Emotional Respite - Disability Counselling Service

Emotional Respite - Disability Counselling Service Disability-led Online Mental Health Service offering therapy across the UK. She has created a team of therapists with lived experience of disability.

Emotional Respite is a counselling service providing professional support to individuals with physical disabilities, their families and carers. It offers those affected by physical disabilities a unique opportunity to work with a physically disabled counsellor. Helen Rutherford has been a counsellor for over 14 years and has spinal muscular atrophy and uses an electric wheelchair. Her personal and

professional experience gives her a deep understanding of the diversity of disability issues. Helen is aware of the challenges faced by people affected by physical disabilities and how this can impact on them emotionally. Sessions are conducted online. Sessions are £45 an hour but concessions are available for low incomes

A dopamine menu for disabled & chronically ill people 🌿Not everything has to be productive to be valuable.Some days surv...
18/05/2026

A dopamine menu for disabled & chronically ill people 🌿

Not everything has to be productive to be valuable.

Some days survival takes most of your energy. A dopamine menu is just a gentle list of things that bring comfort, stimulation, regulation, joy, or ease, especially on low-capacity days.

✨ “Starters” (tiny boosts)
• opening the window
• putting on lip balm
• listening to one favourite song
• petting an animal
• drinking something cold

🍲 “Mains” (more engaging)
• comfort TV
• colouring or crafts
• voice notes with a friend
• sitting outside for 10 minutes
• gaming, reading, audiobooks

🍰 “Desserts” (feel-good extras)
• fresh sheets
• takeaway coffee
• online shopping browse
• a long shower if accessible
• wearing your softest clothes

🧃 “Sides” (supports disguised as treats)
• mobility aids that reduce pain
• meal delivery
• pre-cut fruit
• medication reminders
• cancelling plans without guilt

Your dopamine menu does not need to look healthy, aesthetic, productive, or inspiring to anyone else.

Accessible joy still counts as joy. 💛

Mental health and disability are deeply connected. People with disabilities are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, a...
14/05/2026

Mental health and disability are deeply connected. People with disabilities are at higher risk of anxiety, depression, and distress, not because disability itself is the problem, but because of barriers like pain, isolation, stigma, inaccessible services, and constant adaptation demands. Research consistently shows that social support, reasonable adjustments, accessible care, and self-compassion can make a real difference.

emotionalrespite.co.uk
Appointments Available!

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (11–17 May) is all about TAKING ACTION, because even the smallest steps can make a re...
11/05/2026

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 (11–17 May) is all about TAKING ACTION, because even the smallest steps can make a real difference.

✨ Take care of yourself
✨ Support someone around you
✨ Help build a kinder, more inclusive world

At Emotional Respite Disability Counselling Service, we believe that mental health support should be accessible, inclusive, and empowering for everyone, especially those living with disabilities and long-term health conditions.

You are not alone. We’re here to support you! 💜

emotionalrespite.co.uk
Appointments Available!


Sometimes wellbeing improves less from changing your mindset and more from changing your setup.That might mean: ✨️Keepin...
07/05/2026

Sometimes wellbeing improves less from changing your mindset and more from changing your setup.

That might mean:

✨️Keeping essentials within reach.
✨️Using adaptive tools.
✨️Reducing visual clutter.
✨️Setting reminders.
✨️Lowering light and noise.
✨️Preparing clothes, food, or medications in advance.
✨️Creating routines that reduce decision fatigue.

emotionalrespite.co.uk
Appointments Available!

💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚A reminder that your mental health matters, every single day.It’s okay to pause,...
03/05/2026

💚 May is Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

A reminder that your mental health matters, every single day.
It’s okay to pause, to feel, to ask for help, and to take things one step at a time.

You are not alone. There is strength in speaking up and courage in reaching out. Let’s continue to break the stigma and create space for honest conversations, compassion, and support.

Take a moment today to check in with yourself or someone you care about.

Together, we can build a kinder, more understanding world.

emotionalrespite.co.uk
Appointments Available!

# ReachOut

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)🌧️ Have you ever felt crushed by even gentle criticism?Or found yourself replaying a ...
30/04/2026

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

🌧️ Have you ever felt crushed by even gentle criticism?
Or found yourself replaying a small comment in your head, convinced you’ve done something wrong?

That overwhelming emotional pain might not be “too sensitive.” It could be Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). It's a known experience often linked with ADHD and trauma.

RSD happens when your brain perceives rejection or criticism (real or imagined) and reacts as though it’s a deep threat to your worth or belonging. It’s not a character flaw, it’s an emotional response shaped by lived experiences.

💬 Common signs include:
Intense fear of letting others down
Sudden mood crashes after perceived rejection
Avoiding opportunities to protect yourself from potential criticism
Feeling emotionally “bruised” long after a small comment

💛 Gentle reminder: You’re not broken. You’re human, navigating emotions that deserve compassion, not shame. Healing starts with awareness, self-soothing, and safe connections that help you feel seen and accepted.

✨ It’s okay to need reassurance. It’s okay to pause before reacting. It’s okay to offer yourself grace.

emotionalrespite.co.uk
Appointments Available!

🌿 "Our lives are made up of a million moments, spent in a million different ways. Some are spent searching for love, pea...
26/04/2026

🌿 "Our lives are made up of a million moments, spent in a million different ways. Some are spent searching for love, peace and harmony. Others are spent surviving day to day. But there is no greater moment than when we find that life, with all its joys and sorrows, is meant to be lived one day at a time."
Author Unknown

At Emotional Respite, we understand that every day brings different emotions, challenges, and victories, especially when living with disability or navigating mental health struggles.💛 Take today as it comes.

🌤 Honour your small steps.
🌱 Remember, progress isn’t measured in speed, but in courage to keep going, one moment at a time.

www.emotionalrespite.co.uk
Appointments Available!

23/04/2026

We’re pleased to announce our new partnership with Emotional Respite - Disability Counselling Service.

Emotional Respite is a specialist counselling service supporting people affected by disability and illness.

Their team offers a safe, accessible space to access psychological support from experienced disabled therapists, from the comfort of your home. Founded by Helen Rutherford MBACP, who lives with SMA, the service combines lived and professional experience to provide holistic, person-centred support.

We'll be working with Helen to deliver a Wellbeing Hub on Living Well With a Neuromuscular Condition. Coming up in July, the session will explore ways to manage stress and anxiety while building resilience. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on this insightful and helpful session.

We are delighted to be Partners of the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre. The Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre exists t...
23/04/2026

We are delighted to be Partners of the Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre.

The Muscular Dystrophy Support Centre exists to improve the lives of adults living with muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions. Based in the West Midlands, they help people stay stronger for longer through specialist therapies, wellbeing support, and a community that truly understands the realities of living with a progressive condition.

www.emotionalrespite.co.uk
Appointments Available!

🌟 The S.T.A.R. Method for Everyday Calm 🌟When life feels overwhelming, it helps to have a tool that brings you back to c...
20/04/2026

🌟 The S.T.A.R. Method for Everyday Calm 🌟

When life feels overwhelming, it helps to have a tool that brings you back to centre. The S.T.A.R. method is a simple but powerful way to pause and respond, rather than react.

💫 S – Stop: Take a breath. Ground yourself in the moment before doing anything else.
💭 T – Think: Ask, “What’s really happening here?” and “What do I need right now?”
🧩 A – Act: Choose a helpful action—something small, kind, and focused on what you can control.
💖 R – Recover: Reflect, rest, and recharge. Every pause and choice deserves recovery time.

The STAR method turns emotional turbulence into mindful clarity. Try using it next time you feel triggered or stressed, and notice how it gently reshapes your reactions. 🌿✨

emotionalrespite.co.uk
Appointments Available!

Practical Ways to Engage with Disability-Positive TherapyIf you or someone you care about is considering therapy, here a...
17/04/2026

Practical Ways to Engage with Disability-Positive Therapy

If you or someone you care about is considering therapy, here are some practical steps to find and engage with disability-positive therapy:

✨️Research therapists who specialise in disability-positive or inclusive therapy approaches. Look for credentials and client testimonials.

✨️Ask about accessibility: Ensure the therapy space and communication methods meet your needs.

✨️Discuss your goals openly: Share what matters most to you, whether it’s managing stress, building confidence, or navigating social challenges.

✨️Explore different formats: Online sessions, which can be video, audio, or email, may be more convenient and comfortable than face to face.

✨️Be patient with the process: Therapy is a journey, and progress may come in small but meaningful steps.

Remember, therapy is your space. It should feel safe, respectful, and empowering.

emotionalrespite.co.uk
Appointments Available!

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Newcastle Upon Tyne

Opening Hours

Monday 1pm - 8pm
Tuesday 1pm - 8pm
Wednesday 1pm - 8pm
Thursday 1pm - 8pm
Friday 1pm - 8pm

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