The Therapy Room

12/08/2025

In the UK, three-quarters of all su***des are men.

And in 2023, just over 4,500 men died by su***de compared to just under 1,500 women.

The reality of male su***de is devastating, and these shocking figures raise a vital question – what can we do to help the men in our lives before it’s too late?

www.thetherapyroom.uk.com/male-su***de-breaking-the-silence/

10/08/2025

Sunday morning thoughts...

08/08/2025

Whether you’ve been together for five months, five years, or five decades, relationships should never get boring.

But many couples find themselves slipping into autopilot – same conversations, same routines, same arguments, and they start to wonder where the spark that initially brought them together has gone.

Read more here: www.thetherapyroom.uk.com/relationship-advice-for-couples-the-importance-of-keeping-the-spark-alive/

07/08/2025

Even when you're feeling lost or invisible, your light still matters. You don’t need to shine for anyone else right now. Shine for you. That’s more than enough.

06/08/2025

04/08/2025

The summer holidays bring joy, sunshine, and a well-deserved break for children.

But for working parents, it can present unique challenges that are often more stressful than people perceive.

Read more here: www.thetherapyroom.uk.com/the-stresses-of-summer-holidays-as-a-parent-the-effects-on-a-healthy-work-life-balance/

31/07/2025

On social media and on the television, the summer holidays are portrayed as a period in which time appears to be plentiful – six weeks filled with sunshine, days out, holidays abroad, relaxed parents and children who always seem to be smiling.

These images can put a lot of pressure on couples and ignore that the reality of summer holidays for many people is quite different.

It can be a time with moments of joy and excitement of course, but it can also put a strain on a couple’s relationship with the constant presence of children, disrupted routines, and increased responsibilities, testing a marriage or relationship.

*Issues for parents during the summer holidays *

Managing increased stress levels

During the summer break, parents often find themselves juggling work commitments while also trying to keep their children engaged and entertained. The added responsibilities can lead to increased stress levels, leaving couples feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.

Tip: Open and honest communication is vital in navigating the challenges of summer holidays. Couples should regularly discuss their feelings, concerns, and expectations. By sharing the workload and supporting each other, couples can alleviate stress and create a more relaxed environment.

Lack of alone time

Constantly being in the presence of children can leave little room for couples to nurture their own relationship and to find time to be intimate. This absence of alone time can lead to feelings of neglect.

Tip: Scheduling time for just the two of you will ensure that the connection you share remains strong. Plan date nights or even simple activities like taking a walk together or having a quiet dinner after the children are asleep.

Financial pressures

The summer holidays can bring financial burdens, such as expenses for holidays, outings, and additional childcare. The strain of managing increased expenditures can lead to disagreements and financial stress within a relationship.

Tip: Developing a realistic budget before the summer holidays begin and sticking to it can help ease financial pressures. Plan activities that align with your budget and consider free or low-cost alternatives for family fun. Engage in open discussions about financial goals and work together as a team to manage expenses effectively, reducing the strain on your relationship.

*The last straw?*

Akin to Christmas and the New Year, the summer holidays are often a “make or break” time for relationships and here at The Therapy Room, we see an increase in enquiries for couples therapy during these periods.

When there are already difficulties in a relationship, six weeks of trying to keep children entertained whilst managing your other commitments, can be the last straw.

The good news is that it doesn’t have to be this way as couples therapy is available and allows parents to explore the issues they are experiencing in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

*Let’s get you back to good*

There are a lot of myths surrounding couples therapy, most of which aren’t true.

For example, couples therapy is not just for married couples. It’s also not about assigning blame or providing a quick fix.

It is also nothing to be ashamed of. Asking for professional help shows courage and is a testament to how much you care for each other.

If you fear that the summer holidays will push your relationship to breaking point, contact The Therapy Room for an initial chat. This will allow you to talk freely and openly about the issues you are experiencing and allows us to recommend a course of action.

We know that every relationship is unique and that’s why we don’t offer a “one-size-fits-all” approach.

Instead, we take the time to listen and to really understand the issues you’re experiencing with a view to improving the connection you share and your happiness as a result, both as a couple and as individuals.

We want you to look forward to the summer holidays, or to at least feel that they are manageable.

So contact us today and let’s get you both back to good.

29/07/2025

How do you go about finding the right couples therapy therapist?

www.thetherapyroom.uk.com/couples-therapy-finding-the-right-couples-therapy-therapist/

25/07/2025

"From the outside, I am confident, I have a great job, great family & friends, but underneath is a very different story altogether. My name is Darragh & for the past 20 years I have been tackling the crippling effects of anxiety"

This is a blog from a number of years ago but it's still an inspiring read: www.alustforlife.com/voice/personal-stories/my-anxiety-and-me

23/07/2025

The bond that people have with their pets cannot be understated.

Whether it’s a cat or a dog, a horse or a reptile, pets become integral parts of our lives.

They are part of the family – companions, a listening ear, and unlike human relationships, they offer unconditional love and never judge.

The death of a pet can be a deeply painful experience, often comparable to losing a close friend or family member, and it’s important to acknowledge your sense of loss and seek bereavement counselling if you need to.

*The emotional impact of the death of a pet*

The bond between humans and their pets is unique, and the emotional impact of their loss should not be underestimated. Many pet owners experience intense grief, which can manifest in various ways, including:

Sadness and depression – The absence of a pet’s presence in daily life can lead to deep sorrow and feelings of emptiness.

Guilt and regret – Pet owners often wonder if they could have done more to prolong their pet’s life or ease their suffering.

Anger and frustration – Losing a pet unexpectedly or making difficult end-of-life decisions can lead to feelings of frustration and helplessness.

Isolation and loneliness – Many people feel that their grief is not understood by others, leading to a sense of isolation.

Dealing with the death of a pet is a unique journey for each individual, but bereavement counselling can provide a safe space to process these emotions and find ways to heal.

*Four ways bereavement counselling can help following the death of a pet*

There is a common misconception that bereavement counselling is solely to process the loss of another person, but many of the feelings that arise following the death of a pet are exactly the same, and so bereavement counselling can be just as beneficial.

Here are four ways it can help:

Providing emotional support
Grieving the loss of a pet can be an isolating experience, especially when others may not fully understand the depth of the bond you shared. Bereavement counselling provides a compassionate space where individuals can openly express their emotions without fear of judgment.

Helping to process grief
Grief is a complex process that can take time to work through. A counsellor can help individuals understand the different stages of grief and provide strategies to cope with feelings of sadness, guilt, and anger.

Offering coping mechanisms
Therapists can introduce various coping techniques, such as mindfulness, journaling, or creating a memorial for your pet. These activities can provide comfort and help in honouring your pet’s memory.

Encouraging healthy healing
Bereavement counselling supports individuals in finding healthy ways to remember and cherish their pet while also moving forward in a way that feels right for them.

*Seeking support following the death of a pet*

If you have recently lost a beloved pet, please do not underestimate the emotional impact it can have on you.

Here at The Therapy Room, we know exactly how you feel, and we can use our first-hand experience, as well as our professional skills, to help you work through your grief.

Dealing with the death of a pet is a significant emotional challenge, but no one has to go through it alone. Bereavement counselling can offer invaluable support, helping pet owners process their grief and find peace after their loss.

Let’s get you back to good.