Lily Pad Counselling

03/03/2026

Anxiety is a bit of a shapeshifter; it doesn't just stay in your head. It’s a full unpleasant experience that manifests across the mind and body. An internal alarm system goes off and can cause:

Mind racing
Catastrophizing
Brain Fog
Feeling of impending doom
Tightness in chest
Heart racing
Shallow breathing
Sweating
Stomach discomfort
Headache
Restlessness
Paralysis

​Think of anxiety like a smoke detector. It’s designed to keep you safe from fire, but sometimes it’s so sensitive that it goes off just because you’re making toast. The "alarm" is loud and scary, but it doesn't necessarily mean there's a fire.

22/12/2025

Incase you need someone to talk to over the festive period. Our Parents Helpline will be closed from 25th December and re-open on 2nd Jan.

21/12/2025

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and provides a time to pause, reflect and appreciate the stillness. We can turn inward and reflect on what has been. We can contemplate what lies ahead in the light of longer days. As the trees are stripped bare, we have the opportunity to maybe see a little clearer and the lightness can show us a way forward that is both enriching and nurturing. A time to reflect as you gaze into the warm hearth and understand what lights the fire within yourself. Who are the people, where are the places and what are the habits that give you energy? What do you want to leave behind in the darkness of the past year and what seeds do you want to sow for the time ahead? Breathe and notice. I wish you all love and peace.

19/06/2025

For those of you on antidepressants please be careful during this hot spell.

10/10/2024

It's World Mental Health Day 2024 and this year's theme is focusing on mental health in the workplace. Work can be rewarding and purposeful and a place to build connections. However, it can also be a cause of stress, uncertainty, pressure and dissatisfaction.

Please don't suffer. Please reach out for some support and talk about difficulties at work.

15/07/2024

I am so pleased to say that I have just been awarded BACP Counsellor Accreditation!

I underwent the lengthy, rigorous application and assessment process and demonstrated that I meet the required standards as an experienced, competent, knowledgeable and ethical counsellor.

I am very happy about this because I love my counselling work. 😊

02/04/2024

World Autism Day

Today I celebrate all the unique and amazing clients that I have had the privilege to counsel over the years. Each person has brought their own individuality into the counselling space and into their own lives.

Let's make the world a more accepting place where fresh, diverse perspectives are valued.

14/02/2024

Learn to appreciate yourself, value yourself, accept yourself, develop self-worth, practice self-care and grow that love for yourself. You are meaningful. You are valid. You matter. ❤️

14/02/2024

A bit late, but being pancake day yesterday I though you might find this amusing.

29/01/2024

Self-help books can be really, well 'helpful'...

Are there any books thay you have read that have been enlightening, helped you with self-awareness, given you some new ideas, helped you cope with something, altered your mindset or helped you become more self accepting?

Please share in the comments below so that others may benefit too.

Jemima 😊

04/12/2023

Christmas time can be joyful, fun and a time for connection and celebration.

However, it's not easy for everyone with the constant barage of everything we 'need and should have' to have a happy time.

People can feel under a lot of pressure as we are bombarded with media and advertising of what makes a happy picture perfect Christmas.

Maybe it's not that easy for a friend or family member. This article from Mind can explain why. Check in on those around you as you could make a difference. ❤️

Learn how Christmas can be a difficult time of year for your mental health and wellbeing, including worries about money, other people and practical issues.

21/06/2023

Anxiety can feel overpowering and affect day to day life. Here are a few tips to try to calm yourself.