Hope & Healing Counselling Support

21/04/2026

We really underestimate walking.

It’s not just “getting steps in.”
It’s fresh air. It’s a pause. It’s a reset.

A simple walk can:
– support your mood
– help regulate your nervous system
– reduce stress
– gently improve physical health

You don’t need anything fancy. No gym. No plan.
Just step outside and start where you are.

It’s not a cure-all. But it’s a powerful place to begin.

16/04/2026

Today has been full of small wins 🥰💚

This morning, I facilitated a workshop alongside my good friend . We held space for a beautiful group of women who attend the Ma's group in Strathfoyle.

We explored the mental and heavy load we carry, where our energy is mostly being used, and the importance of filling up our own cup 🧘🔋

Afterwards, I had a delicious lunch and catch up with a friend, followed by a walk in the sun with the dog, enjoying the spring fresh air and the dry weather (for a change 🫣)

Finishing off the afternoon with some assessments and responding to enquiries.

Life is full of little wins, no matter what your circumstances ✨️

Some days you just need to remind yourself of that 💫💚

13/04/2026

Rest is not earned, it's required!

Allow yourself to rest,
Allow yourself to pause,
Allow yourself to take a step back.

When we are well rested, we show up for ourselves our families, our jobs/commitments more effectively & just feel better in general 💫💚

01/04/2026

Your story is still unfolding.

Keep showing up 💫💚

27/03/2026

People sometimes ask if it’s hard listening to people’s pain all day.
And yes, it can be heavy.

But it’s also a privilege to hold space for the moments when things shift.

When someone says…
“I believe in myself.”
“Setting boundaries has changed my life.”
“I feel deserving.”
“I have the tools to navigate this.”

These are the goodbyes that stay with me.
The quiet, powerful wins.

This is why I wave clients off with a full heart 💫💚

20/03/2026

19/03/2026

16/03/2026

You are human. You are allowed to feel everything you feel.
Share this with a therapist friend who needs a reminder.

15/03/2026

🌸 Motherhood, Mental Health, & Remembrance 🌸

​Today is a day for celebration, but let’s also make it a day for honesty and grace.

​To the mums who are thriving, we celebrate you. To the mums who are currently in the "survival" phase—feeling the weight of the "invisible load" and the constant mental tabs—we see you.

​We also hold a special space in our hearts today for those for whom this day is heavy:

​To those who have lost their mums: We honor the love that remains and the memories that carry you through.

​To the mums who have lost children: Your love is infinite, and your strength is seen.

​To those with strained relationships: We acknowledge the complexity and the quiet courage it takes to navigate today.

​Motherhood is one of life’s greatest joys, but it can also be a challenge to our mental health. It’s okay to:

​Feel overwhelmed even when you’re grateful.

​Need a break from the people you love most.

​Feel sadness alongside the celebrations.

​Prioritise your peace over a "perfect" day.

​This Mother’s Day, let’s look after the woman behind the "Mum" title and the person behind the loss.

Your mental health isn't a luxury; it is the foundation of your well-being.

🫶​You are enough, exactly as you are. Today, we lead with kindness—for others and for ourselves. 🤍

​

14/03/2026

Mother’s Day can hold many different emotions.

For some it’s a day of celebration and gratitude.
But for many others, it can bring sadness, longing, grief, or quiet reflection.

This weekend, I want to gently remind anyone who might be struggling to be kind to yourself.

To the women who are longing to become mothers, still waiting, still hoping...
it's an unique heaviness 😔💔

To the people missing their mums.
To the mums who are missing their children.
To those whose relationships with their mothers are complicated or painful.
And to the mothers who are carrying their own silent struggles while caring for others.

However tomorrow feels for you is valid.

If the day is heavy, take it slowly.
Be gentle with your heart.
You are allowed to feel whatever the day brings.

You are not alone in those feelings 💫💚

12/03/2026

Boundaries are not rejection.
Boundaries are protection.

Do you feel guilty setting boundaries?
Do you feel guilty saying no?

Sit with that guilt for a moment. Acknowledge the feeling. It’s normal, especially if you’re used to putting others first.

But if you know the boundary you set is protecting you, your energy, your wellbeing, or your peace, that feeling will begin to ease.

Guilt often fades when you accept that boundaries are not about rejecting someone else.

They are about respecting and caring for yourself.

And you matter 💫💚

11/03/2026

You are invited to join us at our engagement event to co-design an Integrated Menopause Hub.

📅 Date: Thursday, 26 March 2026
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM (Registration from 9.30 AM, lunch at 1:30 PM)
📍 Venue: Everglades Hotel, Derry
Why attend?

Derry Well Women and Queen’s University Belfast will:

*Lead a discussion on the key services and components of an Integrated Menopause Hub.
*Identify priorities and barriers to the implementation of an Integrated Menopause Hub in the Western Health and Social Care Trust.
Spaces to this event are limited so please email:

Deirdre@derrywellwoman.org

We look forward to your participation in this important conversation.