ourselves.

We feel the need to meet expectations we set ourselves based on our impressions of others.

The gift you have is being here and the best gift to give is your time.

Spend a minute taking stock, have a brew. Be kind to yourself.

The best thing I did in the past 7 days was reconnecting with friends I've not spoken too in ages. Spending time, listening to them and having a laugh. 💙

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/liam-sullivan?fbclid=IwdGRjcAOfkttjbGNrA5-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.