Andy Weston Counselling

13/05/2026

SMALL ACTION - BIG OUTCOME

Asking someone ‘how are you?’ is a natural conversation starter, with the default response often being ‘I’m fine, thanks.’

But that isn’t always the case and simply taking a moment to ask again, with genuine care and intention, can make a meaningful difference to a person’s life - especially if they’ve been suffering in silence.

09/04/2026

Broadcaster Jake Humphrey says 80 percent of the high achieving, high performing individuals he interviews are unhappy.

High achievement brings praise and status in society and its messaging is woven into the fabric of popular culture – Work harder. Do more. Better never stops.

Ambition isn’t a problem but when success and high achievement become the only source of value, purpose and self worth, the finish line just keeps moving and happiness stays out of reach.

For some people, slowing down would mean confronting parts of themselves and their lives they’ve literally worked so hard to avoid.

That prospect can feel too overwhelming, making happiness and contentment feel even more out of reach.

I’ve lost count of the number of people in their 40, 50s, 60s, even 70s, who have starting counselling and through time said to me, “I wish I had started therapy earlier.”

Because for those who do insert space in life to confront their internal struggles and uncomfortable truths, it’s very often started a journey towards a more consistently rewarding, happier life.

And in the words of Carl Jung, the privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are – free from the weight of societal expectation and pressures.

Perhaps achievement should be more aligned to this and less about what we materially accomplish.



www.andywestoncounselling.co.uk

23/02/2026

We're all guilty of it. But if you wouldn’t say that thought in your head to someone you care about - why say it to yourself? Of course it's good to be accountable for our actions, behaviours and decisions. But when that inner voice turns into relentless criticism, it can become mentally exhausting, quietly eroding our confidence and sense of worth.
So, give yourself a break, you'll feel all the better for it.

27/01/2026

Anger is frequently misunderstood as the 'problem,' when in reality it often serves as a protective response to deeper pain.
In therapy, there's space to explore what’s underneath — the hurt, the loss, the unmet needs. That’s where healing begins and when meaningful, long-term change becomes possible.

02/01/2026

Content diets - How the big mental health trend in 2026 could be about how much you can control where your attention goes.

In 2026, health won’t just be measured in how little alcohol you drink, or how much kale you can pile on your plate. This year how ‘healthy’ you are will be logged quietly, invisibly - in your browser history, your screen time, your ability to close a tab and not feel anxious about what you're...

19/12/2025

For many, Christmas is an exciting and joyful time of year.

For others, this season can be quietly challenging — particularly for those experiencing family estrangement.

Estrangement can bring a sense of loneliness or emotional strain that isn’t always visible, understood or acknowledged by others.

In my latest blog, I explore family estrangement as a living loss and how counselling can help you make sense of the emotions it can bring, especially at this time of year.

Family estrangement is often described as a living loss, an experience which can feel deeply isolating, painful and confusing.

14/11/2025

People often listen with the intent to reply, thinking of their own opinion or planning what they will say next. But sometimes we just want to be witnessed, given space to be heard, seen and understood. When we truly listen, it’s a gentle act of presence, hearing someone into existence.

23/10/2025

Loneliness is often about feeling unseen, unheard and unable to share what truly matters.

12/10/2025

Have we reached peak social media? Since 2022, usage has been quietly declining and that is a good thing for mental health. More people are stepping back from the hyper-connected digital world, seeking slower, more intentional ways to connect.

03/10/2025

Ever found yourself lashing out when you’re hurting? It’s more common than we think. Hurt people hurt people. You can't fix yourself by breaking someone else. Therapy helps us understand these patterns—and gently change them.