Black Dog Family Practice

03/02/2026

I am quietly pleased with myself!

I’m in the middle of delivering all the updates to my coaching website, which has been a full time job alongside my actual full time Black Dog, so haven’t really had time or space yet to celebrate or process the news that...

I have passed my Advanced ADHD Coaching with distinction.

Typically, I agonised that I’d not done enough, that I would somehow fail or misinterpret what was required, but my feedback was brilliant...
..here's a tiny piece of my feedback

‘You demonstrate a compassionate, sophisticated understanding of the ADHD lived experience and coach with strong alignment to the ethical pillars of emotional safety, co-creation, and client agency.

Your use of trauma-informed principles and your pacing of reflection versus action are perfect!

You are always asking how, why now, and what the client needs to feel safe?

You've smashed it, and are now an NTA Certified Advanced ADHD Coach’

Writing this I can now feel the emotion (and relief) and enjoy the ability to breathe again.

I pour everything I have, into everything I do, which is great news if you work with me.

This advanced certification deepens my work with adults with ADHD
and strengthens the bridge between my 20+ years as a mental health occupational therapist and my work in therapy and coaching.

I offer structured, evidence-based ADHD coaching that is practical, compassionate and deeply attuned to nervous system regulation and lived experience.

I think that deserves a creme egg!! (yep, still obsessed)

Kate x

28/01/2026

You can lead a horse to water (or a pony in this case) but you can’t make it drink.

It all started late Saturday night, everyone was in bed when my film was disturbed by the thunderous sounds of small feet on the stairs and a child mid panic-attack bursts into the room.

It took a while to figure out no one had been sick and that she had done something she thought was bad and was panicking about getting in trouble. I made sure it wasn’t serious (and it really wasn’t) and I didn’t need to go to code red and wake the wife up.

Knowing what works, I asked if we should tap (EFT tapping technique) together which she rejected, so after much reassurance and cuddles I guided her back to bed, eventually calming her... we did the usual fist bump and “I’ve got your back Big Girl!” she then closed her teary eyes and drifted off

Throughout the next day waves of sadness would creep over her like a shadow, followed by the tears and I’d always offer tapping which was always rejected. I did my best to the reassure her, with plenty of cuddles, even the promise of cake, always ending with our fist bump and a vague smile would gradually return

But that evening the load just became too much for her to carry and the tears became unstoppable; her crying was so loud we had to change rooms, so we didn’t scare the new baby rats! I started cooking and let the wife have a crack with her mum magic... I heard tapping being offered and rejected again.

Eventually a small voice said, “I'd like to talk to Dad about last night a bit later!”, so me thinking there was probably more to this, we headed to a quiet space.

Once there, the story got longer, the tears carried on flowing and the issue didn’t get any worse, but we weren’t achieving anything. So, as a little pattern interrupt, I said, “you need to decide what help you want as at the moment, we’re doing nothing but going around in circles!”. I could see that beautiful brain of hers start to work and she said, I think I'd like to do some tapping now please Dad.

Without exaggerating, in seconds of starting to tap, I could see the child start smiling again, start relaxing, her entire body becoming at ease, and within two minutes there was just a tiny feeling left... so she asked for my help to pull it out and we placed it on a giant wave, then whooshed it far out of sight.

“Told you I’d got you back big girl!”

Fist bump, cuddle, sorted!

Dinner!

24/01/2026

Let's talk deadlines. It's been a block for me this week.

Big piece of work to do, working collaboratively... 39 pages of document to complete... and NO deadline!! 😳😳😳

My brain stalled, I faffed for 45 minutes trying to reduce the document to font size 12 (in the hope it would be less pages), only it wasn't my doc and I don't know much about fancy formatting...

I did know I was grasping at straws, that the workload was still the same, just in smaller print🤣

But what I was unconsciously trying to do was make it feel manageable, to chunk it down, to kick start my brain.

What I really needed was a deadline, smaller tasks, and less time to to it (having the whole day dedicated- don't do that again).

I need to feel the pressure somewhere, I needed a sense of urgency to get into first gear and I desperately needed accountability.

Without it, I was making up stories anyway about holding up the person who I was working with, that she would think I was too slow, not focused, lazy... you get the picture.

So I reached out (after faffing with a doc I couldn't format, and a few other unnecessary side quests) and although they were in no rush, turns out had no expectations of how long it would take me, we agreed a deadline.

Instant relief.

It may be made up, it may be just for my benefit, I don't care!

I can already feel the difference, I've set the sat nav for my wonderful but spicy brain and I've actually started.

I wish at times it wasn't as hard, didn't feel like I NEED a strategy for things that should be easy and automatic but I do.

I'm tired of giving up on things I'm passionate about because my interest wanes or I get overwhelmed but these 'minor' setbacks...

This is what self-coaching looks like, it's come from experience and learning how my brain works and what I need when I get stuck.

I share this with love, and for anyone who needs to put their hand up and ask for help. Ask for a deadline, ask for what works for you.

Just own it, for your own goals and your own growth.

Kate x

14/01/2026

It’s been a whirlwind this week and it’s only Wednesday! Had a total shift in my plans for how I offer coaching and how it fits with the other pieces of Black Dog that are being developed...

My intention Sunday was to go to the gym and then peacefully approach the prep work for my coaching website overhaul (Monday) in a measured, calm way with a coffee and relaxing music floating through the gym lounge area.

However... when I realised I should shift my approach and make changes (with less than 24 hours to rethink it all) my nervous system went into overwhelm. Closely followed by guilt and imposter type feelings; resulting in a tearful phone call to Luke.

After talking to my very grounded husband we formed a plan and I had permission (important to me, it’s a me thing not a Luke thing) to take the time to sit, write, reflect and to pull it all together. To take the day, no juggling, no chores, just space.

I set up camp on my bed, surrounded by tea, cream eggs and notes. Luke led on the floor reading a book and listening to me whitter (verbally process) and the girls popped in intermittently to top up tea and give cuddles.

Thankfully, it all began to come together; my overwhelm eased and I found my flow. For my accountability, I reached out to the person I was meeting about the website and gave her the heads up that lots had changed.

Fast forward (not far to Monday) I had my own personal coaching session. Reflecting on how ADHD shows up for me (perfectionism, imposter type feelings, overwhelm)... I was asked this question...

‘Kate, what could you learn (from yesterday) to help yourself in the future?’

My answer surprised me!!

I wouldn’t change much…

Instead, I acknowledged how I have learnt to lean into the discomfort, to allow the overwhelm to bubble up (I am wired to feel emotions strongly, to care) to seek support as I did, to use the motivation and urgency created by the short deadline and the temporary pressure. I am so pleased and grateful that I did not freeze, use it as an excuse, stall on my plans. I was able to tolerate the discomfort. I didn’t listen to the imposter type feelings or inner critic. Instead I regulated myself with support and love and I owned what I was experiencing.

I breathed, I hydrated, I allowed it all. I talked it out. My nervous system responded by gradually stepping down, allowing creativity and clarity.

I share this because sometimes in therapy and coaching people want to stop the discomfort or cheat their nervous system- regulation comes from practice and persevering anyway. Learning to move, breathe, take a moment. Learn to trust yourself and your responses, not fear them. Fear creates anxiety and tension.

I’m not afraid to feel overwhelmed, I am not afraid to ask for support as I continue moving forwards and making progress anyway.

Kate x

10/01/2026

Routines. I have been reflecting on the importance of routines for myself and also with clients in therapy sessions this week.

This week started off strong and productive, I loved stepping back into client sessions and I very much thrive in a routine. However for some, the week between Christmas and New Year came with some flatness or de-motivation (is that a word 😆)...

For some the lack of structure following an intense or even overwhelming Christmas was welcome but for others it was unsettling and a challenge.

I remember with a strange fondness that before having children myself and Luke would (out of post Christmas boredom) undertake a project that would turn into chaos and muttering. DIY isn't always our strong point. Don't mess with the double glazing in wonky, old terrace houses...

Anyway, I've wandered off point... my takeaway is that for some of us having an established routine is an essential pillar that helps to regulate us, providing a sense of security and direction so that when life pivots (like sudden snow storms, school closures and the ensuing disruption) we have the emotional reserves and capacity to navigate these challenges.

Please spare some self-compassion if this week has not been the anticipated return to routine that you needed and if you're still catching up with yourself post holidays and needed a predictable week.
..maybe gift yourself a something that you know resets you mentally, emotionally and physically such as a long bath, a crisp wintery walk or a cuppa with a friend. Set your own routines and boundaries within unpredictable days :)

love Kate x

06/12/2025

Who is this bleary eyed woman, up at 6am on a Saturday?

This is an ADHD woman having a reset. Who knows that to write that course and to really start pulling all the pieces of her business together she needs both space (away from distractions) and rest.

That’s why I’ve taken myself away from the laundry, the visual to-do’s and my best distraction- my family, to create, to organise my brain and to let creativity in.

It works (for me). My mind is alive and able to prioritise without the noise. I’m in my own bubble.

Yes, I love a spa break but it’s so much more to me. I get to unmask, not be mum, therapist/coach, wife. I reduce the stimulation, the noise, the hurry.

I love water, it resets my nervous system… so pools and water are my self-care

I had a wonderful ah-ha moment thinking through these next steps in my business in a subterranean candle lit cave pool (honestly it was devine) where I floated uninterrupted musing in silence until 10pm..

Then in the comfort of my room I’ve planned my diary for 2026, planning where I’ll add in weekly business development, attend the body doubling (that helps me do the dull stuff) and attend group coaching because it’s often been sqeezed out to make space for my clients.

…and I gladly, wholeheartedly give space for my clients, it’s hands down my favourite part of my working day. I’m just realising, playing with the notion, that if I want to offer more, develop and write that course, to serve more that I’ve got to do it differently.

So, I’m going to stop distracting myself with posting, open my laptop and crack on planning and writing whilst the sun rises this morning and I can then reward my efforts with more spa x

12/11/2025

Great article from ADDitude magazine which talks about much of the work ADHD therapists and coaches provide.

In therapy in particular we share and skill up our clients in what’s called somatic support (EFT/tapping, Havening) and use tools and techniques to regulate the nervous system, processing unhelpful beliefs and stories.

In coaching, we gently guide the client towards their own insights, choices and understanding of their nervous system and their unique brain and the challenges they encounter.

Kate x

“Before I understood my own neurodivergence, I simply thought I couldn’t cope with life as well as others. I blamed myself for being overly sensitive, reactive, or stuck in cycles of burnout. What I didn’t realize was that I had spent decades living with a chronically dysregulated nervous system.”
👉 https://www.additudemag.com/dysregulated-nervous-system-women-adhd/

08/11/2025

Luke just asked if I think this is real?…

Oh YES!!

… was my response. As an Occupational Therapist, every part of wellbeing and daily living is important.

If it’s important to clients it’s important to us.

Did make me giggle though, it may not be top of the priorities but at some point could be an important but sensitive question.

… wouldn’t want to pop the hip out again or risk damaging the joint- I’d listen to your body on that one!!

It’s true for the therapy room too. Always happy to facilitate sensitive or personal conversations.

Intimacy plays a role in mental health, medications can have unwanted side effects on our libido and neurodivergence can bring a whole world of sensory factors to navigate.

Occupational Therapy considers the whole person, so does Black Dog x

30/10/2025

9 years ago I shaved my head for charity

… and it was liberating

I was so far out of my comfort zone

…and when I look back I can see it unlocked something in me

It challenged what I thought I could do, should do and importantly how I wanted to show up

It planted the seed for change, that seed quickly grew into re-training (with a baby under 1 year old) and starting Black Dog…

I dislike being the centre of attention (genuinely mortified) but I’m so so grateful I had the idea to embrace shaving my head…

My hair regrew and with it my confidence, my spark and my business ♥️ ♥️

13/10/2025

Love the graphic. So powerful.

How we feel and the emotions we experience are a central part of our mental health. Conversely how we respond to emotions is critical for our health, mental and physical. While they can perplexing, stubborn, frustrating, annoying, frightening and downright depressing at times, emotions are a fundamental and necessary part of brain functioning. In fact, they are central to being human.

Unfortunately societal beliefs often tells us we shouldn’t have emotions or some emotions are bad. Telling your brain it shouldn’t have emotions is like telling your heart not to beat or your lungs not to breathe, and it doesn’t make your brain very happy.

Emotions don’t always feel nice and can make us want to run away from them. And like any avoidance, short term this seems to work, we feel relieved. But inside your brain is feeling pretty annoyed at trying to hold it all in.

How you respond to your emotions is important. Research shows suppressing, berating and shaming emotions doesn’t help us deal with them at all and just creates more stress and make emotions feel even more difficult.

Naming, validating, expressing and recognising emotions seems to help us process them and help us become friends with them, rather than them having power over us. It seems to soothe those emotions and instead of adding a layer of more stress and difficult feelings, helps us deal with the ones we have.

read more about the science of emotions and how we can help our emotions in my books
📕‘A Toolkit for your Emotions’.
📚 A toolkit for modern life
📖 A toolkit for happiness

27/09/2025

It’s been a busy and productive week at Black Dog.

We ended the working week with our 17th Wedding Anniversay and our daughter’s 14th birthday.

Never was it in the plan, 17 years ago, to leave the NHS and set up Black Dog Therapy

… and yet life steered us beautifully to have a business that fits with family life and that fulfills us deeply.

I love working with my best friend & husband Luke. Happy Anniversary ♥️

Sharing a few wedding and honeymoon (Vegas and Grand Canyon) pics.

Kate x

21/09/2025

It’s been a busy and varied week so I thought I’d share with you our highlights.

Day in Oxford with my business besties after completing Katy Featherstone-Coombes coaching group. Her thank you card was so thoughtful and I loved being with these awesome ladies Swati, Sandrine, Lucy & Nicola. Very much continuing with the support in Katy’s membership The Hive.

Weekend of Silat martial arts training for Luke, he always comes home with lots of reflections and a big smile 😃

Lately we have had an influx of neurodivergent younger adults and teens with suicidal thoughts. We’ve reviewed and tightened our policies and you’ll notice some tweaks in our t&c’s so we can effectively support and liaise with GP’s and other services. We write bespoke safety plans and help bridge that awkward gap when speaking to your doctor as well as reviewing risk and putting strategies and tools in place.

Thank you flowers from a client’s family as they return to Uni ♥️ 🌺 I’m so proud of hard they’ve worked and invested in their own wellbeing.

Lorna loves building Lego flowers so I’ve got all my flowers brightening up our living room ♥️

It’s been full on and my heart is full.

Kate x