Ky Harkins Life Counselling Services

01/09/2025

Kids back to school/college this week! For some this is a relief, for some this brings stress and sadness.

September is always a really busy month for me as people always need to talk.

Although my books are virtually full, I have some amazing Counsellors in my team if you are looking for a little help.

Please PM or WhatsApp for more info 💙.

31/08/2025

🌿✨ We are so excited to welcome a new member, Sam to our team! ✨🌿

Sam brings a wealth of experience as an eclectic therapist, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches to support clients in a way that is truly flexible and tailored to individual needs.

💛 Her core training is in Person-Centred Counselling, inspired by Carl Rogers’ approach of empathy, authenticity and unconditional positive regard, creating a safe and collaborative space for growth.

🌱 Sam is also qualified in Spiritual Counselling, supporting those who wish to explore questions of meaning, faith, and personal values, helping clients connect with their mind, body, and spirit.

💙Alongside this, Sam is a qualified NLP coach, offering practical tools to reframe limiting beliefs, unlock inner resources, and build strategies for lasting change.

By combining these modalities, Sam bring a compassionate, holistic, and empowering approach to therapy, meeting each client where they are and helping them move forward with clarity and confidence.

Please contact us if you would like to chat to Sam some more 💙.

28/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19sQ4vyCTB/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Do you have a hidden or secondary phone because you are fearful of someone?

At 3:00pm on Sunday 7 September, mobile phones may emit a loud sound, vibrate, or read out an emergency alert—even if they are set to silent.

If you are affected by domestic abuse and have a hidden mobile phone from your abuser, you may not wish the sound of the alert to draw attention to your phone.

📢 You can turn off your phone before this time or adjust your phone settings to opt out.

👉 Full instructions telling you how to opt out are available at https://www.gov.uk/alerts/opting-out.

If domestic abuse is happening to you, it's important to tell someone and remember you are not alone.

COMPASS is the domestic abuse helpline for Ess*x, and you can call them on 0330 333 7 444 or visit ess*xcompass.org.uk.

❤️ We are here for you if you need to talk to someone in confidence.

*x

27/08/2025

Red flags in relationships aren’t always easy to spot…

Have you ever experienced :

🚩 Financial control or overspending that leaves you struggling
🚩 Intimidation – shouting, sulking, silent treatment, fear-based control
🚩 Manipulation – denial, minimising, excuses (drink, drugs, stress), guilt-tripping
🚩 Control over what you do, wear, say, or who you see
🚩 No real choices – and criticised for making your own
🚩 Attacks on your parenting, threats involving children
🚩 Destruction of your property or belongings
🚩 Harm to your pets
🚩 Pressure to have s*x or do things you’re uncomfortable with
🚩 Pressure to use drugs or alcohol
🚩 A complete lack of empathy or care for your feelings

These are not normal relationship problems, they are signs of control and abuse.

If any of this feels familiar, please don’t ignore it. You are not alone, and support is out there 💙.

22/08/2025

Spaces for as soon as next week. Please contact us for info.

18/08/2025

So many of my clients in toxic/narcissistic relationships share the same story, it’s almost textbook!

Narcissists follow predictable patterns, leaving their partners confused, broken, and constantly craving the ‘high’ of their attention, just like an addiction.

Breaking free feels like withdrawal - painful, frightening, and overwhelming, but going back for ‘one last hit’ only causes more damage.

People pleasers are especially vulnerable, often losing their own identity while trying to keep the peace. Narcissists thrive on this, draining them until there’s nothing left to give.

My work is about helping clients take back their power, rediscover who they are, and finally learn to love themselves.

If this resonates with you (or someone you know), reach out — you don’t have to fight the gremlin alone.

16/08/2025

We have some great new couples therapists.

Couples therapy helps to get couples talking again and learning to listen to be able to understand each others’ needs.

This can be partners, family members, even friends.

Please contact us for more info.

Based in Eastwood with a new office opening in Southend soon.

03/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1B5wkz4XCv/?mibextid=wwXIfr

This goes out to all the women that are doing the inner healing, reconnecting with one’s joyful, authentic self, and the intentional practice of nurturing that part back to life. 🌟

I started calling that girl back.
The girl who loved living, the girl who danced instead of walking.
The girl who had sunflowers for eyes
and fireworks in her soul.
I started playing music again,
hoping she would come out.
I started looking for beautiful moments
to experience,
so she would feel safe enough
to show herself,
because I knew she was in there.
And she needed my kindness
and my effort to come to the
surface again

- S.C. Lourie

02/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/16q4sRecpw/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Calling all current or past Victoria Counselling & Training Service students.

Be lovely to see you there!

02/08/2025

We are now offering couples counselling on our reduced rate scheme, with experienced counsellors who are newly trained to now work with couples too.

Please contact us for more info.

Based in Eastwood (and soon in central Southend) and can also work online.