Emma Ryland Positive About Neurodiversity

25/02/2026

I've just come across this very helpful-seeming list of counselling and support services throughout Edinburgh, most of them free. I don't know the compiling organisation but I do know that counselling and therapy can be prohibitively expensive or inaccessible to many so please pass this on to anyone you think may find it useful...🌻

A complete list of Edinburgh Counselling Agencies in Edinburgh

08/02/2026

From Me to You - writing letters to people with cancer...

Yesterday, I joined a 24 hour letter writing marathon run by the lovely charity, From Me to You. The charity encourages us to write letters to people who are undergoing cancer treatment. Each week, hundreds of people who are feeling isolated receive a letter from a stranger and are maybe distracted for a few moments by a wee bit of cheer.

There were 35 of us online for the 3 hours I took part, from all over the world, and it felt gently wonderful and peaceful to be sitting with others all quietly writing. I wrote and decorated 5 letters in that time, mainly about my garden, dahlias, and the complications of the Scottish weather. It's tricky to pinpoint exactly why I enjoyed it so much but I think the light creativity without any pressure was part of it.

I heard about the charity several months ago, even signed up, and then did nothing, mainly because I wasn't sure what to say. The prompts, testimonies and community yesterday were enough to get me started and I'm so glad I did - I'm going to find a way now to write regularly, not just for others, but to give myself that quietly creative space.

If you're even slightly interested, I urge you to check the charity out and be inspired
https://www.frommetoyouletters.co.uk/donate-a-letter or https://www.facebook.com/FromMetoYouLetters

Happy writing!!

PS Several people on the call yesterday belong to letter writing groups that meet monthly. I'm thinking of setting one up - please do get in touch if you're interested in joining us 🌻

Image description: 5 letters, all decorated with cheerful mainly flowery borders, and five delicious berry teabags, which are going to be included with the letters. The writing and borders show that you don't need to be talented to write letters.

03/02/2026

I'm a qualified clinical supervisor!🎉

Consultation, training and supervision were a big part of my life when I was a teacher within autism outreach and I loved being able to work with education staff who were keen to support and understand their neurodivergent students. Seeing the relief when someone was able to admit in a safe place that they weren't sure if they were doing a helpful thing, and then watching the positive ripple effect when small but hugely significant neuro-affirming changes were made, was always a joy for me.

And I'm delighted to now bring the same to my therapy practice! I've been facilitating ad hoc training and consultation sessions since I was a student, and now that I'm offering supervision as well, I'm really hoping to support more people so that they can become genuinely more neuro-affirming, confident that their practical approaches are based in good understanding.

If this sounds interesting, please get in touch. And please share this with anyone you think might welcome it - let's spread the neuro-affirming love!🌻

https://emmaryland.co.uk/

Image description: A loch is in front of a hillside. What is remarkable about the picture is that because of the sun and dark cloud combination, both the clouds and the reflection in the water are many shades of orange, white and grey, and many shades of brown and grey are visible on the hillside. It is nothing to do with supervision, just beautiful.

27/01/2026

Unfortunately I can’t attend this but I’m sharing it because it looks like a great opportunity. I’ll definitely be looking out for future dates 🌻

Limited places available on an upcoming EASE course in Leith!

11 February, 18 February, (note break), 11 March and 18 March from 1-3pm.
Duncan Place Community Hub in Leith Duncan Place Leith

Book your free place by emailing samara@palliativecarescotland.org.uk

22/01/2026

Hooooorrrraayyyy! 🤸‍♂️🌻🌞

Here comes the sun! 🌞

16/01/2026

Happy New Year everyone!
I’ve been learning a lot about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and increasingly using it in my own life and with clients. I’m sharing this because it explains far more clearly than I could one of the key concepts. I’m going to be posting more about ACT as I learn and experience more- maybe you’ll find it interesting and useful too? 🌻

05/12/2025

I see this quite often with my clients - it can be a difficult balance to meet the needs of both ADHD and autism, often resulting in burnout. I don't know the guide to burnout mentioned at the end of the post, but I do know that it is really important to take burnout seriously, and not just try and power on through. And if we can take steps to avoid it in the first place, so much the better! At this time of year, with the cold and darkness, and the festivities, what are you going to do to look after yourself? My favourite techniques involve watching sunsets and sunrises, novels, a fire and a candlelit bath (not necessarily all at once, although I wouldn't object). Enjoy looking after yourself....📚🛀🌅🔥

19/11/2025

I'm very proud to be a trans ally!
Of all the many posts I could have shared this Awareness Week, I chose this one as it includes a link to a guide that explains in very practical terms how to be an ally. It can feel a bit intimidating if we're not sure of terminology, worry about offending, don't really understand what's happening politically etc etc etc - so I like how this guide answers questions.
Happy Trans Awareness Week Everyone!!! Love, Emma 🏳️‍⚧️🥰

13/11/2025

I'm not a huge fan of confetti but I LOVE this idea of throwing kindness around - random, spontaneous, fun, pretty, and makes people smile! And I love the idea of a World Kindness Day - My heart is singing at the thought of people seeing a post about kindness and smiling in appreciation! Happy World Kindness Day indeed - throw some of that stuff around!!! 🥰

30/10/2025

It makes me so happy when my clients speak of these things. 💗
Which ones resonate for you?

16/10/2025

I’ve just discovered something really lovely – the To Absent Friends festival (1–7 November). It’s a week dedicated to remembering those we love and care about who’ve died, creating space for people to share stories and honour their memory.

The festival recognises how rarely we talk about loss in public, even though grief is universal. To Absent Friends invites us to speak openly, reflect, and connect—with friends or even strangers—through shared memories.

In therapy and in Motherless Daughters Groups, I’ve seen how powerful it can be to reminisce with others, especially in supportive spaces like this. Sharing stories not only keeps memories alive, but also reminds us we’re not alone in our grief.

The post below has a range of ways to get involved, both in person and online. I’m attending a couple of events, and although it’s short notice (because I’ve only just discovered the festival) I’m going to try and organise an online event for Motherless Daughters – watch this space!

If you'd like to reminisce about someone, or if you attend an event and want to tell us about it, please feel very free to do so, I’m looking forward to sharing with you.🌻

To Absent Friends Week is coming up (1-7 November)! Organisations and communities across Scotland will be taking part in a variety of ways. Check out this year's listings so far to find out what's happening near you, and if you have an activity you'd like to add to the listings, please email samara@palliativecarescotland.org.uk.

https://www.toabsentfriends.org.uk/blogs/festival-events-2025/

10/10/2025

Here are some of our support options available for you this World Mental Health Day 💙