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http://www.handinhandtherapy.co.uk/

Hand In Hand Psychotherapy, Epsom (2026)

21/01/2026

✨ Counselling: Myth vs Reality✨
When you’re thinking about counselling, it’s really common to hesitate — not because you don’t want support, but because you’re not sure what counselling will actually be like. You might wonder if your problems are “big enough,” worry you’ll get judged, or feel nervous about what you’d even say. For a lot of people, the fear of the unknown is the biggest barrier.

Here are some common MYTHS vs FACTS:
🌿 1) MYTH: Counselling is only for people in crisis
✅ FACT: Counselling can support you with stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, burnout, grief, confidence, or feeling stuck — and it can also help with anything impacting your wellbeing, such as trauma, self-esteem struggles, life transitions, parenting pressures, work stress, anger, panic, loneliness, overwhelm, identity concerns, or simply feeling “not like yourself.”

🧠 2) MYTH: A counsellor will give advice or tell me what to do
✅ FACT: Counselling is collaborative. You set the pace, and together we explore what’s going on and build tools that fit you. A counsellor doesn’t tell you what decisions to make — they help you gain clarity, understand patterns, and choose what feels right for you.

💛 3) MYTH: I’ll be judged
✅ FACT: You don’t need the perfect words. You don’t need to justify your feelings. Counselling is a non-judgemental space where you can be honest — even if you feel messy, unsure, or embarrassed.

🌧️ 4) MYTH: Talking about it will make me feel worse
✅ FACT: It can feel emotional to open up — especially if you’ve held things in for a long time. But with the right support, those feelings become safer to sit with, easier to understand, and less overwhelming over time.

📌 5) MYTH: I have to talk about everything straight away
✅ FACT: You choose what you share and when. Counselling works best when you feel safe — and building that safety matters.

If you’ve ever thought counselling “isn’t for me,” pause and consider this:
maybe it’s not counselling you’re unsure about — maybe it’s the story you’ve been told about it 💛

If you, or someone you know, is interested in counselling, reach out to Hand in Hand Therapy.

14/01/2026

✨ Mental Health Tip: Match the Coping Skill to the Struggle ✨

When people say “use coping skills,” it can sound like there’s one right technique that works for everyone. But coping isn’t one-size-fits-all. Different situations need different supports — and what helps in one moment (like distraction) might not help in another (like problem-solving).

Coping skills aren’t about never struggling. They’re about having options — so you’re not relying on just one strategy when life feels heavy.

If you’ve ever thought “nothing helps,” pause and consider this:
maybe you haven’t found the right type of coping for what you’re facing.

Coping challenges often look like this:
💭 Maybe you try to “think positive” but still feel overwhelmed
💭 Maybe you distract yourself, but the feelings come back stronger
💭 Maybe you overtalk it, but don’t feel calmer in your body
💭 Maybe you shut down because you don’t know what else to do
💭 Maybe you’re using the same coping tool for every situation

Here are five different types of coping skills to build into your toolbox:

🌿 1) Body-based coping (regulate your nervous system)
Best for: panic, overwhelm, anger, stress spikes
• Slow exhale breathing (in 4, out 6)

🧠 2) Mind-based coping (shift unhelpful thoughts)
Best for: spiralling, overthinking, self-criticism
• “What’s the evidence for this thought?”

💛 3) Emotional coping (feel it safely, without getting stuck in it)
Best for: grief, sadness, frustration, emotional build-up
• Journal for 10 minutes (no editing)

📋 4) Practical coping (problem-solving and support planning)
Best for: stress caused by real-life pressures
• Ask: “What’s the next tiny step?”

💬 5) Connection-based coping (co-regulation)
Best for: loneliness, relationship stress, feeling unsafe inside yourself
• Message someone safe

Remember:
💛 If a coping skill isn’t working, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed — it may just be the wrong type for what you need right now.
💛 The goal isn’t perfect coping. It’s having enough options that you don’t feel stuck.

Personalised coping skills work best—talking with a counsellor/psychotherapist can help you find what fits. Support is available at Hand in Hand Therapy.

07/01/2026

✨ Mental Health Tip: January Is About Settling In, Not Speeding Up ✨

January can feel heavy. The holidays are over, the days are darker, routines restart, and pressure to “do better” suddenly feels loud. If you’re feeling flat, unmotivated, or emotionally tender, it doesn’t mean you’re doing the new year wrong. It means your system is still recovering and adjusting.

Low mood in January isn’t a personal flaw — it’s often a natural response to reduced light, disrupted routines, exhaustion, and unrealistic expectations about fresh starts.

If you’ve been criticizing yourself for not feeling inspired or energised, pause and consider this:
would you expect someone you care about to bloom in the middle of winter?

Feeling low or stuck in January often looks like this:

💭 Maybe motivation feels harder to access after the holidays
💭 Maybe your energy is lower than you think it “should” be
💭 Maybe the short, dark days are affecting your mood more than you realised
💭 Maybe you feel pressure to improve while still feeling emotionally drained

✨ Ways to support yourself through the January blues:

🌿 Set realistic intentions, not resolutions. Gentle direction is enough.
🧠 Normalize low mood. Seasonal dips are common and valid.
💛 Focus on warmth and light. Sunlight, cozy spaces, and nourishing food matter.
📋 Choose consistency over intensity. Small routines help regulate your nervous system.
💬 Talk about how January actually feels for you — not how you think it should feel.
🛋️ Speak to a therapist. January is a common time to seek support, and you don’t need to be “at your worst” to benefit.

Remember:
💛 You are not failing the new year because you feel slow, uncertain, or tired. January is a transition — not a test — and you are allowed to take this month gently and meet yourself with compassion.
💛 Feeling low in January doesn’t mean something is wrong with you — it means you’re human, adjusting, and worthy of care.

Support through counselling and psychotherapy is available at Hand in Hand Therapy if January feels heavy.

24/12/2025

Sending warmth and care to everyone this holiday season.

For some, this time of year brings happiness; for others, it can feel heavy or complicated. Whether you are celebrating, grieving, coping, or simply getting through the day, may you treat yourself with kindness and compassion. Support is available, and it’s okay to reach out when things feel hard.

17/12/2025

✨ Mental Health Tip: A Healthy Mind Responds — An Unhealthy Mind Reacts ✨

During stressful seasons like Christmas, the difference between a healthy and an unhealthy mind isn’t about never feeling overwhelmed — it’s about how you relate to what you’re feeling.

A healthy mind doesn’t avoid discomfort.
It notices emotions, pauses, and chooses responses with care.

An unhealthy mind often feels rushed, self-critical, or stuck in survival mode — reacting automatically through people-pleasing, withdrawal, overworking, or emotional shutdown.

Neither makes you a bad person.
One simply means your system may be under strain.

💭 An unhealthy mind says:
• “I should cope better.”
• “I can’t let anyone down.”
• “If I stop, it will fall apart.”

💭 A healthier mind shifts to:
• “This is hard — and that’s okay.”
• “I’m allowed limits.”
• “I can slow this down.”

🤍 A healthy mind isn’t perfect.
🤍It is curious rather than cruel.
🤍 It seeks regulation, not self-punishment.
🤍 It allows rest, boundaries, and emotional honesty.

✨ Ways to move toward a healthier mind during demanding times:
🛋️ Consider therapy. A therapist can help you notice patterns, soften self-criticism, and build healthier responses over time
🌿 Pause before reacting. One slow breath can interrupt autopilot.
🧠 Name what you’re feeling without judging it. (“This is stress,” not “I’m weak.”)
🛑 Set one boundary — even a small one. You don’t have to attend everything or please everyone.
📉 Reduce emotional overload. Less explaining, less fixing, less forcing yourself through.
💬 Share honestly with someone safe. Regulation happens through connection.

✨ Remember ✨
You don’t develop an unhealthy mind because you’re failing —
it often develops because you’ve been coping for too long without enough support.

A healthier mind isn’t about changing who you are.
It’s about learning how to treat yourself with safety, compassion, and choice — especially when life feels heavy.

If this season is amplifying pressure, guilt, or emotional fatigue, therapy can offer a calm, non-judgmental space to pause, reflect, and feel less alone with what you’re carrying.

10/12/2025

✨ Mental Health Tip: You Are Still Worthy on Your Hardest Days ✨

Some days, simply showing up — even quietly and with very little energy — is more than enough. Not every day will be productive, and your capacity will naturally rise and fall. That doesn’t make you broken. It makes you human.

Struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re responding to real emotional weight — stress, grief, burnout, or quiet exhaustion that doesn’t always have words.

If you’ve been judging yourself for not “doing enough,” pause gently and ask what you would say to a friend in your place. You may notice your inner voice is far harsher than your compassion.

💭 Maybe you’re moving more slowly than usual…
💭 Maybe your motivation feels distant or unpredictable…
💭 Maybe your mind feels foggy, your body feels heavy, or your emotions feel closer to the surface than you’d like…
💭 Maybe you’re functioning on the outside while struggling on the inside…

🤍 None of this means you’re weak.
🤍 It means your nervous system may be tired, overwhelmed, or in need of safety and gentleness.
🤍 It means something inside you needs care, not criticism.

✨ Ways to support yourself on low-energy days:
🌿 Lower the bar with intention. Ask, “What’s the smallest kind step I can take today?”
🧠 Separate worth from output. You are valuable regardless of what you achieve.
💛 Rest without guilt. Rest is not a reward — it’s a necessity.
📋 Prioritise one thing. One completed task is enough for today.
💬 Let someone know how you’re really doing. You don’t have to carry it alone.
🛋️ Speak to a therapist. A safe, supportive space can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and feel less alone.

You don’t need to be coping perfectly to deserve care, and you don’t need to be “strong” to be worthy of support. You are allowed slow, messy days and still deserve compassion.

Remember: Struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re human.

If you’re feeling stuck in pressure, shame, overwhelm, or emotional fatigue, therapy can offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore what’s going on. It’s not about being broken — it’s about understanding yourself with greater compassion.

26/11/2025

✨ Mental Health Tip: It’s Okay If the Festive Season Feels Heavy — Your Feelings Are Valid ✨

The holidays are often painted as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration — but for many people, this time of year can stir up stress, grief, loneliness, or old emotional wounds.

If the festive season feels complicated for you, you’re not alone.

💭 Maybe you notice old family dynamics resurfacing…
💭 Or feel pressure to be cheerful when you’re running low inside…
🤍 Maybe you’re missing someone deeply…
🤍 Or trying to navigate gatherings that feel draining instead of uplifting…
🤍 Or simply feeling overwhelmed by expectations, commitments, or memories that resurface at this time of year…

Here’s the truth: Your emotional experience is valid — even if it doesn’t match the “festive” mood around you.

The holiday season can amplify feelings we’ve tucked away during the year, and that can be a lot to hold.

✨ Here’s how you can support yourself this holiday season:

🌿 Set gentle boundaries.
It’s okay to say no or choose quieter plans when you need to.

🧠 Know your limits.
When things feel heavy, pause and give yourself space to breathe.

💛 Find small moments of calm.
A walk, journaling, or a quiet cup of tea can help ground you.

🎁 Redefine holiday joy.
Joy can be rest, softness, or simply getting through with compassion.

💬 Reach out.
Talking to someone you trust — or a therapist — can ease the load.

Therapy offers a warm, non-judgmental space to explore the feelings the holidays tend to bring up. It isn’t about being “broken.” It’s about understanding yourself, healing old wounds, and finding steadiness in times that feel overwhelming.

🤍 You deserve peace, comfort, and support — during the holidays and always.

If you or someone you care about is considering therapy, I offer a safe, confidential space to talk and feel heard.
Sessions are available face-to-face, online, and by telephone — so you can choose whatever feels right for you.

You can find out more at: www.handinhandtherapy.co.uk

19/11/2025

✨ Men’s Mental Health Tip: Strength Doesn’t Mean Silence ✨

Many men are taught to “handle it,” to stay strong and steady no matter what’s happening inside.
But even the strongest foundations struggle when they carry too much for too long.

You might feel it in the quiet moments — holding everything together for everyone else, while no one sees the weight you’re carrying.

💭 Do you notice yourself…
• Shutting down instead of opening up?
• Carrying stress because you feel you “should” cope alone?
• Staying composed even when you’re overwhelmed?
• Avoiding emotions because they feel unfamiliar or “too much”?
• Feeling disconnected, numb, or unsure of what you need?

Here’s the truth:
You don’t have to tough it out alone.
Seeking support isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom.

Remember this: Your emotions don’t make you less.
They make you human — and worthy of care.

Therapy isn’t about being “broken.”
It’s about becoming more grounded, self-aware, and connected — in your life, your relationships, and yourself.

✨ Therapy can support men by helping to:
🧭 Break old cycles
🧠 Build emotional clarity
💬 Improve communication
💔 Process past experiences
🌿 Create balance and healthy boundaries

If you or a man you care about is considering therapy, I offer a warm, confidential space to explore whatever you’re carrying — at your own pace, in your own way.

Sessions are available face-to-face, online, and by telephone.
Learn more: www.handinhandtherapy.co.uk
💛

17/11/2025

✨ Mental Health Tip for National Self-Care Week: Self Care Isn’t Selfish✨

Self-care is more than bubble baths and candles — it’s the ongoing practice of tending to your emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing.
It’s checking in with yourself, noticing when you’re stretched thin, and giving yourself permission to rest, reset, and receive support.
Self-care is the quiet act of choosing yourself, even in small moments. 🧡

In a world that constantly asks you to give more — more energy, more compassion, more time — it’s easy to forget that you deserve that same gentleness in return.

Self-care isn’t about escaping your life.
It’s about creating space to breathe within it.

💛 Maybe you’ve been moving on autopilot.
💛 Maybe your mind feels cluttered or heavy.
💛 Maybe you’ve been showing up for everyone else but yourself.

Self-care is the intentional pause where you ask:
“What do I need today?”

Here’s how meaningful self-care supports your mental wellbeing:

🌿 It helps you reconnect with yourself.
You become more in tune with your emotions, limits, and needs.

🧠 It protects your emotional capacity.
Rest and boundaries keep you from running on empty.

🤍 It reduces stress and overwhelm.
Moments of stillness allow your nervous system to soften and reset.

🪞 It deepens self-awareness.
Understanding yourself makes it easier to care for yourself with compassion.

✨ Remember: Self-care isn’t selfish
It’s an essential part of staying grounded, balanced, and whole.

If you’re exploring ways to deepen your self-care or understand yourself more fully, therapy can be a supportive place to begin.
Find out more at: www.handinhandtherapy.co.uk

14/11/2025

🏳️‍⚧️ Mental Health Tip of the Week: The Healing Power of Being Seen 🏳️‍⚧️

It’s Transgender Awareness Week — a time to recognise the courage it takes to live authentically and the importance of being seen for who we truly are.

Being seen isn’t about labels — it’s about understanding, respect, and connection. For many trans and gender-diverse people, authenticity is both a journey and a daily act of strength. And for all of us, learning to see and accept one another — as we are — builds a kinder, safer world for everyone.

This week is an invitation to pause, listen, and open our hearts. When we replace assumptions with curiosity and judgment with empathy, we create spaces where everyone can feel valued. 🌿

Here are some gentle reminders for this week:
✅ Authenticity is healing. Each person’s story is unique — and each deserves respect.
✅ Compassion is healing. Understanding someone else’s experience never diminishes your own; it expands our shared humanity.
✅ Representation is healing. Seeing people live openly and proudly reminds us that there are many ways to be whole.
✅ Support is healing. Whether you’re trans, cisgender, or an ally — connection, kindness, and listening can change lives.

✨ This week, celebrate authenticity — in yourself and others. Because when we see one another clearly, healing begins. ✨

If you or someone you know is exploring gender identity, facing rejection, or seeking an affirming space to talk, counselling can help you find clarity, resilience, and self-compassion.

You’re not alone — find support at handinhandtherapy.co.uk💛

10/11/2025

✨ Mental Health Tip of the Week: Using Your Power for Good ✨

It’s Anti-Bullying Week — a time to reflect on how our words and actions shape the spaces we share.
This year’s theme, Power for Good, reminds us that each of us holds the power to influence others — for better or for worse. Because bullying isn’t harmless — it can shatter confidence, silence voices, and leave lasting scars that reach far beyond the moment itself.

Bullying isn’t just playground behaviour — it can happen anywhere: at school, at work, online, or even within ourselves through harsh self-talk. Its impact can linger long after the words fade, shaping how we see ourselves and the world.

But power can be reclaimed, redefined, and redirected. Power for Good means using your voice to uplift, your empathy to connect, and your awareness to protect. It’s about choosing courage over silence and compassion over criticism. 🌿

Here are some gentle reminders for this week:
✅ Kindness is power. It doesn’t shout — it transforms. Real strength is found in gentleness, not in harm.
✅ Boundaries are power. Saying “no” to harm — for yourself or others — is an act of strength.
✅ Empathy is power. Seeing beyond behaviour to the pain beneath it creates understanding, not division.
✅ Community is power. Healing happens when we stand together, not apart.

✨ This week, remind yourself: You have the power to make someone feel seen, safe, and valued — including yourself. Use it for good ✨

If you or someone you know has been affected by bullying, counselling can help rebuild confidence, heal emotional wounds, and restore a sense of safety.
You’re not alone — find support at handinhandtherapy.co.uk 💛

05/11/2025

✨Mental Health Tip of the Week: Slowing Down the Storm ✨

It’s Stress Awareness Day — a gentle reminder that stress isn’t just “part of life.” It’s your body’s way of saying something needs care. In a world that moves fast and demands more, it’s easy to forget that rest isn’t laziness — it’s maintenance.

Stress looks different for everyone:
💭 Racing thoughts
💢 Tension or irritability
😴 Exhaustion
💔 Feeling disconnected
💪 Tight shoulders or jaw

However it shows up, remember — your stress response is your body trying to protect you. It’s not a flaw; it’s communication.

Instead of judging yourself for feeling “too stressed,” try listening with curiosity:
What might my body need — rest, connection, boundaries, or simply a pause?
It’s not a flaw; it’s communication.

Here are some gentle ways to steady yourself when stress takes hold:
✅ Pause before reacting. A deep breath creates space between you and your stressor — a moment to choose, not just react.
✅ Check in, not check out. Notice where stress sits in your body. Softening your jaw or unclenching your hands can be a quiet act of release.
✅ Prioritise one thing. You don’t need to do everything at once. Calming chaos often starts with focusing on one small step.
✅ Connect instead of cope alone. Sharing your stress lightens it — whether through talking, movement, creativity, or therapy.

When you treat stress as information, not failure, you begin to respond with care instead of criticism. That’s when healing starts — not by pushing harder, but by softening into awareness. 🌸

If you’d like a safe, supportive space to explore your stress and build resilience, I offer counselling and psychotherapy at handinhandtherapy.co.uk

Hand In Hand Psychotherapy

21/01/2026

14/01/2026

07/01/2026

24/12/2025

17/12/2025

10/12/2025

26/11/2025

19/11/2025

17/11/2025

14/11/2025

10/11/2025

05/11/2025

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Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 3pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 5pm