Aspen Morgan Counselling & Wellbeing

15/03/2026

Mother’s Day is over… but for many people the feelings don’t disappear when the day ends. 💔

If you lost your mum, tonight might feel quiet in a way that’s hard to explain.

Maybe today brought memories you weren’t expecting.
Maybe you avoided social media.
Maybe you kept busy just to get through it.
Maybe you smiled for others while carrying something heavy inside.

However today looked for you — your feelings are valid.

Grief has no timeline.
Love doesn’t disappear.
And missing someone you love deeply is a very human experience.

So if today was hard, please be gentle with yourself tonight.

Rest.
Breathe.
Take the day one moment at a time.

And if you’re comfortable, you’re welcome to comment with your mum’s first name or a 🤍 so we can take a moment to remember the mums who are deeply loved and deeply missed.

15/03/2026

Mother’s Day can be a joyful day for many, but for those who have lost their mum, it can also be one of the most painful days of the year. 💔

If you’re missing your mum today, you might notice memories surfacing, emotions feeling heavier, or a quiet sense of longing for someone who meant so much. Grief has a way of showing up strongly on days like this.

Please know there is no “right” way to feel today. You might want to remember, reflect, cry, smile at memories, or simply get through the day as gently as you can. However it looks for you is okay.

If today feels particularly difficult, try to be kind to yourself. Take a step back from the noise of the day if you need to, spend time doing something comforting, or find a small way to honour your mum and the love you shared. That connection doesn’t disappear. 🤍

Today we’re holding space for anyone who finds Mother’s Day hard. You’re not alone in this.

If you feel comfortable, you’re welcome to share a memory, a thought, or even just your mum’s first name in the comments so we can hold space for them together today. ❤️

04/03/2026

Reading words like this reminds me exactly why I do the work I do 💛

This is a review from a client I have recently worked with:

"I honestly can't recommend Jo enough. From the very first session, she was so friendly and personable that I felt comfortable straight away. It didn't feel clinical or awkward, it just felt like talking to someone who genuinely cares.

She always made me feel validated. I never felt judged or dismissed. She met me with empathy and helped me work through things at my pace, which made such a difference.

She's been incredibly supportive throughout my journey and is honestly one of the best therapists I've ever seen. I've made real progress with her, and I'm so grateful for the safe, understanding space she created for me.

It's so hard to find a therapist as a neurodivergent person, but I felt at ease working with Jo.

Thank you for everything."

💛Creating a space where people feel genuinely heard, validated and supported - especially as a neurodivergent person navigating therapy - is something I care deeply about.

It means so much that my clients feel comfortable, at ease, and able to move at their own pace. Counselling shouldn't feel clinical or intimidating - it should feel safe and accessible for all.

If you know anyone who is struggling to find the right therapist, particularly if neurodiverse, and they would like to speak with someone who truly understands, I'd love to talk with them and support them.

Feel free to share this post and use the contact details below to reach out to me.

Email: Jo@aspenmorgan.co.uk
Ring Mob: 07303 054090

I am a therapist and counsellor for adults in the Hull area. Face to Face & Online. Helping you overcome challenges together.

13/02/2026

One for the lovers this Valentine's weekend ❤️

Valentine's Day 3 Minute Pre-date Confidence Reset:

❤️Minute 1: Regulate the body

Take a slow breath in through your nose for 4....
Hold it for 2....
Exhale slowly for 6...

Again

In 4....
Hold 2....
Out 6.

Longer exhales tell your nervous system:
"I am safe"

Now check posture.

Unclench your jaw.
Drop your shoulders.
Loosen your hands.

Stand or sit upright - not stiff, just aligned.
Confidence is often posture first.
Say quietly:
"My body knows how to be calm."

❤️Minute 2: Shift the Frame

Now shift from:

"Do they like me?" to "Do we like each other?"

Dating is not an audition. Its a mutual exploration.
Say internally:

"I am not here to perform."
"I am here to connect."
"I am evaluating too."

Feel the balance in that.

You are not beneath. You are not above. You are equal.

Now imagine yourself:

▪︎ Smiling naturally
▪︎ Making relaxed eye contact
▪︎ Pausing without panic
▪︎ Listening without rushing

Your brain just rehearsed success.

❤️ Minute 3: Install Grounded Confidence

Place your feet firmly on the floor.
Feel the ground.
Take one slow breath.

Now say:

"I don't need to be perfect."
"I don't need to be chosen by everyone."
"I just need to be myself."

Let that sink in.

Confidence is not intensity. It's steadiness.
Imagine a warm, steady glow in your chest.
Not flashy. Just calm and centred. That's grounded magnetism. Carry that into the date with you.

❤️ Finally before you walk in quietly say:

"I bring value by being me."

Then walk in, holding your confidence.
Not to impress. Not to win. Just to connect.

25/11/2025

I received the loveliest email this week from an online client Ive recently been supporting through the Growth Company. She wanted to leave it as a Google review but wasn't quite sure how...I do wish reviewing was easier! Hopefully 'website Paul' from Practice Launch - my absolute go-to for all things webby - can help make that happen soon. Watch this space 😊

In the meantime, she gave me permission to share her kind words:

"I just want to say a big thank you, Joanne, for all your help and support that you have given me. Helping me to overcome obstacles to achieve my goals.
I don't find it easy to talk about myself, but you were so approachable and have shown me how to manage my anxiety; and you could relate to how I was feeling.
You enabled me to explore my thoughts and feelings and come out of my comfort zone. I am now exploring new things and have secured a new job, which I never imagined I would. Many thanks, 'M'."

I don't always get to see the results my clients go on to achieve once they feel ready to end counselling, so receiving feedback like this truly means a lot. It gives me a precious glimpse into their future and reminds me why I do what I do.
For me, job satisfaction comes from knowing I can offer tools that help people navigate life's challenges not just today, but long after our sessions have ended. Counselling isn't only about the 'now', it's about future-proofing, building resilience, and empowering clients to move through life with greater confidence and clarity.

Here's to Growth, courage and new chapters ❤️

11/11/2025

05/07/2025

If you're experiencing the perimenopause or menopause, or you know someone who could benefit from some support through this transitional phase of a woman's life, please read on.

This is a blog about the menopause that I've written for my website www.aspenmorgam.co.uk

For information regarding counselling support and a free 15 minute consultation please contact Jo on 07303 054090.

I offer face to face counselling at my therapy room in Hull City Centre or remote online counselling.

How Person-Centred Counselling can support with transitioning through Perimenopause and Menopause Perimenopause and Menopause are natural phases in a woman’s life bring significant hormonal changes, but they also come with emotional and psychological shifts that can feel overwhelming. Many women e...

20/06/2025

Enjoy the beautiful weather and use the advice below to stay safe when the temperature rises ☀️

11/06/2025

In between clients and I'm enjoying a cuppa and a really interesting article in Therapy Today which celebrates singlehood, and the rise of staying solo by choice in a world obsessed with coupling.
When I was single with a small child it was the first time in my adult life that I actually enjoyed being on my own. Not at first, that came as a shock; but a gradual build of self reliance and spending quality time of my own choosing, with my child, my friends and my family saw me relish the single life. However I still felt the want of having a partner, and eventually after 3 years of singledom he came into my life.
I do recall thinking "he's taking up a lot of room in my house, I'm not sure if I'm going to get used to this", but after 12 years together we're still going strong, and I got used to his presence in my home (which is now our home).
What I had never contemplated was actually remaining single and being happy, living a life of solo positivity. I feel like my goal was always to be part of a pair.
I found this read really refreshing, a new take on a fulfilling life that I've never thought could be a satisfying option, and I guess for many it might not be a preference, but for the new rise of single and satisfied it appears to be a positive step forward for modern day living. Post covid cultural change, changes in dating habits (an avoidance of digital dating apps as suggested in the article) or the growth of financial independence for some, resulting in remaining single being a realistic choice? Whatever the reason, I love that society is beginning to accept the rise of the single life without expectation, without compromise and giving a voice to single people who refuse to be seen as the lonely spinster or bachelor, who are out there, with the time to indulge their passions and thoroughly enjoying themselves!

08/06/2025

🌿 Loneliness Awareness Week | June 10–16, 2025 🌿

At Aspen Morgan Counselling, we understand that loneliness isn’t just about being alone — it’s about feeling unseen, unheard, or disconnected even in a crowd.

💬 This Loneliness Awareness Week, we want you to know: you are not alone in feeling lonely.

Through Person-Centred Therapy, we offer a warm, non-judgemental space where you can talk openly, be truly heard, and begin to reconnect — with yourself and with others. This approach puts you at the heart of the healing process, empowering you to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace, in your own words.

Whether you're feeling isolated, struggling with change, or just need someone to really listen — we're here for you.

🌱 It’s okay to reach out. Talking is the first step toward feeling less alone.

📞 Ring 07303 054090 or visit www.aspenmorgan.co.uk to book a free consultation.

Let’s start the conversation. You matter.

Jo, a registered counsellor in Hull ,offers therapy and counselling for adults. Face to Face & Online Book your free consultation!

26/05/2025

After a busy week supporting others, I took some time to support myself with a beautiful sound immersion at Waterside Wellbeing Barton yesterday evening.

It was the perfect act of self-care—easing away physical tension and leaving me feeling deeply relaxed, yet recharged for the week ahead.

A heartfelt thank you to Vikki and Stuart for creating such a peaceful, healing space. It was just what I needed and a gentle reminder of how important it is to pause and refill our own cup.

21/05/2025

A huge thank you to Hopen Minds for hosting such an informative and powerful mental health conference today at Middleton Hall, Hull University. It was a privilege to attend and be part of such an impactful event.

Special thanks to Alison Armstrong for her insightful presentation on substance use and suicide—such important topics handled with clarity and compassion. Victoria English shared her personal journey with Dyspraxia and offered a valuable perspective on neurodiversity and mental health. Mick Cooper delivered a thought-provoking talk on The Power of Relational Depth and Connection, reminding us of the true heart of therapeutic work.

Simon Lee Maryan left us speechless with his incredible story of resilience—sharing how his experiences, including being kidnapped three times, shaped his mental health journey. What a powerful testament to human strength.

And the most moving part of the day was hearing from Nigel Johnston, who spoke with such courage and grace about the devastating loss of his son to addiction. His words, filled with raw emotion and truth, brought the entire theatre to absolute silence—you could hear a pin drop. I was in complete awe.

It was a wonderful day spent learning, reflecting, and reconnecting with counselling colleagues and friends—especially lovely to get the old college crowd back together! I’m already looking forward to next year’s conference.