Paul Weekes Therapy

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Paul Weekes Therapy provides compassionate, professional counselling services in Hackney, East London, with a focus on supporting mental well-being within diverse communities.

Supporting a loved one through mental health struggles can be challenging, especially when you feel unsure about the bes...
15/03/2025

Supporting a loved one through mental health struggles can be challenging, especially when you feel unsure about the best way to help. As a counsellor based in Hackney, East London, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult it can be for families to navigate these situations. Mental health challenges often carry a sense of isolation and misunderstanding, which makes compassionate and informed support essential. Drawing on my experience and therapeutic approach, here are some key ways you can help a family member struggling with their mental health.

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Start with Compassion and Understanding

When someone you love is struggling with their mental health, the first step is to approach them with compassion and understanding. It’s important to remember that mental health issues are not a choice or a weakness — they are complex challenges influenced by a range of emotional, psychological, and social factors. Instead of offering quick solutions, listen without judgment.

Supporting a loved one through mental health struggles can be challenging, especially when you feel unsure about the best way to help. As a counsellor based in

As a counsellor born and raised in Hackney, East London, and a Black British man of Afro-Caribbean heritage, I've had th...
05/03/2025

As a counsellor born and raised in Hackney, East London, and a Black British man of Afro-Caribbean heritage, I've had the privilege of both professional and personal experiences that underscore the importance of self-care. Having three daughters, now in their twenties, has further deepened my understanding of how vital it is for Black parents to model and teach self-care to their children.
The Importance of Self-Care in Black Families
Self-care is often misunderstood as a luxury or indulgence; however, it's a fundamental aspect of maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health. For Black families, the necessity of self-care is amplified due to the unique challenges posed by systemic racism, cultural expectations, and societal pressures. Engaging in regular self-care practices can mitigate the adverse effects of these stressors, fostering resilience and well-being.

As a counsellor born and raised in Hackney, East London, and a Black British man of Afro-Caribbean heritage, I've had the privilege of both professional and pe

As we approach the end of LGBTQ+ History Month this February 2025, it's an opportune time to reflect on the rich tapestr...
26/02/2025

As we approach the end of LGBTQ+ History Month this February 2025, it's an opportune time to reflect on the rich tapestry of activism and social change that has shaped our communities. This year's theme, "Activism and Social Change," honours the relentless efforts of individuals who have championed equality and justice. For Black LGBTQ+ individuals, the intersection of race, sexual orientation, and gender as marginalised identities presents unique challenges, particularly concerning mental health, where these often compound the struggles. And right here in Hackney, where diversity thrives, we must pay particular attention to the mental health of Black LGBTQ+ individuals.

As a counsellor born and bred in these East London streets and a Black British man of Afro-Caribbean heritage, I understand the complexities of navigating multiple identities. My practice here in Hackney is built on the belief that therapy should be a space for understanding, growth, and empowerment.

As we approach the end of LGBTQ+ History Month this February 2025, it's an opportune time to reflect on the rich tapestry of activism and social change that ha

I look back on moments of my childhood, adolescence, through to those of recent years, and it's easy to locate experienc...
27/01/2025

I look back on moments of my childhood, adolescence, through to those of recent years, and it's easy to locate experiences where I was captivated by colours, forms, and compositions or carried away on a rhythmic vibration that seemed to all but consume me. This speaks to the transformative power of music, dance, and art. Growing up in an Afro-Caribbean household, these forms of expression were more than just entertainment; they were interwoven with the navigation of our lived experiences. Today, as a practicing counsellor serving the same diverse community, I see these cultural practices as profound avenues for healing and resilience. As well as opportunities for connection with self and others.

I look back on moments of my childhood, adolescence, through to those of recent years, and it's easy to locate experiences where I was captivated by colours, f

I have witnessed firsthand the enduring impact of historical trauma on Black mental health within our community. Being o...
23/01/2025

I have witnessed firsthand the enduring impact of historical trauma on Black mental health within our community. Being of Afro-Caribbean heritage, my lived experience informs much of my practice and deepens my understanding of how collective past experiences ripple into the present, shaping the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and families.
What is Historical Trauma?
Historical trauma refers to the cumulative emotional and psychological wounds passed down through generations as a result of historical injustices, systemic oppression, and collective adversity. For Black communities, this trauma is rooted in the transatlantic slave trade, colonial exploitation, and racial discrimination that have left indelible marks on our identities, self-perceptions, and interpersonal relationships. Unlike personal trauma, historical trauma operates on a collective level, embedding itself in the cultural fabric and influencing behaviors, beliefs, and coping mechanisms.

Learn about the lasting impact of historical trauma on Black communities.

Identifying Trauma in the Black Community and Ways to Heal As a Black British counsellor from the east end of London, m...
20/01/2025

Identifying Trauma in the Black Community and Ways to Heal
As a Black British counsellor from the east end of London, my journey has been shaped by my community's richness and challenges. Growing up, I witnessed the resilience of African and Caribbean families like mine, but I also observed the subtle and overt impacts of systemic racism, generational struggles, and cultural disconnection. Today, as a practicing counsellor in the same community, I see the echoes of these experiences manifesting as trauma—a silent burden that many carry without even realising it.

This blog aims to shed light on how trauma uniquely impacts the Black community and explore pathways towards healing. Recognising Trauma in the Black CommunityTrauma in the Black community often stems from a combination of personal, intergenerational, and systemic factors.

5. Identifying Trauma in the Black Community and Ways to Heal   As a Black British counsellor from the east end of London, my journey has been shape

2. How to Start Therapy When You Don’t See RepresentationStarting therapy is a big step, and for many, it’s a vulnerable...
15/01/2025

2. How to Start Therapy When You Don’t See Representation
Starting therapy is a big step, and for many, it’s a vulnerable leap into the unknown. For those of us from Black and minority ethnic communities, the journey to therapy can feel even more daunting when the professionals available don’t reflect our cultural background, experiences, or identities.

As a Black British counsellor from Afro-Caribbean heritage, born and raised in Hackney, East London, I understand the challenges faced by those who don’t see representation in the mental health field. I also understand the immense courage it takes to begin therapy despite these obstacles. This blog is for anyone wondering how to take that first step when it feels like the system wasn’t built with you in mind.

2. How to Start Therapy When You Don’t See Representation Starting therapy is a big step, and for many, it’s a vulnerable leap into the unknown. For those

1. Understanding the Stigma of Mental Health in Black Communities Growing up in Hackney in the 1970s and subsequent dec...
12/01/2025

1. Understanding the Stigma of Mental Health in Black Communities
Growing up in Hackney in the 1970s and subsequent decades, I witnessed a community alive with vibrancy and resilience. My parents, part of the Windrush generation, instilled in me values of hard work, perseverance, and community solidarity. Yet, as I’ve grown older and pursued my career as a counsellor, I’ve come to see the silent struggles that often go unspoken in Black communities—especially when it comes to mental health. The stigma surrounding mental health in our community is complex, deeply rooted, and urgently needs addressing.A Historical Legacy of StrengthFor many of us with Afro-Caribbean heritage, there is a cultural emphasis on strength. Our ancestors survived the horrors of slavery, colonisation, and systemic racism. My parents often reminded me that they came to the UK to build a better future for us, despite the discrimination they faced.

1. Understanding the Stigma of Mental Health in Black Communities Growing up in Hackney in the 1970s and subsequent decades, I witnessed a community alive

Navigating Black Mental Health: A Personal ReflectionI was surrounded by a world of contrasts growing up—a vibrant commu...
12/01/2025

Navigating Black Mental Health: A Personal Reflection

I was surrounded by a world of contrasts growing up—a vibrant community, but also the deep scars of systemic challenges. Born in the 1970s, I grew up in an era where being Black in Britain often meant navigating a complex landscape of racism, economic hardship, and social exclusion. These realities shaped my understanding of mental health long before I had the language to describe it.

Now, in my 50s, as an integrative counsellor, I’ve come to understand the intricate connection between mental health and lived experience. My journey has not just been about personal growth but also about recognising how deeply our upbringing, environment, and cultural identity affect the way we navigate the world. I’ve worked with countless individuals who, like me, have faced the pressures of being Black in a society that often feels indifferent or even hostile to our experiences.

Navigating Black Mental Health: A Personal Reflection I was surrounded by a world of contrasts growing up—vibrant community, but also the deep scars of system

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