DLD Counselling

15/05/2025

Struggling with Anxiety?

Anxiety is a normal, natural response to stress that helps keep us safe. It’s a protective mechanism that triggers the “fight or flight” response when we face danger, real or perceived. This reaction has evolved to protect us, but in today’s world, it can become more of a hindrance than a help.

When anxiety shows up as racing thoughts, a tight chest, or a general feeling of unease, it can feel overwhelming. However, it's important to recognise that this response is hardwired into our brains. Anxiety is a tool, one that alerts us to threats, but when it becomes chronic, it’s not always in proportion to the actual danger we face.

Here’s where therapy comes in:

Learning to manage anxiety helps you understand when it’s useful and when it’s working against you. By recognising triggers, learning calming techniques, and exploring your emotional responses, you can regain control.

Anxiety medication can help manage symptoms, but it doesn't always address the underlying causes. The “band-aid” approach might help alleviate symptoms in the short term but doesn’t teach us how to deal with the root cause of our anxiety or how to manage it long-term.

Understanding the source of your anxiety can lead to a deeper sense of control. Instead of masking the symptoms, we can explore the patterns of thought and triggers that bring about anxiety, allowing you to reduce its intensity and frequency without relying solely on medication.

Here’s what we can focus on together in therapy:

Identifying triggers: Understanding what causes your anxiety allows you to manage situations before they escalate.

Challenging unhelpful thought patterns: Anxiety often feeds on negative or irrational thinking. Learning how to challenge and reframe those thoughts can reduce the intensity of your anxiety.

Building healthy coping mechanisms: Techniques like mindfulness, breathing exercises, and self-compassion can empower you to handle anxiety when it arises.

✨ If anxiety is holding you back, I’m here to help. Together, we can explore and understand your anxiety in a way that medication alone cannot, giving you the tools to manage it effectively.

🔗 Find out more or book a free 30-minute session: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/darrel-linehan-dumont
📱 Call or text: 07359 086 257

14/05/2025

Navigating Life's Mental Health Challenges

🌿 Life can feel overwhelming at times, and it’s completely normal to feel weighed down by stress, anxiety, or personal challenges. Whether it’s work-related pressure, relationship difficulties, or just the daily demands of life, we all face moments when things feel a bit too much.

When we’re overwhelmed, our thoughts can race, our energy can dip, and it can feel like we’re stuck in a cycle we can’t break. But here’s the thing: it’s okay to feel this way, and it’s okay to ask for help. The first step toward relief is recognising that it’s perfectly normal to need support. It doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.

If you’re feeling stuck, here are some simple but effective ways to begin shifting your mindset and managing those overwhelming moments:

Pause and Breathe
It might sound simple, but sometimes the best thing you can do is to just pause. Take a few deep breaths, focusing on inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This helps reduce the immediate feeling of anxiety and gives you space to think more clearly.

Write it Down
Sometimes our thoughts become a jumble, especially when we’re stressed. Journaling can be a powerful way to bring clarity. Try writing down what you’re feeling, what’s stressing you out, and any thoughts you have. Getting it out of your head and onto paper can help process emotions and make them feel more manageable.

Set Small, Achievable Goals
When everything feels overwhelming, it can help to break things down into smaller tasks. Instead of thinking about everything at once, focus on one thing you can achieve today, no matter how small. Completing that task can give you a sense of accomplishment and help you feel more in control.

Reach Out for Support
We all need support from time to time. Talking things through with a friend or a professional can provide a fresh perspective and emotional relief. If you feel like you could benefit from having someone to talk to, remember that therapy is there to support you.

Practice Self-Compassion
We often talk to ourselves more harshly than we would to a friend. Instead of beating yourself up for feeling overwhelmed, try to be kind to yourself. Recognise that it’s okay to have tough days. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough.

Remember, you’re not alone. It's okay to ask for help and take the time you need to feel better. Everyone’s journey is different, and there’s no shame in seeking support when you need it.

✨ If you’re feeling stuck or just need someone to talk to, I’m here to help. Sometimes, the first step is just having a conversation to explore what’s going on. Therapy can help bring clarity, reduce stress, and offer a path forward, no matter what you're facing.

🔗 Find out more or book a free 30-minute session to see if therapy is the right fit for you: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/darrel-linehan-dumont

07/05/2025

My Approach to Therapy

🌿 There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to therapy. Every person is unique, and the challenges you face are as individual as you are.

That’s why I use a flexible approach, combining different techniques based on what will help you the most. Whether we’re talking through your experiences, changing unhelpful patterns, or focusing on the present, the therapy we do will always be tailored to fit you.

No pressure, just support at your pace. Whether you want to explore past challenges or work on current concerns, I’ll be here to guide you.

✨ Find out more or book a free 30-minute session: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/darrel-linehan-dumont
📱 Call or text: 07359 086 257

06/05/2025

🧠 Men's Mental Health Matters

Did you know that men are three times more likely to die by su***de than women? Yet, they're less likely to seek help. It's time to change the narrative.

The Mental Health Foundation's article sheds light on why men often struggle in silence and how we can support them. Let's break the stigma and encourage open conversations.

Read more: Men and Mental Health

Why men don't talk about mental health; depression and su***de in men; and what you can do if you're worried about your own or somebody else's mental health.

26/04/2025

Exciting news – my first article is now live on the Counselling Directory!

It’s called “Chasing Perfection – Why 'Good Enough' Really Is Good Enough” and it’s all about the pressure to be perfect, how it shows up in everyday life (yes, even Yorkshire puddings), and what happens when we let go of the need to get everything right.

You can read it here: https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/articles/chasing-perfection-why-good-enough-really-is-good-enough

Would love to know what you think 💬

Let go of the pressure to be perfect. Discover why real life, with all its flaws, is where joy, growth, and meaning truly live.

25/04/2025

🧠 Thinking About Counselling? Let’s Clear a Few Things Up... 🧠

Ever feel surrounded by questions when it comes to counselling?
You’re not the only one - and honestly, some of the things people think about therapy are way off.

Let’s clear up a few of the most common misconceptions I hear:

❌ “It’s just sitting in a room while someone nods and asks, ‘How does that make you feel?’”
➡️ I won’t lie - I do sometimes ask how something makes you feel.
But it’s not the only question, and it’s never just for the sake of it.
Good counselling is a real conversation - sometimes calm, sometimes emotional, and sometimes gently challenging (in a supportive way).
I’m there to listen, notice patterns, ask helpful questions, and work with you to understand what’s really going on.

❌ “I wouldn’t even know what to say.”
➡️ That’s more common than you’d think. You don’t need to have it all figured out - we start wherever you’re at and go from there.
Like I often say: I’m curious, and you’re the expert on all things you. So we’ll be just fine.

❌ “I should be able to sort it out on my own.”
➡️ You could… but that doesn’t mean you have to.
We’re not meant to carry everything alone. Talking it through with someone trained to help you make sense of it all can be a real game changer.

❌ “Talking won’t change anything.”
➡️ Actually, talking can change everything.
It can help shift the weight you’ve been carrying, make sense of your thoughts, and help you feel more like yourself again.
It doesn’t fix everything, but it can help you feel more able to face whatever’s ahead.

❌ “Counselling is only for people with serious problems.”
➡️ Not true. Counselling is for anyone who wants to explore what’s going on, make sense of life, or feel more in control - big or small.

If you’ve been considering counselling but you're not sure what to expect, book a free 30-minute video call to see if I’m the right fit for you.
No pressure. Just a safe space to talk, ask questions, and explore whether this could be helpful for you right now.

📞 07359 086 257
🌐 www.dldcounselling.co.uk (Check out my website)
🧠 DLD Counselling

If this post helped clear things up, feel free to give it a like or share it with someone who might need to see it.

You can also follow this page for more tips and thoughts around mental wellbeing – no spam, just support.

And if there’s a topic or misconception you’d like me to talk about, drop me a message — I’m always happy to help where I can.

24/04/2025

Therapy doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s just a conversation – and sometimes, that’s all we need to start making sense of things.

I’m Darrel, the counsellor behind DLD Counselling, and I help people work through anxiety, stress, and life’s challenges. My approach? No judgment, no one-size-fits-all solutions - just a space where you can talk, reflect, and move forward in a way that works for you.

✅ Feeling overwhelmed?
✅ Struggling with negative thought patterns?
✅ Stressed about relationships, work, or just… life?

You don’t have to do it alone. I offer online therapy that fits around your life, making it easier to get support when you need it.

Thinking about counselling but not sure where to start?
I offer a free 30-minute chat to see if we’re the right fit - no pressure, just a conversation.

💬 Have a question about therapy - Drop me a message or visit www.dldcounselling.co.uk to book or call 07359 086 257

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/darrel-linehan-dumont

📌

22/04/2025

Grief: There’s No ‘Right’ Way to Feel.

Grief is one of life’s hardest journeys, and yet, no two people walk the same path. It’s unpredictable, deeply personal, and often doesn’t follow the timeline we expect—or the one others think we should be on.

There’s no “getting over” grief, no perfect way to handle it, and no rulebook that tells us exactly how we should feel. And that’s okay.

In my latest article, I talk about the reality of grief—the ups, downs, and unexpected moments that come with it. Whether you’re going through loss yourself or supporting someone who is, this piece is a reminder that whatever you feel is valid.

💛 Read it here: https://bit.ly/4i7jVcl

If you're struggling with grief and need someone to talk to, I'm here. You don’t have to go through it alone. Feel free to reach out. 💛

20/04/2025

Therapy doesn’t have to be daunting. It’s just a conversation – and sometimes, that’s all we need to start making sense of things.

I’m Darrel, the counsellor behind DLD Counselling, and I help people work through anxiety, stress, and life’s challenges. My approach? No judgment, no one-size-fits-all solutions—just a space where you can talk, reflect, and move forward in a way that works for you.

✅ Feeling overwhelmed?
✅ Struggling with negative thought patterns?
✅ Stressed about relationships, work, or just… life?

You don’t have to do it alone. I offer online therapy that fits around your life, making it easier to get support when you need it.

Thinking about counselling but not sure where to start?
I offer a free 30-minute chat to see if we’re the right fit—no pressure, just a conversation.

💬 Have a question about therapy - Drop me a message or visit www.dldcounselling.co.uk to book or call 07359 086 257

📌

20/04/2025

Happy Easter, everyone! Whether you're catching up with family, reflecting on what today means to you, or just using it as an excuse to indulge in a bit too much chocolate 🍫 - I hope it’s a good one. Just don't eat too many eggs... your future self will thank you or at least that's what I keep telling myself! 😂