McLean Counselling

15/03/2026

I wondered how to approach my usual Mothering Sunday post this year or whether I would even share one.

Today will be the first Mother’s Day without my beloved mum, Maggie, who passed away on 5th July last year (pictured in this old but favourite photo of us together).

Mum was one of the most caring, kind, warm, empathic, compassionate and non-judgmental people I will ever know. She could build a rapport with anyone.

It’s because of my mum (and dad), I was able to become a Counsellor.

And it’s because of who mum was, she would want me to post and remind you that if today feels difficult for you too, please know you are not alone.

While Mother’s Day can be a beautiful day filled with love, gratitude, and celebration, for many people, for many reasons, it can also be one of the most complicated and emotional days of the year.

The occasion can bring up so many different emotions - all of which are valid.

Give yourself permission to acknowledge your feelings.

Put yourself first and do whatever feels best for you.

Spend time alone or reach out to friends, family or loved ones.

There is no right or wrong way.

Above all, try and practice self care and compassion and be gentle with yourself.

Your story, your grief, your love, and your strength all matter.

Whatever your circumstances, thinking of you this Mother’s Day.

Love,

Mum & Me. ❤️❤️

❤️

08/03/2026

Thinking about all the incredible women I have had the privilege of working with over the years & how much we have empowered each other. ✨💪🏻 Thank you. 🙏🏻💐



📷 Olivia Rubin

06/03/2026

27/02/2026

For anyone who needs to hear it… ☀️🌷

14/02/2026

Sending love this Valentine’s Day. ❤️

13/02/2026

It looks like Jeff is back!

Jeff is a blackbird who as a fledgling and young adult bird used to come into the Glasshouse for water and snacks and was quite tame, following staff and volunteers around the garden as they worked.

We haven’t seen him for a while over the winter and didn’t know whether he was still around.

But over the last week he’s popped into various outbuildings while we’ve been in them and said hello. Yesterday he was in the glasshouse singing away for a good while.

Here he is this morning perched on top of the shed where we keep our beekeeping equipment.

We look forward to seeing more of him as the weather warms up

12/02/2026

A lovely client treated me to a yummy pączki (deep-fried, jelly-filled, sugar-dusted doughnut) today as it’s Tłusty Czwartek (Fat Thursday) in her native Poland. 😋

A traditional Christian, primarily Polish, holiday held on the last Thursday before Lent, the day is the final, festive opportunity to enjoy fatty and sugary foods before the restrictions of Lent.

It is customary to eat at least one pączki, with many people consuming dozens throughout the day. 🍩

15/06/2025

I like to think all the Dads in heaven get to come down today and spend it with their precious ones. But you must invite them. Say their names, play their favourite music and tell that joke that made everyone groan. They will come. The thing about love is, it doesn’t die, you see. It places precious parts of souls in loved one’s hearts and that, that lasts an eternity. Much longer than we can imagine. So, if you are finding today hard, look for them in the moments… I believe they’re trying really hard to let you know, they’re still here.

Donna Ashworth
‘Loss’

15/05/2025

20/04/2025

Happy Easter. 🐰🥚🍫

19/03/2025

📷 Stacie Swift