Clare Counselling

03/09/2025

Back to School: A Friendly Check-In from Clare

Heading back into the new term can bring a mix of excitement and nerves for children (and for us grown-ups, too!). It’s totally normal to worry about changes in routine, fitting in with classmates, exams, and being apart from you for the day. If your child is feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone—these feelings are valid and workable with a bit of support.

I’m here to offer a safe space where your child can share what’s on their mind, and together we can find ways to help them feel calmer and more in control. We’ll focus on simple routines that feel reassuring, easy strategies to manage anxiety before and after school, and ways to keep the family connected during these transitions.

I can also offer support for more complex issues, including severe anxiety, emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA) , and deeper underlying concerns or trauma.

If your child is struggling, please reach out. I’m here to help your family start the term with warmth and confidence.

clarecounselling@btinternet.com

21/08/2025

Good Luck to all those collecting GCSE results today.🍀🤞

13/08/2025

Wishing all the young people I work with good luck with todays A Level results. I have everything crossed for you. Remember: your academia does not define you, and there are always choices. Please don’t be too disappointed if the results aren’t what you hoped for—you got through it, well done, and you should be incredibly proud of yourself.

19/07/2025

Rebuilding and Navigating Family Relationships with Clare Counselling

Not all families have close or easy relationships. Some may feel disconnected, strained, or challenging to navigate. Whether it's sibling dynamics, mother-child, or father-child relationships, it’s important to remember that connections can be rebuilt at any time — it’s never too late to seek understanding, healing, and growth.

Part of this process involves establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries. Boundaries help create respectful, supportive relationships and protect your well-being. Together, we can explore how to set and uphold these boundaries in a way that fosters healthier interactions.

At Clare Counselling, I offer a supportive space to explore these complex relationships. We can work towards strengthening bonds where possible, and also address situations where managing a healthy ending is the best way forward. Not all relationships can or should be saved, and I am here to support you through those decisions with compassion and clarity.

If you'd like more information or to book an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You're not alone — help is available.

17/06/2025

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2025/jun/16/better-life-trauma-healing?CMP=share_btn_url

We go to all sorts of lengths, often unconsciously, to hide from what has hurt us. But only by attuning to pain can we hope to heal

03/06/2025

🌿✨ The Power of Nature for Children’s Wellbeing ✨🌿

At Clare Counselling, we recognise the profound impact that nature has on children’s emotional and psychological health. Activities like getting muddy, climbing trees, and simply being outdoors foster a sense of freedom, curiosity, and connection to the earth—essentials for healthy development.

**Why is nature so vital for children?**
Research from the UK underscores the importance of outdoor activity for mental health. A 2018 report by the *UK Mental Health Foundation* highlights that children and young people who spend time in natural environments experience reduced stress and anxiety, and increased well-being. Additionally, a study from the University of Essex found that green space exposure is linked to better mood and cognitive functioning in children.

**Theoretical insights:**
British psychotherapist and researcher Dr. Philip Barnard emphasizes that “therapeutic change is often rooted in the relationship between the individual and their environment.” Nature provides a non-judgmental, rich context for children to explore their feelings safely. The principles of eco-therapy, developed in the UK, suggest that reconnecting with the natural world can foster resilience, emotional regulation, and a sense of belonging.

Why outdoor sessions at Clare Counselling?
Not all children thrive within the confines of a traditional therapy room. During the summer months, I am delighted to offer outdoor sessions and eco-therapy, creating a space where children can engage authentically with nature. These sessions provide the containment and therapeutic support needed, while allowing children to experience the freedom and spontaneity that natural environments facilitate.

Wherever we work, my aim is to provide a safe, supportive space—be it indoors or outdoors—where children can explore, heal, and grow. Nature is a powerful ally in this process, helping children reconnect with themselves and their environment.

🌱🌞 Embrace the summer season and the transformative power of outdoor therapy! To find out more or to book an outdoor session, please send us a message.

02/06/2025

22/05/2025

This is going to be such an incredible healing experience 💛

15/05/2025

Mental Health Awareness Week: 12th - 18th May

At Clare Counselling, we believe that mental health awareness isn’t just for one week or a single day—it’s a daily commitment. While this week shines a spotlight on mental health, the reality is that mental well-being is something we should nurture and prioritise all year round.

Check in with your loved ones, friends, and colleagues.
Start a conversation—be open and honest about your own emotional well-being. Sometimes, simply sharing your experiences can encourage others to open up too. Reducing stigma begins with us, by normalizing conversations about mental health and showing that it’s okay not to be okay.

Remember:
We all have mental health. Trauma, loss, life challenges, or early life experiences can leave us vulnerable to mental health issues at any time. You are not alone, and help is available.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or someone else, talking to a professional can make a significant difference.

I work with people of all ages and have a special focus on young people’s counselling.

Wishing everyone good health and wellbeing—let’s keep the conversation going, every day of the year.

Take care of your mental health. It matters.

Clare x

14/05/2025

Dr Tamara Scully, founder and director of Castle Psychology in Framlingham, on the dangers of being too soft on our kids...

10/03/2025

🐾💔 At Clare Counselling, we understand that the loss of a pet can be an incredibly profound experience, yet it often goes underappreciated by those who haven’t faced it. As an animal lover myself, I know firsthand the deep bond we share with our furry companions. Their love, loyalty, and presence enrich our lives in ways that are hard to articulate.

For many, losing a pet feels like losing a member of the family. The grief can be intense, and it’s common to feel isolated, as if no one truly understands your pain. Society often overlooks the depth of this loss, leading some to believe that grief is only valid when it comes to people. This couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you’re navigating the heartache of pet loss, know that you’re not alone. I offer genuine care and understanding, providing a safe space for you to express your feelings and begin the healing process. Your emotions are valid, and together we can honour the love you shared with your beloved pet.

Let’s talk about it. 💙🐶🐱

27/02/2025

At Clare Counselling, we understand that children often communicate their feelings and experiences through play and non-verbal cues. This unique form of expression is vital in helping us connect with and support our little clients. With extensive experience and specialised qualifications in child & adolescent psychotherapy, I am dedicated to creating a nurturing environment where children of all ages can feel safe and understood.

I’m thrilled to share that our new Children’s & Family Room at our new practice location will be ready soon! This dedicated therapeutic space is designed to foster creativity, comfort, and connection, ensuring that both children and their families feel welcome and supported.

I can’t wait to welcome my little clients and their families into this new space, where we can work together towards healing and growth. Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for being a part of our journey! 💖