The Life Skills Mentoring Academy

The Life Skills Mentoring Academy Child therapist & family counselling in Norfolk. Expert trauma-informed therapy for anxiety, stress & emotional challenges. Ages 5-25. Book free consultation.

Fakenham-based, online UK-wide. www.thelifeskillsmentoringacademy.co.uk

Drop-in morning is TOMORROW! 🌟If you've been curious about what we do, or if your young person needs a safe space to exp...
18/04/2026

Drop-in morning is TOMORROW! 🌟

If you've been curious about what we do, or if your young person needs a safe space to explore, this is your chance to come and see us.

What happens at a drop-in?

You'll get to experience our space - the cozy cabin, the creative tools, the genuine warmth. Your young person can chat with us, explore the room, try an activity if they want to. No pressure. No commitment. Just a chance to feel what trauma-informed, whole-family support actually feels like.

We work with young people aged 5-25 who are navigating anxiety, big emotions, family changes, or just need someone who gets it. We use creative, body-based approaches - sand trays, art, movement, stories - whatever helps them feel safe and heard.

This is your chance to:
✨ Meet Laura
✨ See the space where real healing happens
✨ Ask questions, no judgment
✨ Discover if TLSMA is right for your family

No waiting lists. Just accessible, expert support when you need it most.

Drop in tomorrow morning. We're here. 💙

This is what therapy looks like when we get it right.No formal desk. No rigid chair. Just genuine connection, real laugh...
18/04/2026

This is what therapy looks like when we get it right.

No formal desk. No rigid chair. Just genuine connection, real laughter, and a young person choosing exactly where they feel safe to sit.

Notice the blue beanbag? The space that says "you get to be comfortable here." That's intentional. Because when young people feel physically at ease, their nervous system settles. When their nervous system settles, real work can happen.

And those shelves? Packed with resources like Hey Sigmund - tools that help us understand what's really going on beneath the behaviour. Because behaviour is communication, and we're here to listen.

This is what trauma-informed care actually looks like:
💚 Relaxed, not clinical
💚 Flexible, not rigid
💚 Joyful, not heavy
💚 Partnership, not prescription

Every young person who walks through our door gets to choose their comfort. Beanbag? Floor cushion? Spinning chair? Wobble board? Whatever helps them feel safe enough to be themselves.

That's when the magic happens. That's when healing begins.

If you're looking for a space where your young person can just... be... we're here.

Credit to Karen Young - Hey Sigmund for her wonderful resources which we've been using a few years now!

Desperately trying to catch up on some admin, sitting on the edge of my chair and this little head comes up and over my ...
17/04/2026

Desperately trying to catch up on some admin, sitting on the edge of my chair and this little head comes up and over my shoulder 🥰

What do you think he's telling me?

He's just been out for a walk and had some lunch... "Get out of my seat, it's time for a nap?!" 😂

💭 Sometimes the best moments of the day aren't the ones we plan. They're the gentle reminders that slow us down, that pull us back to what matters—connection, presence, and a bit of unconditional love.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the to-do list, struggling to find space for yourself, or just need a moment of calm... you're not alone. That's what we're here for.

We create space for families to pause, breathe, and reconnect.

Whether it's supporting your young person through big feelings, finding your own rhythm as a parent, or just needing someone who gets it—reach out. We're here. 💚

Ever wondered why we use wobble boards in sessions? 🧠✨That wobbly, unstable surface? It's actually doing some really cle...
16/04/2026

Ever wondered why we use wobble boards in sessions? 🧠✨

That wobbly, unstable surface? It's actually doing some really clever things for your child's nervous system and development.

When kids stand on a balance board, their body has to work harder to stay upright. This activates their core muscles, improves their proprioception (body awareness), and engages their vestibular system—the part of the brain that helps with balance, coordination, and emotional regulation.

Here's why it matters:

💚 Nervous system regulation: The gentle challenge of balancing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping anxious or dysregulated kids find calm.

💚 Grounding & presence: It brings children into their body and the present moment—perfect for kids who are stuck in their head or overwhelmed by big feelings.

💚 Confidence building: Successfully balancing (especially with support) builds resilience and a sense of achievement.

💚 Connection: Holding hands while balancing creates safety and co-regulation—your child feels supported while learning to regulate themselves.

💚 Fun & engagement: It doesn't feel like "therapy"—it's playful, creative, and meets kids where they are.

At TLSMA, we blend nervous system science with creative, age-appropriate methods. Balance boards, sand trays, art, movement, stories—whatever helps your child feel safe, heard, and able to grow.

If your child struggles with anxiety, big emotions, or just needs support finding their calm, we're here. No waiting lists. Same-week appointments available.

Drop us a message or visit the link in bio to book a free 30-minute chat. 💙

It's happening! 🎉The course is officially written and now we're putting it all together behind the scenes. "When Behavio...
15/04/2026

It's happening! 🎉

The course is officially written and now we're putting it all together behind the scenes. "When Behaviour Is Communication: Parenting Through Big Emotions" launches in the next few weeks.

This course is built around one core idea: behaviour is communication. It doesn't mean every behaviour is okay, but it tells us something important about stress, overwhelm, unmet needs, disconnection, fear, or a child's struggle to cope.

Across the 8 modules, you'll explore:
💚 Behaviour Makes Sense
💚 Big Emotions and the Nervous System
💚 Connection Before Correction
💚 Feel With Before Dealing With
💚 Attention Seeking Is Connection Seeking
💚 Responding to Stress Responses
💚 Repair, Boundaries, and Everyday Safety
💚 Supporting the Parent

This isn't about quick fixes or perfect parenting. It's about building safety, trust, understanding, and practical ways forward.

And remember—our 5th Birthday offers are still live! Block booking bonus, sneak peek workbook access, The Lyric Lounge "bring a friend," or early bird course pricing. 🎁

More details very soon. Watch this space.

✨ Introducing Mini Mindful Adventures ✨We're so excited to launch something brand new at TLSMA in conjunction with Littl...
14/04/2026

✨ Introducing Mini Mindful Adventures ✨

We're so excited to launch something brand new at TLSMA in conjunction with Little Tots with Maria Green ❤️ – a monthly adventure designed just for children aged 4-8.

Our first session? A Bluey Fairy Adventure on 30th April 4:00-4:45. We have been planning and I am so excited to take you on this journey - Fe and I have been doing some run throughs and she gives it the seal of approval 🙏🏻

Through yoga, mindfulness, and creative play, your child will:
🧚 Build confidence in a safe, nurturing space
🌟 Express themselves creatively and freely
💪 Develop inner strength through movement and calm

This isn't about perfection – it's about discovering what your child is capable of when they feel safe and supported.

Each month brings a new adventure, a new theme, and a chance for your little one to grow in their own unique way.

Ready to join us? 🌈

Limited spaces available. Link in comments to book your spot.

When a child's nervous system is activated, they don't need to be told to 'calm down' or sent away to manage alone.They ...
14/04/2026

When a child's nervous system is activated, they don't need to be told to 'calm down' or sent away to manage alone.

They need a grounded, steady presence. Someone who can stay calm and simply be with them in the moment.

This is co-regulation in action.

Simple tools like breathing exercises, gentle movement, and body awareness help children learn that their nervous system is something they can work with, not something to be ashamed of.

When we teach children that big feelings are normal, that their body has wisdom, and that they're not alone in navigating intensity—we're giving them a foundation for lifelong emotional resilience.

What if we reframed 'big emotions' not as 'bad behaviour,' but as a nervous system trying to communicate something it doesn't yet have the words to say?

Try standing tall, breathing in through your nose, stretching towards the sun... then exhaling gently as you reach forward, painting a rainbow.

Simple. Grounding. Powerful.

Back to school can feel like a lot.Whether it's the butterflies in your child's stomach, the mornings that feel like a b...
13/04/2026

Back to school can feel like a lot.

Whether it's the butterflies in your child's stomach, the mornings that feel like a battle, the anxiety that creeps in on Sunday nights, or your own worry about how they'll cope—you're not alone in this.

Some children bounce back with ease. Others need a bit more support to feel safe and ready. And that's okay. That's actually really normal.

If your child is struggling with:
• Anxiety about going back or being away from home
• Big emotions or meltdowns around school
• Difficulty settling or focusing
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Worries about friendships or fitting in

We're here. No pressure. Just a safe space where your child can be heard, and you can get the support you need too.

A free 30-minute chat can help us understand what's going on and how we might help. Sometimes just knowing there's someone in your corner makes all the difference.

You've got this. And so does your child.

Get in touch—let's talk.

Ever heard of a sensory sock? 🧦This simple tool is absolute magic for helping young people (and adults!) regulate their ...
13/04/2026

Ever heard of a sensory sock? 🧦

This simple tool is absolute magic for helping young people (and adults!) regulate their nervous system and feel calmer.

What makes it so powerful?

💚 **Deep pressure input** – The stretchy fabric provides gentle, grounding pressure that helps the body feel safer and more settled
💚 **Proprioceptive feedback** – It gives the brain clear signals about where the body is in space, which is incredibly calming
💚 **Safe co-regulation** – It creates a lovely shared moment of connection and support, which helps build trust and emotional safety
💚 **Creative engagement** – It turns regulation into something playful and fun, not clinical or forced
💚 **Works for big feelings** – Whether it's anxiety, overwhelm, excitement, or just needing a reset, the sensory sock meets them where they are

We use sensory socks in our sessions all the time. They're brilliant for children who find words tricky, or who need their body to feel safe before their mind can settle.

The magic isn't in the sock itself—it's in the connection, the safety, and the gentle way it helps the nervous system find its way back to calm.

Have you tried sensory tools with your young person? Drop a comment and let us know what works for your family! 💙

Meet the Superhero Workbook—a polyvagal theory workbook designed for children ages 6-10 to discover their inner nervous ...
13/04/2026

Meet the Superhero Workbook—a polyvagal theory workbook designed for children ages 6-10 to discover their inner nervous system heroes.

Inside, young people learn that their body has an amazing team working to help them feel brave, calm, and ready for adventure. Through five engaging modules, they explore:

🦸 Meet Your Superhero Team—understanding the nervous system as their inner heroes
🦸 Know the Superpowers Within—discovering their body's natural abilities
🦸 Train Your Superhero Skills—building emotional regulation tools
🦸 Adventure in Emotional Regulation—practising real-world strategies
🦸 Explore Extra Superhero Training—deepening their learning

With interactive activities, creative exercises, and child-friendly language, the Superhero Workbook helps young people understand how their body works and gives them practical tools to handle big feelings, scary moments, and everyday challenges.

Perfect for working through together with a trusted adult or exploring independently. 💙

Order your copy today—DM us to find out more.

Three months seizure-free 🤍Three days ago marked three months since Oakley's last seizure, and I honestly can't find the...
12/04/2026

Three months seizure-free 🤍

Three days ago marked three months since Oakley's last seizure, and I honestly can't find the words big enough to describe the relief, the gratitude, and the overwhelming love I have for this boy.

For those following our journey with him, you know what these months have meant. The worry, the uncertainty, the nights wondering what comes next. And now... this milestone. This beautiful, hard-won milestone.

Oakley, you're such a warrior. Your resilience, your gentle soul, the way you just keep showing up—it moves me every single day. Thank you for fighting, for being here, for letting me love you through this.

We're still awaiting next steps from the vets, but right now, in this moment, I'm just holding onto this win with you. You deserve every bit of peace and health coming your way.

Here's to three months, and to whatever comes next. We've got this together ❤️

Every young person is different, and so is how they work best.Some of our young people love the spinning chair. Others p...
12/04/2026

Every young person is different, and so is how they work best.

Some of our young people love the spinning chair. Others prefer the floor, a beanbag, or standing by the window. We meet them where they are—literally and emotionally.

Our spinning chair has become a real favourite. Here's why it matters:

🌀 Vestibular input: Spinning activates the inner ear and helps regulate the nervous system, calming anxiety and supporting focus
🌀 Proprioceptive feedback: The gentle movement gives the brain sensory input it needs to feel grounded
🌀 Emotional regulation: For some young people, this simple movement helps them feel safe enough to open up and process big feelings
🌀 Engagement: It makes sessions feel less formal, more like a safe space to just... be

Therapy doesn't have to look a certain way. It doesn't have to happen at a desk or on a sofa. When we're flexible, creative, and tuned into what each young person needs, that's when the real work happens.

If your child struggles to sit still, gets anxious in formal settings, or needs movement to help them regulate—we get it. And we've got tools and spaces designed with that in mind.

DM us to book a free 30-min chat about what might work for your young person. 💚

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