The First Step Counselling Kent

29/05/2025

Hello everyone, just a quick update on availability. I have one evening space available and also daytime spaces either face to face or via video. 🙂

11/03/2025

🧠Thinking about counselling for yourself or someone else?

I have a few daytime spaces that have become available. Please contact me to arrange your free 30 minute, no obligation, introduction call. I work with adults, young people and children.

17/09/2024

I take Safeguarding very serious and it's that time of year to do a refresher. Although safeguarding certificates do not expire, it's important to refresh the old brain cells at least every couple of years🎓

11/09/2024

❤️

10/09/2024

TW**** SU***DE
Today, is world su***de prevention day.

How to talk to someone who has suicidal thoughts and feelings:
1) Ask open questions. "How have you been feeling?" or "What happened next?" These questions really help people to open up.
2) Give them time. You might feel anxious to hear their answers, but it helps if you let them take all the time they need.
3)Take them seriously. People who talk about su***de do sometimes act on their feelings. It's a myth that they don't.
4)Try not to judge, this isn't about you. You may feel shocked, upset or frightened, but it's important not to blame the person for their feelings or how they're feeling. They may have taken a big step in confiding in you.
5)Don't skirt around the topic. There's still a taboo around su***de. This can make it even harder for people to open up and feel understood. Try asking direst questions like "Are you feeling suicidal, are you having suicidal thoughts?" or "Have you felt like you want to end your life?" This can help them talk about their feelings. If you are worried someone is feeling suicidal, asking them directly won't make them act on it. It can encourage them to be honest about how they're feeling. Many people feel relieved and less isolated when they're asked.
6) Ask them who their protective factors are. These are people and pets etc that mean something to them. For example a dog, cat, children, partner, parents.
7) Look after yourself. Having these conversations can be really hard. So take care of yourself too. It may help to talk about your feelings afterwards, or get support from someone who has gone through the same experience, or talk to a qualified BACP/NCS therapist.
If you are worried someone is at immediate risk of taking their own life:
Stay with them.
Get emergency help by calling 999 or take them to A&E

03/09/2024

For your piece of mind, please check out some of my client's reviews, I feel incredibly privileged to work with the most amazing people.

Send a message to learn more

03/09/2024

Evening slots available!
Tuesday's at 6pm
Friday's at 5pm
Both times available as of now, face to face. Be quick though, as these rarely come up! Great for adults working full time or adolescents after school. 🙂

04/07/2024

Your body uses hormones as chemical messengers. They work on different organs and tissues once glands release them into the bloodstream, regulating everything from your body's functions to your emotions.

A particular class of hormones is known as the "feel-good hormones" due to the positive and occasionally euphoric emotions they elicit. Additionally, they are regarded as neurotransmitters, which indicates that they transfer messages between nerve cells.
Simple lifestyle adjustments like diet, exercise, and meditation can raise your levels of these hormones and potentially lift your spirits.

Found on Google from wecapable.com

02/07/2024

My experience was in teaching, and even though it was really difficult at times, the amazing children and colleagues I got to work with, gave me my dopamine and serotonin fix. I'm saying this now, because I've noticed that more teachers and students, who are stressed out by examinations and end-of-year assessments, are coming to me for help. You are heard!

Perhaps allowing your emotions to flow in a safe, judgment-free environment is necessary if you are experiencing burnout, stress or feeling unappreciated. Maybe, it's time you took time for you?

I have spaces available face to face and online.

05/06/2024

Hello everyone! I've got some new sessions times which have become available, including one very rare 6pm one (they are like gold dust!) Please get in touch if you feel you would like some help managing your mental health.

17/03/2024

Ask yourself, what are the truths and facts of your thought? Breathe, move, put that energy into living yourself more. Look for 'glimmers', count them. You are powerful, despite what your thoughts tell you ❤️

13/03/2024

5pm, Tuesday's, 1pm Wednesday's and 2pm Friday's
Now available for Face to face counselling.