Joanne Reed Free to be me Counselling Services

16/09/2025

When I saw this picture it really struck me about how differently we treat people who have a tangible, visible physical illness or impairment versus someone who is experiencing mental illness.

How many times have you been asked to sign a Get Well card for a colleague who is resting up after an operation? Probably a few, how many times have you been asked to sign a card for a colleague who is off work with stress, depression or anxiety? I have worked in many offices over the years and in my experience that's never happened.

Physically ill or mentally ill is still ill, both deserving of checking in on that person, sending thoughts, well wishes or even a little gift to lift their spirits. I think the stigma of mental illness is shifting, people are more willing to talk about their mental health which is a good thing to be encouraged however, it feels like we have a way to go before the treatment of someone with a physical illness matches that of someone with a mental illness.

It is possible for it to change and I hope it does. What could you do to contribute to a change and encourage a shift? Do you know someone currently off sick for a mental health reason that you could check in with?

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

15/09/2025

When people ask me what I do and I tell them I'm a Counsellor who specialises in Grief and loss, particularly loss through su***de I often get either a sharp intake of breath or a moment of silence.

"I couldn't do that" or "How can you do that" are common responses. My answer is how can I not, quite often clients tell me that I am the only person they've been able to speak openly to without worrying about feeling like a burden or upsetting someone or making them worry.

Being able to work with clients who feel isolated, lost and alone is a privilege. Spending time getting to know them and their loved one, giving them space to talk about who the person was to them, sharing memories, dreams, hopes and fears. I love my job, yes it's heavy but incredible and when I see my clients begin to feel lighter, more hopeful and ready to end their therapy is the best job satisfaction I've ever had.

If this sounds like something you would like to work through with me, I have availability. Call, text or email to get started.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

12/09/2025

Good morning, Happy Friday.

I like to challenge myself on occasion and do something outside my comfort zone. I wouldn't describe myself as creative but I recently went to a Highland Cow workshop. It was so much fun playing around with the clay and attempting to make it look like it was meant to!! I somehow managed to make it look terrified. I can absolutely say no one else will have one like it!!

Photo on the left is pre-kiln and the photo on the right is the finished article. Don't think I'll give up my day job just yet.

Wishing you a peaceful and restful weekend.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

11/09/2025

Clients often tell me they find it difficult to talk about their loved one because it makes other people uncomfortable. When someone has died by su***de of course you would want to still talk about them. How they died does not erase their life. Say their name.

Today, on World Su***de Prevention Day, we invite you to say or type the names of those you have lost. Tell their stories, honor their memory, celebrate their lives. The world is better because they were in it.

If you need additional support today or any time, find a mobile crisis line in Minnesota at www.crisis.org or for longer term support, call Canvas Health at 651-777-5222. You are not alone.

11/09/2025

The most important thing you can do to help someone who feels suicidal is to be present for them. Listen, ask clear, direct questions and offer them compassion and understanding.

Encourage them to seek support or treatment, if appropriate. Visit the NHS website for tips and information on what to do and how to help.

If you are supporting someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is important to look after your own mental health too. Seek support to process your own thoughts, feelings and concerns whilst you are supporting others.

Silence fuels stigma. Conversation saves lives. Save and share helpline details, having them to hand could help someone in a crisis.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

***dePrevention

10/09/2025

Su***de is preventable. By speaking openly, checking in on each other, and encouraging those we care about to reach out for support, we can make a difference.

Together, we can create a world where no one feels they have to face their pain alone. 💛

Take a moment to check in on a friend or loved one — a simple message could make all the difference. If you are struggling, please reach out, support and hope are always possible.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

***dePreventionMonth

09/09/2025

You never know when you or someone you know might need to speak to someone. Good to circulate or just to be aware of some of the amazing services out there who are available and ready to listen.

Feel free to share.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

08/09/2025

Good morning.

Therapy is not about fixing you — because you are not broken.

It’s about creating a place where you can untangle what feels overwhelming, carving out time to make sense of your pain, and to find a way forward when life feels stuck.

Through therapy, you can discover hope where it feels lost, learn to carry your grief differently, and begin to feel moments of peace again.

You don’t have to walk this path alone. Change is possible, and it can begin with one conversation. Ready to get started? I have availability, you can contact me by email, text or phone.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

05/09/2025

What I'm reading.

I set myself a challenge at the start of the year to read 10 pages of a non-fiction book every day. I have to admit I've gone a bit awry of late so am aiming to get back on track with this book. I bought it several years ago and ironically haven't had time to read it!!

The aim of the book is to get you to slow down, increase your creativity and productivity and create a sense of calm. Sounds amazing & definitely worth a read.

Wishing you a peaceful and restful weekend.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

04/09/2025

New availability.

From 1st October I will be opening up my practice and am able to offer more appointments. Whether you need early morning, afternoon or evening get in touch and I will do my best to find a slot that works for you.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

03/09/2025

Health anxiety increasingly crops up in my work with clients but did you know how it can be linked to grief?

I've explored this in my blog this month. Read more here:

https://www.freetobemecounselling.co.uk/free-to-be-me-blog/griefandhealth

Sound familiar? You don't have to suffer in silence, I help clients to work through both grief and health anxiety and helping them to feel more in control and hopefully about the future. I have availability if you want to get started, just get in touch.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Health anxiety can be linked to or a direct result of grief, why is that?

03/09/2025

Myth: Talking about su***de puts the idea in someone’s mind.
Truth: It doesn’t.

Asking someone directly if they’re feeling suicidal won’t make them more likely to act on those thoughts. In fact, it could be the first step in helping them feel heard, supported and less alone.

Silence fuels stigma. Conversation saves lives.

Joanne
Free to Be Me Counselling

Email: enquiries@freetobemecounselling.co.uk

Telephone: 07594 720245

***dePreventionMonth