Samantha Fords Counselling Service

09/05/2026

INTENTIONALLY PAUSING.... taking a social media pause.
So ready for a reset.. 💚

06/05/2026

"Everytime you grow, you lose something" a phrase which reflects the idea that personal growth often involves shedding habits, comfort zones, or even the old version of oneself.

Growth is not just about improvement, its also about loss, of the things that no longer serve you. The quote is a paradox that highlights personal development, suggesting that embracing change is essential for growth. Ultimately growth involves loss, which is a necessary part of evolving into a better version of oneself.

Reflecting on our choices and the scarface we make in the pursuit of personal and professional development.

Sometimes we have to let go.... 💚

04/05/2026

Good luck to all that are starting their GCSE tomorrow.

You've got this class of 2026!!!

22/04/2026

Some children grow up feeling like they owe their parents everything.

They're reminded of everything that was done for them;
The sacrifices
The money
The effort

And something unhealthy forms

Love starts to feel unconditional.
As if being cared for as a child created a lifelong debt.

But here is the truth many people struggle to accept.
Providing food, shelter and basic care is not a favour its a responsibility

So when a parent uses their role to demand loyalty at the cost of your boundaries, your voice or your emotional wellbeing...

That is not love
That is control..

Healthy love does not keep score.
It does not demand repayment.
Its does not require you to abandon yourself to maintain it.

Your allowed to have boundaries.
Your allowed to have your own life.
Your allowed to have peace over guilt. 💚

20/04/2026

What I would tell my younger self...

● Embrace Yourself: Be original, don't try to fit into the crowd, and trust your instincts.
●Prioritize Well-being: Take care of your mental health, seek help when needed, and don't stress over things you can't control.
●Take Risks and Learn: Make mistakes early, don't fear failure, and know that you are stronger and more resilient than you think.
●Cherish Time: Enjoy the present moment, as these are the "glory days".
●Relationships Matter: Cultivate meaningful relationships and walk away from those who don't have your best interests at heart.
●Actionable Advice: Travel more, start investing early, and learn to say "no" to things that don't align with your values.

You are worth everyone you traded for those who were not worth you".

What would you tell your younger self? 💚

16/04/2026

Tells' That Your Parents May Be Emotionally Neglectful......
●Many emotionally neglectful parents are good people trying their best. This can make it hard to identify the problem.
●There are three different types of emotionally neglectful parents: well-meaning, struggling and self-involved
●Becoming aware of the emotional neglect you grew up with and understanding the type of parents you have can help you heal.

What does it take for a parent to emotionally neglect their child? Surprisingly, it takes literally nothing. Emotional neglect in families tends to happen organically, as it’s passed down silently and invisibly from one generation to the next.

To become emotionally neglectful, parents only need to grow up in a family that doesn’t understand the importance of feelings and emotional support. When they become parents, they cannot give their children the emotional validation and care that they never received themselves.

Some people think that emotionally neglectful parents must be abusive or mean in some way, and some are.

But one of the most surprising things about childhood emotional neglect is that the parents are often good and loving people. Many are trying their very best to raise their children well.

But they cannot give their children what they never received themselves: emotional awareness, emotional education, and emotional validation.

Since the picture of emotionally neglectful parents can be so mixed and confusing, it can be difficult to see the traits in your own parents. 💚

15/03/2026

Sending love to.....

Have a gentle day.

08/03/2026

08/03/2026

Happy International womens' day.

Here's to the women who the women who know were they're going and won't stop until they get there.
The mother, daughter, aunties, grandmothers and friends who have taught us to LOVE, so boldy, to care so passionately and stand so PROUDLY. Heres' to lifting each other up when the world can be so quick to knock us down!!

02/02/2026

Endings in therapy with teenagers:

Termination in therapy is a crucial process for any client, it signifies the end of a therapeutic realtionship and can foster a sense pf closure for the client.

Ending therapy with teenagers involves a gradual, collaborative process, often shifting from weekly to bi-weekly and monthly sessions, ensuring goals are met and independence is established. Key strategies include highlighting progress, addressing attachment, and creating a concrete plan for future challenges. 

Key Aspects of Ending Therapy with Teens

Signs of Readiness: Consistent positive behavioral changes, reduced symptoms, and improved social/emotional functioning indicate the teen is ready.

Gradual Tapering: Transitioning to bi-weekly and then monthly sessions allows the teen to practice skills independently while retaining support.

Collaborative Planning: Involve the teenager in deciding when to end sessions to honor their autonomy, which builds rapport and reduces resistance.

Addressing the "Why": Address potential, "forced" or premature termination due to resistance, which is common in adolescent therapy.

Final Session/Closure: Celebrate progress with activities like creating a Personalized certificate of counseling completion, reviewing progress, and reinforcing that the door is open for future support.

28/01/2026

"A child who is overwhelmed doesn't need distance. They need a anchor"