Branch Counselling

25/11/2025

CPD is a lucrative industry, yet many of the theories and tools we’re sold as therapists are hyped up and potentially mis-sold in a glossy sales pitch. I’ve written an article digging into what that means for our profession, and for those who trust us. It’s part wake-up call (especially for myself) and part invitation to rethink how we approach learning. If you’ve ever felt uneasy about the ‘neuroclaims’ or trend-based trainings landing in your inbox, this might resonate.

🍃 💛 This article was a reflective journey for me, so I am keen to hear your thoughts.

https://open.substack.com/pub/helenatbranchcounselling/p/training-standards?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3hzwxf

20/11/2025

In schools, I supported "behaviour". In therapy I meet the person behind it. Same young person, different lens.
If you're curious about why behaviour rarely shows up in the counselling room read on! 🍃💛

When behaviour is more than disruption: the therapeutic lens.

20/11/2025

Self care looks different for everyone! I love this post.

16/11/2025

We all know we make assumptions based on first impressions, but what does that mean for children and young people, and how does that translate to the therapy space?

At your age, you should know better!

06/11/2025

🍂 The Beginning of the End: November Reflections
November always feels like a month of in-between, the final amber leaves holding on, the warm glow behind closed curtains, and the quiet realisation that - all of a sudden - another year is almost done.
For therapists, it’s a natural time to pause and ask where our work sustains us, or quietly costs us.
In this month’s Substack, I’m exploring reflection, burnout, and the curious ways the counselling room can be both balm and burden.
✨ Read here → https://open.substack.com/pub/helenatbranchcounselling/p/the-beginning-of-the-end-november?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=3hzwxf

November always feels like a month of in-between -

03/11/2025

ONE WEEK TO GO!
Grab your favourite cuppa and join us for an evening exploring the real challenges of working therapeutically with young adults.
We’ll walk through a fictional case-study of 16-year-old Alex, diving into the complexities of identity, change and support. Then we’ll turn the spotlight on ourselves, how can practitioners stay grounded, motivated and resilient in this work?

📅 Date & time: Monday 10th November, 6 pm BST
👉 Sign up: https://onlinevents.co.uk/event/working-therapeutically-with-teenagers-and-young-adults-helen-gifford/
Tag a colleague or friend who works with young people and could benefit – let’s make it a supportive discussion.

Helen will be presenting a workshop on Working Therapeutically with Teenagers and Young Adults

30/10/2025

Increasingly, young adults in their early 20s are questioning the “right path”; study hard, get the degree, land the job, and find that it doesn’t always lead to fulfilment.

As therapists, educators, and employers, we’re seeing a generation caught between expectation and meaning, achievement and identity.

My latest Substack article explores this transition period and how small shifts, curiosity, and relational support can help young adults navigate uncertainty with compassion.

🌱 How do you hold space for young adults in this stage of uncertainty?

👉 Read the full reflection here:https://helenatbranchcounselling.substack.com/p/the-bus-stop-a-twenties-crossroads?r=3hzwxf

29/10/2025

The balance of shared and individual space is so important in any relationship, whether intimate, friend air family based.

23/10/2025

Join me on Monday, 10th November, for an evening workshop exploring the ways we support young people therapeutically and how we, as practitioners, look after ourselves within this work.

I look forward to seeing you there. 🍃💛

https://onlinevents.co.uk/event/working-therapeutically-with-teenagers-and-young-adults-helen-gifford/

Onlinevents Ltd

PCCS BOOKS LTD

23/10/2025

The SEND and SEMH system is stretched thin, yet full of people who care.
Parents are acting as caseworkers, schools as crisis teams, and young people are caught between. Despite reforms and intentions, the pressures on inclusion continue to grow.
Here, I explore what’s working, what’s not, and how reflective, relational practice can hold hope in a system that often feels unsustainable.

For parents and practitioners supporting young adults in education.

18/10/2025

Why the memes and annoying phrases are more than silliness! I love this reflection.