Lesley Butlin Psychotherapy, Coaching & Supervision

19/12/2025

Signing off now,
Christmas can be a difficult time for many of us.
Hoping you get outside, have time with others, time alone and make magical memories.
Thanks to all my clients and supervisees for this year, and looking forward to meeting many more of you on 2026.

01/12/2025

As what feels like the busiest month of the year starts, how can you increase your kindness to yourself and others?

Any of these appeal to you, which will you do?

Every act of kindness makes a difference. Help create a happier world this December with our Kindness Calendar. Please use & share 💕🌍🎄🙏 https://actionforhappiness.org/do-good-december

19/11/2025

Isn't this the truth?
Having had a brief spell of ill health this week, knowing whether to stop or push on through, shakes all my old messages of "Being Strong", "Not showing weakness" and not enjoying being ill.
As I lay in bed yesterday watching some quiz show on a screen, I remembered my Dad - sending me to bed for being off school..."If you aren't well enough to go to school you aren't well enough to watch T.V."
Hopefully I have learnt when to stop and when to push through but it's a journey.
Do you struggle to slow down or take time for yourself?

14/11/2025

Let me know if this resonates with you today?

Writer Virginia Woolf offers a call to self-acceptance:

"No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.”

Source: A Room of One's Own

11/11/2025

It's easy to get caught up in the constant hustle, but remember, it's okay to slow down. Our bodies and minds need rest more than we often realize.
Think of it as "active dormancy" – mixing a slower, more restful lifestyle with activities that still keep you mentally engaged and fulfilled.
Here are a few gentle ideas to embrace this concept:
🚶‍♀️ Go for a walk in nature.
🧶 Learn a new craft that sparks your creativity.
🎧 Dive into a new podcast that broadens your horizons.
☕ Plan and spend quality time with people who lift your spirits and make you feel good.
These simple acts of self-care aren't just "doing nothing" – they're vital for recharging your battery. Give yourself permission to rest, recharge, and enjoy the calmer moments in life. Your well-being will thank you for it.

Let me know what you are doing differently on these autumn days / evenings.

29/10/2025

This week as the light fades, our pace slows down — and even if life is good, we can feel slightly off balance.
Here are five simple ways to help your mind and body adjust to the darker months:
🌞 1. Seek daylight.
Spend time outside each morning or during daylight hours. Natural light supports energy, mood, and sleep.
💡 2. Light your environment.
Use warm, consistent lighting at home or work. A well-lit space can improve concentration and ease low mood.
🚶‍♀️ 3. Keep a steady routine.
Regular meals, exercise, and sleep patterns help regulate your body clock and emotional balance.
🤝 4. Stay connected.
Social contact protects against isolation. Plan time with friends, colleagues, or community activities.
💭 5. Be mindful of mood changes.
Notice shifts in motivation or sleep. If low mood persists, reach out for professional support — early help can make a real difference.

Shared by Lesley Butlin, Psychotherapist — supporting emotional wellbeing through the seasons.

27/10/2025

As the clocks go back and daylight hours shorten, it’s common to notice changes in energy, sleep, and mood.
Our bodies and minds are naturally responsive to light — it helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which influences everything from our alertness to how balanced we feel emotionally.
If you find your motivation dipping or your mood feeling lower in the darker months, small daily habits can really help:
🌤 Seek daylight early – open curtains wide, sit by a window, or step outside for even ten minutes in the morning.
🚶‍♀️ Keep moving – gentle activity outdoors combines the benefits of light and movement for your mental health.
🕯 Maintain routine – consistent sleep and wake times help your body adjust to seasonal changes.
💬 Stay connected – shorter days can make us retreat; keeping social contact helps maintain perspective and support.
These shifts are common and understandable — and a few mindful choices can make the darker season feel more manageable.

24/10/2025

Just been reminded of this:
Let me know if it resonates for you

10/10/2025

Today, on World Mental Health Day, I pause to reflect on my 40 years as a psychotherapist. When I began this work, conversations about mental health were very different. They were often whispered, hidden in shame, and misunderstood.
Now, decades later, I am deeply moved by the openness I see every day. We’ve collectively begun to understand that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. We are talking, we are connecting, and most importantly, we are finding hope.
My message today is simple: Take a moment for yourself. Notice how you feel. And remember that the same courage that brings you through your struggles is also what allows for healing. You don’t have to carry your burdens alone. Whether it’s a small check-in with a friend or a step toward professional help, reaching out is a profound act of strength.

10/10/2025

Today, on World Mental Health Day, I pause to reflect on my 40 years as a psychotherapist. When I began this work, conversations about mental health were very different. They were often whispered, hidden in shame, and misunderstood.
Now, decades later, I am deeply moved by the openness I see every day. We've collectively begun to understand that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. We are talking, we are connecting.
My message today is simple: Take a moment for yourself. Notice how you feel. And remember that the same courage that brings you through your struggles is also what allows for healing. You don't have to carry your burdens alone. Whether it's a small check-in with a friend or a step toward professional help, reaching out is a profound act of strength.

08/10/2025

A friend asked me in January what my goals were for this year:
I had two,

1) To become an EMDR Consultant, so I can continue to supervise other Therapists and support them through their accreditation process.

2) To become a Triathlete (That had to go on the back burner for now)

Goal 1 achieved in 6 months:
5 days training in London- March
3 live videos of Supervision and Psychotherapy shared with my Supervisor in July & August.
Then a very evil form to complete. (Took a few weeks)

Result 🥳

Thanks to all my colleagues who I met in London. local therapists that gave their time to create the live sessions .
My supervisor for all her time and understanding of the process.
Most importantly every supervisee and client that has trusted me with their story and believed in the process.
Thank you
# Achieving Goals
# Consultant

05/10/2025

It's definitely been a weekend for this:
What do you do when it's window weather?

Window Weather...