Jan Scoones Counselling & Psychotherapy

Jan Scoones Counselling & Psychotherapy MBACP (Accred)
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed or sad. Perhaps counselling can help.

The gift of being heard isn't fixing, it's feeling.When you're hurting, anxious, or overwhelmed, the last thing you need...
29/09/2025

The gift of being heard isn't fixing, it's feeling.

When you're hurting, anxious, or overwhelmed, the last thing you need is someone trying to convince you out of your emotions.

You don't need solutions or silver linings.

You need someone to sit with you in that discomfort and say, "I see you. I hear you. What you're feeling matters."

Being truly heard means having your experience validated without judgement or unsolicited advice.

It means someone making space for your feelings exactly as they are, not how they think they should be.

We've all been there, sharing something vulnerable only to be met with "look on the bright side" or "at least it's not worse."

Those responses, however well-meaning, can feel dismissive.

The most powerful thing you can offer someone, or ask for yourself, is simple presence.

To witness without fixing.

To validate without minimising.

What's one thing you wish someone understood about what you're going through?

If someone in your life seems to "expect the worst" or appears hypervigilant, please remember this: their responses aren...
27/09/2025

If someone in your life seems to "expect the worst" or appears hypervigilant, please remember this: their responses aren't dramatic - they're protective.

When you've experienced trauma or abuse, your brain learns to scan for danger.

That worry that might seem "excessive" to others?

It once kept them safe.

It's not hypothetical fear - it's historical wisdom.

Here's how you can truly support someone healing from trauma:

✓ Validate their feelings without trying to "fix" them
✓ Be consistent and reliable in your words and actions
✓ Ask "What do you need to feel safe?" instead of "Just relax"
✓ Respect their boundaries, even when they seem "too much"
✓ Show up with patience, not judgement

The goal isn't to convince them the world is safe - it's to help them feel safe with YOU.

Sometimes the most healing thing you can say is simply: "I believe you. Your feelings make sense."

If you're supporting someone through trauma or working through your own healing journey, remember that recovery takes time.

You deserve compassion, understanding, and professional support when you're ready.

I see clients every day who almost didn't reach out because of these exact misconceptions. Therapy isn't about being "br...
24/09/2025

I see clients every day who almost didn't reach out because of these exact misconceptions.

Therapy isn't about being "broken" or weak - it's about being brave enough to invest in yourself and your growth.

Whether you're navigating a major life change, looking for clarity, or simply want to understand yourself better, therapy is a powerful tool for EVERYONE.

Your friends are amazing for support, but therapists bring professional tools, unbiased perspectives, and specialised training that creates lasting change.

And no - you won't be stuck in therapy forever!

Most people work with me for weeks or months, not years.

Ready to prioritise your mental health?

That first step is always the hardest, but I promise it's worth it 💙

Ever caught yourself wondering why your confidence seems to rise and fall with your relationships? You're not alone - an...
23/09/2025

Ever caught yourself wondering why your confidence seems to rise and fall with your relationships?

You're not alone - and there's actually a fascinating psychological reason behind it.

Discover how the attachment patterns you formed in childhood are still shaping your self-worth today.

From secure attachment leading to steady confidence, to anxious attachment creating that constant need for validation, your early relationships set the blueprint for how you see yourself now.

But here's the empowering part: these patterns aren't permanent. Learn how to recognise your attachment style, break free from negative cycles, and build the stable, compassionate relationship with yourself that you deserve.

Ready to understand the hidden connection between your relationships and self-esteem?

Read the full blog on my website to uncover insights that could transform how you view yourself

Focus your energy where it counts. This visual reminder shows us that peace comes from investing our attention in what w...
19/09/2025

Focus your energy where it counts.

This visual reminder shows us that peace comes from investing our attention in what we can actually influence - our responses, choices, and mindset - rather than exhausting ourselves trying to control the uncontrollable.

When we shift our focus inward, we reclaim our power.

Your attachment style shapes how you love, trust, and connect with others. It's not your fault, but it is your responsib...
17/09/2025

Your attachment style shapes how you love, trust, and connect with others.

It's not your fault, but it is your responsibility to understand it.

These patterns often form in childhood, but the beautiful thing about attachment is that it's not fixed. With awareness and effort, you can move towards more secure ways of relating.

Which style resonates most with you?

Remember, most people have elements of different styles, and that's completely normal.

Understanding your patterns is the first step towards healthier relationships—with others and yourself.

Tanya Markul has hit the nail on the head with this beautiful poem. The moment you realise that your worth isn't measure...
16/09/2025

Tanya Markul has hit the nail on the head with this beautiful poem.

The moment you realise that your worth isn't measured by how much you give away.

Learning to set boundaries isn't selfish—it's the beginning of discovering who you really are.

Your story doesn't start with fixing everyone else.

It starts with honouring yourself.

To anyone on this journey: the guilt you feel when you first say "no" is normal.

The discomfort when you prioritise your needs is part of the process.

You're not broken for wanting to be seen, heard, and valued.

Your healing matters. Your boundaries matter. You matter.

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish.It's essential. When you're constantly giving to others without refilling your own...
12/09/2025

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish.

It's essential.

When you're constantly giving to others without refilling your own energy, you end up running on empty.

And that doesn't help anyone, including the people you care about.

Setting boundaries and putting your needs first allows you to show up more fully for both yourself and others.

You deserve the same kindness and attention you give so freely to everyone else.

So what's one thing you're gonna do for YOU today?

Even if it's just taking five minutes to breathe.

Feeling disconnected or unseen either at home or at work? In her latest chat with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, psychotherapist...
10/09/2025

Feeling disconnected or unseen either at home or at work?

In her latest chat with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, psychotherapist Esther Perel explores how our jobs now shape how we feel seen, respected, and truly valued.

She reminds us that what matters most in the workplace isn’t perks, it’s relationships built on trust, belonging, recognition, and collective resilience.

She also dives into how our personal histories and our digital distractions can get in the way of real connection, and how the way we handle conflict, with curiosity and self-awareness, can actually bring us closer.

A heartfelt listen that shows how tiny shifts in how we relate and listen can make a big difference, everywhere we show up.

If you're constantly second-guessing yourself, walking on eggshells, or feeling like you're "going crazy" in your relati...
08/09/2025

If you're constantly second-guessing yourself, walking on eggshells, or feeling like you're "going crazy" in your relationship, you might be experiencing gaslighting - one of the most damaging forms of psychological manipulation.

Your instincts matter.

Your memories are valid.

Your feelings deserve respect.

Read my blog post to discover the subtle warning signs that could be undermining your sense of reality, and remember - you're not alone in this.

When you're constantly critical of yourself, you might find yourself accepting criticism from others or being overly cri...
07/09/2025

When you're constantly critical of yourself, you might find yourself accepting criticism from others or being overly critical in return.

When you don't set boundaries with yourself, you struggle to maintain healthy boundaries with others.

But here's the flip side: When you practice self-compassion, you naturally become more compassionate with others.

When you respect your own needs and values, you attract people who respect the real you.

When you forgive yourself for mistakes, you create space for more authentic connections.

Your inner dialogue becomes your outer world.

The patience you show yourself teaches others how to be patient with you.

The love you cultivate within radiates outward and attracts relationships that nourish your soul.

This isn't about being selfish. It's about being so grounded in who you are that you can show up authentically in every relationship.

It's about loving yourself enough to walk away from what doesn't serve you and stay present for what does.

You can't give what you don't have.

Start within. Everything else will follow.

Emotions aren't black and white - they exist in beautiful, complex combinations. You can feel excited AND anxious about ...
03/09/2025

Emotions aren't black and white - they exist in beautiful, complex combinations.

You can feel excited AND anxious about a new opportunity.

You can love someone AND feel frustrated with them.

You can be proud of your progress AND still feel scared about what's next.

This isn't confusing or wrong - it's completely human.

Our emotional landscape is rich and multidimensional, and holding space for contradictory feelings is actually a sign of emotional maturity and self-awareness.

What mixed emotions are you experiencing today? Remember, they can all be valid at the same time.

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Milestone Avenue
Reading
RG109TN

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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