Chapman Counselling

31/08/2025

This morning, I had plans to get up early and go for a run. (I am a bit of a lapsed runner, but I have been getting out and about doing the good old couch to 5k again for about the hundredth time!)
Anyway- when I was getting organised, I felt really tired physically and emotionally. I decided I had to pause and reassess what “doing my best” looked like today. And it wasn’t trying to plod round the village. It was resting.
I have changed my plan a bit to respond to what I need this morning. The run can still happen later if I want it to, but I am spending a bit more time resting and relaxing.
Sometimes, we might equate our best with productivity or discipline, and when things don’t go to plan, guilt, frustration, or self-judgment can creep in. Maybe doing our best doesn’t always mean pushing through. Sometimes it means listening to what we need in the moment and adapting with care.
If you’re navigating those feelings today (guilt, disappointment, or pressure) you’re not alone. Compassion, not perfection, is often what gets us through!
(Photo is from one morning recently when I did actually get up and go for a run!)

30/08/2025

Many of my clients value the benefits of being outdoors- and we are really lucky here to have so many fantastic places to enjoy, especially our beloved hill, Bennachie! The Mountain Rescue walks are on today at The Bennachie Centre. Nice and fairly local event in our fab community here.

29/08/2025

If you’ve always been the strong one, the fixer, the helper, the one who “gets on with it” - I see you. ❤️
You’re probably tired in ways most people don’t notice.
Perhaps you don’t notice it for yourself till you have a rare moment to pause.And maybe you even feel a bit guilty for wanting space for your pain, your fears, or the time to give yourself some room to breathe.
Carrying everything alone isn’t strength, it’s survival.
Real strength can look like asking for support. Slowing down. Feeling your feelings, especially the ones that you’ve maybe stuffed down for a long time. Letting someone else sit with you in it, even just for a while.
There’s space for that here, in this room, and in the way I work.
Your struggle is valid, even if someone else has it “worse.”
Your needs matter, even if you’ve learned to hide them.
No pressure. No performance.
And no, you don’t have to do it all alone.

29/08/2025

Sharon is starting a new relax kids block soon here at number 15. Get in touch with her to book. Sharon has a huge wealth of experience and is an all round great person! It is a joy to be her ‘neighbour’ here!

* New Block starting soon *
RELAX KIDS (Primary age)
Starts : Wednesday 3rd (or 10th) Sept.
Where : 15B High St, Inverurie
Time : 5pm - 6pm
Cost : £39 for 6wk block spaces are limited, so send me a message or comment below to book a place. 🤩

19/08/2025

Getting ‘back to school’ (or college/uni/work) after time off is something that can often stir up mixed feelings.
Although it can be a welcome return to routines, purpose, friends and colleagues, it can also bring up feelings of dread, pressure or overwhelm.
Balancing the demands of term time with your need for rest, joy, and connection isn’t always easy, and it’s ok if this transition feels heavier than expected.
Even if you’re not returning to school yourself, this time of year often stirs a sense of shift or restart - a seasonal transition that can bring mixed emotions. You might be noticing changes in your pace, responsibilities, or energy, and it’s natural to feel unsettled as routines shift.
If you’re finding this time of year challenging, you're not alone. Whether you're navigating new routines, shifting roles, or just feeling the weight of the change, counselling can offer a space to explore what you need to feel more grounded and supported.
You deserve care - not just when things are quiet, but especially when life feels full.

15/08/2025

Friday thought: Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you.
It’s about truly seeing you.
Hearing your story, all of it, without judgement.
You might feel broken. Like parts of you don’t fit together the way they should.
Therapy isn’t about pretending those feelings aren’t real.
It’s about giving you a space where you’re truly seen and heard, every part of you, even the ones you’ve learned to hide.
It’s a place where your feelings make sense.
Where your story matters.
Where you can lay down the weight you’ve been carrying.
And in that safety, you start to find you again.
Not a shinier, “better” or “fixed” version.
Just the real you, the one who’s been there all along. On your own path, and at your own pace.

04/08/2025

Some of my clients/folk following might be interested in this local event hosted by our friends at ADHD Adventures

💥Indoor bouldering session for age 11-18yrs followed by pizza in Inverurie (details on poster below) 💥

ADHD Adventures is here to connect with 11–18 year olds this time through fun, active, no pressure bouldering session

Bouldering is rock climbing—but without ropes or harnesses. You climb short, fun routes (called "problems") on walls with thick padded flooring below. It’s all about problem-solving, movement, and focus—and it’s a blast, supported by instructors.

Bouldering is not for you, no worries we will have some other activities on offer too

For young people with a confirmed or potential diagnosis of ADHD aged 11-18years

Spaces must be booked, secure your place by following this link.

https://bookwhen.com/adhdadventures

04/08/2025

Getting out in nature is one of the things that really fills my cup and makes me feel grounded. Especially if it involves my favourite place, Bennachie! (Here’s some pics from yesterday of some views from my walk). Today there aren’t so many blue skies and perhaps a sense of anticipation/anxiety around what the amber weather warning might actually bring, and some concern around disruption.

But as I look out at the clouds, I'm reminded that the weather is always changing - storms pass, sunshine returns, and the skies clear. It's a powerful reminder that our emotions and feelings can be just like the weather - temporary, shifting, and constantly changing. Just as the sun will come out again, our difficult emotions will also pass, and calmer skies will return.

If you're feeling uncertain or anxious (about the weather or anything else!), know that you're not alone. Let's work together to find ways to weather the storms and find calm in the midst of uncertainty.

30/07/2025

I just wanted to highlight this local support group for men in the area.

If you’ve been struggling recently and want to talk to someone about it, come along to our group and get some support. Here you’ll find likeminded men who can understand what you’re going through and can lend an ear to anything you want to get off your chest.

We meet at Kingswells on Tuesdays at 6:30pm, Powis and Ellon on Wednesdays at 7pm and Inverurie and Cove on Thursdays at 6:30pm. Remember that the first meeting of our Torry group takes place at 6:30pm this Wednesday.

Take the first step and get through the door. There’s no pressure to talk but if you do, we’re here to listen.

27/07/2025

Hi everyone! 🌟 I thought I might share a wee bit about me for anyone new to my page.

I'm Caroline, a qualified person-centred counsellor with a passion for helping people navigate life's challenges and to be truly heard and empowered. 🌈

A bit about me: I love working with my clients and have volunteered in a number of counselling organisations building valuable experience before going in to private practice.

I did my post graduate counselling qualification at University of Aberdeen and I am doing a further masters specialist qualification in children’s counselling.

In my other role, I work in a local school and have over 20 years of experience with children and young people. It was my work with Childline that really interested me in counselling in the first place, and I bring that experience with me.

I’ve worked and lived in the Garioch area for over a decade and consider myself a local quine! (Possibly I might be considered too old by some to be classed as a ‘quine’ and ‘wifie’ would be more accurate, but I am going to stick with quine!) We have a brilliant community here in Inverurie and I am delighted to be a part of it.

My clients have described me as warm, supportive, genuine and with a sense of humour- qualities that I strive to bring to our sessions together. I'm dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

What drives me is a genuine desire to support people in their journey towards greater self-awareness, confidence, and personal growth. I believe that every individual has the capacity for growth and healing, and I'm here to support you in yours. 💕

When I'm not working with clients, you can find me supporting the the Dons (I am a massive AFC fan!🔴⚪️🔴), taxiing my teenagers around Aberdeenshire to various ‘gaffs’ and social events, or walking my two toy poodles at Bennachie.

I have recently started back running (slowly and not far but it’s a start- I am a very lapsed runner!) and find it helps me stay grounded and focused. 🌞

I'm excited to connect with you and support you on your journey. If you're considering counselling or just want to learn more about my approach, feel free to reach out or send me a message.

Let's work together to:

- Explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive space
- Develop greater self-awareness and understanding
- Build confidence and resilience
- Achieve your personal goals and aspirations

I'm looking forward to meeting you! 😊

26/07/2025

Have a look around the counselling room - hopefully you find it a relaxing and welcoming space.

25/07/2025

I returned from holiday yesterday to the deeply upsetting news that Mental Health Aberdeen/ACIS has closed its doors after 75 years serving the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire community.

This service has been a cornerstone of local mental health support, offering free counselling to those who may not otherwise have had access. It also provided an incredibly valuable and well-used Youth Counselling Service, along with its charity shops.

I had the privilege of volunteering there as a counsellor, and I know firsthand the compassionate, life-changing work carried out every day. This service offered a lifeline to many—especially those who couldn’t access support elsewhere.

Its sudden closure reflects a much bigger issue: there simply isn't enough sustainable funding for mental health support, even though the need has never been greater.

It’s a sad moment for clients, volunteers, staff, and the wider community who relied on this invaluable support. My thoughts are with everyone impacted by this closure.

Let’s keep talking about the importance of accessible, properly funded mental health care for all.

— Caroline
Chapman Counselling