Green Space Retreat

08/05/2026

Your mental health matters deeply. 💛
Taking care of your mind and heart isn’t always easy, but even small steps can make a meaningful difference. Here are a few gentle ways to support your emotional wellbeing:
Mindfulness 🧘
Slow down and come back to the present moment. Whether it’s through a short meditation, a few deep breaths, or a quiet walk without distractions — give yourself permission to simply be.
Feel your feelings 🥰
Your emotions don’t need to be fixed or judged. It’s okay to check in with yourself, name what you’re feeling, and let it move through you with kindness and compassion.
Set boundaries 💚
Protect your peace by honoring your needs, values, and energy. It’s not selfish to say “no” or create space — it’s an act of self-respect and care.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, please remember: you’re not alone, and it’s brave to tend to your heart.
Sending you warmth, understanding, and lots of love. 🤍

02/05/2026

Not every therapy session is about having a huge light bulb moment.

Sometimes it’s about finally having a space where you don’t have to hold everything together, be who you feel others need you to be, or pretend you’re ok.

You can simply exhale and show up exactly as you are and trust that that's enough 💚

23/04/2026

23/04/2026

Just wanted to pop on here and give you all a little update as to why I’ve been so quiet on here lately.
I’ve recently taken on a new and exciting role within the charity I work for, and to be able to give my very best to my colleagues, the counsellors, and the clients we support, I’ve had to step back a little from my private practice.
Stepping into the role of Clinical Lead at First Step has taken me well out of my comfort zone and firmly into the fear zone — which is exactly the kind of growth I’m always encouraging my clients to embrace. So I decided it was time to practise what I preach!
I’m incredibly proud to be part of First Step. What makes this organisation so special is the remarkable team we’re building. Our work is complex, emotional, and deeply demanding. It requires real professionalism, compassion, and resilience every single day — and I see our team quietly demonstrating all three with such dedication and heart.
I’m especially proud of the culture we’ve created — one that values expertise as much as empathy, and thoughtful reflection alongside purposeful action. We’re built on trust, integrity, and a genuine care for doing this work well. It’s a privilege I never take for granted.
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, our compassionate team at First Step is here to help. Whether you’re looking for emotional support or therapeutic services, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
📧 contact@firststepleicester.org.uk
📞 0116 254 8535
You can also find us here: [Home - First Step Leicester Leicestershire and Rutland]
https://firststepleicester.org.uk/

A quick note about my private practice:
I am still offering a limited number of sessions, now only on Fridays and Saturdays. If you’ve lost your way, or know someone who has, please feel free to get in touch — I’d be happy to support you where I can.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding.
Wishing you all well 💚

First Step provides free and confidential counselling and support to male survivors of sexual abuse and their loved ones in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland.

10/01/2026

Counselling offers a safe space to heal, grow, and move forward. You don't have to do it alone.

💚🌱

10/01/2026

Just wanted to wish all my followers & clients a Happy New Year.
I have now taken on a new role within the charity I currently work for , so my hours of working from the cabin have now changed ⬇️

06/11/2025

Self-compassion is about being kind to yourself, especially during difficult times. It means treating yourself with the same understanding and care you would offer a friend who is struggling.

The first stage involves recognizing and acknowledging your pain. Trauma often brings intense feelings of shame, guilt, or self-blame. Self-compassion starts with simply noticing these feelings without judgment.

Trauma can make you feel isolated, as if you're the only one going through such pain. Self-compassion reminds you that you're not alone; many others have faced similar struggles.

Stage three is practicing kindness towards yourself. This means replacing self-criticism with self-care. When you notice those inner critical voices, respond with kindness. In this stage, you actively work on nurturing yourself.

Trauma can cause intense emotional reactions. Through self-compassion, you learn to soothe yourself. Breathing exercises, meditation, or simply pausing to check in with yourself can be very helpful.

As you continue to practice self-compassion, you start building resilience. Self-compassion doesn’t eliminate pain, but it makes you stronger in facing it. You develop a supportive inner voice that encourages and uplifts you during tough times.

A crucial part of healing is forgiveness, particularly self-forgiveness. Trauma often leaves us with regrets or self-blame. Self-compassion involves forgiving yourself for perceived mistakes or failures. It’s about recognizing that you did the best you could under the circumstances.

Finally, in the final stage, self-compassion leads you to embrace your self-worth. Trauma can diminish your sense of value, but self-compassion helps rebuild it. You start to see yourself as deserving of love, respect, and kindness.

As you progress through these stages, you’ll find that self-compassion becomes a natural part of your daily life. It’s an ongoing practice, a way of being that supports you through the ups and downs of healing.

30/10/2025

Trauma can be overwhelming, but self-care can be a powerful tool for healing ❤️‍🩹

When we've experienced trauma, it can feel like our whole world has been turned upside down. The pain, fear, and uncertainty can be suffocating. But amidst the chaos, self-care can be a beacon of hope.

Self-care isn't just about bubble baths and face masks (although, let's be real, those things can be amazing!). It's about intentionally prioritizing your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Here are some self-care strategies that might help:

- Grounding techniques: Focus on your five senses to bring yourself back to the present moment. Notice the sensation of your feet on the ground, the sounds around you, or the sensation of the air on your skin.
- Creative expression: Write, draw, paint, or create music that reflects your emotions. This can be a powerful way to process and release your feelings.
- Movement: Engage in physical activities that bring you joy, like walking, yoga, or dancing. Movement can help release tension and improve your mood.
- Connection: Reach out to loved ones, join a support group, or talk to a therapist. Sharing your experiences and feelings with others can be incredibly healing.

Remember, self-care is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Experiment with different strategies and find what works best for you.

If you're struggling with trauma, know that you're not alone. There are people who care about you and want to support you. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional for help.

18/07/2025

Our nervous systems thrive in healthy environments more than we consciously realise - our environment plays a crucial role in shaping our mental health and the regulation of our nervous system.
When we're in spaces that feel unsafe, invalidating, or stressful, our bodies stay on high alert - making feelings of calm, connection, or groundedness feel impossible.
Healing and growth are incomplete if we don't also look at the environments that we continually show up in. A loving reminder to get a little curious about the spaces you spend time in. Sending love as always 💚

02/05/2025

It's time for me to have a nice well earned break and take care of myself.
I will be spending my time exploring, slowing down and relaxing over the next 2 weeks.
I look forward to reconnecting with you all from the 19th May
Bye for now, I will be back soon.


Please see support numbers in comments.

12/04/2025

What a gorgeous morning to be working from the cabin 💚🌱