Safe Base Psychology

30/01/2026

29/01/2026

If you have ever attended a training session, group or therapy session run by me, or even just chatted over a coffee, chances are I have mentioned the hand model of the brain. 🧠

I love this analogy as it applies to us all whether we have experienced devastating trauma in our lives or we are just wanting to understand more about why we feel the way we do. This model is a simple way to understand more about how our brain works.

Here is a little run down...

👉 Make a fist:

Your wrist/forearm = spinal cord

Your thumb tucked in = limbic system (emotion centre or alarm) 🔔

Your fingers folded over = prefrontal cortex (thinking, planning, self-control) 📋

When we’re calm, the “lid is on” 🧠✨

Our thinking brain is online and helping us regulate emotions.

When we’re overwhelmed, stressed, or triggered?

The lid can flip 🧨

Big emotions take over, and logic goes offline.

This isn’t “bad behaviour” it’s our human nervous system doing its job.

💡 Why understanding this matters:

It builds self-compassion

It helps children (and adults!) name what’s happening

It reminds us that regulation comes before reasoning

Next time things feel too much for you or your child ask:

“Has my/their lid flipped — and what might help it come back on?”

28/01/2026

Wow where has the first month of 2026 gone! It’s been a busy start to the year for Safe Base Psychology.

January can feel like a long warm-up, often we are focused on setting intentions, shaking off the old year, finding our footing. February brings small habits, gentle resets but real momentum.
New month, fresh energy, and continuing to reach towards our goals with steady progress.

What will February offer you?

17/12/2025

Last day of sessions today before the Christmas break. 🎅 🎄

15/12/2025

Christmas can be magical… and overwhelming all at once🎄

As we go into the last week before Christmas its a good time to acknowledge that, while Christmas is special, it can also be a lot!

Bright lights, loud music, busy shops, changes in routine, social expectations, rich food, late nights, and big emotions (for children and adults).

When the nervous system gets overloaded, everyone can feel more irritable, anxious, or tearful.

Here is a simple but effective strategy to help the whole family stay calm:

The Butterfly Hug Technique 🦋

Cross your arms over your chest like butterfly wings and gently tap one side, then the other. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth as you tap for as long as you need.

This helps regulate the nervous system, bringing the body out of “fight or flight” and back into calm.

Use it together before meals, after busy outings, or when emotions start to bubble up.

I hope you enjoy the perfect imperfections of Christmas whatever that looks like for your family!

11/12/2025

Balloon Breathing- Why we love this simple, powerful tool for children

One of our favourite ways to teach children diaphragmatic breathing is through balloon breathing. It’s playful, accessible, and a brilliant way to support children in calming their central nervous system during moments of anxiety or distress.

See our handout on how it works.
�Diaphragmatic breathing activates the body’s calming system, slowing heart rate, reducing the stress response, and helping children feel more grounded and in control of their emotions.

You can use it….
* Before school or bedtime
* After a tricky moment
* During transitions
* Anytime a child needs a moment of calm
Small strategies like balloon breathing can make a big difference in helping children feel safe, regulated, and ready to engage with the world.

04/12/2025

What a busy time we’ve had! Sorry for the lack of posts, we’ve been settling into our new clinic 😍

We’re now fully booked until January…Tuesday spaces for individuals/ families available from January 2026.

We also have a few remaining spaces for our Neuroaffirmative Autism Assessments in January and February.

Watch this space for exciting news on other projects in 2026 🤔

Lots of compliments on our new space this week and a privilege to meet some amazing families and clients in our new clinic. Pass the pigs was the favourite game of the week and the relaxing indoor garden went down a treat 😍

07/11/2025

I’ve spent the last few days learning all about “blue light spotting” 🚓🚒🚑 (yes, it’s a thing!) to connect with a young person who can be really hard to reach. Instead of trying to draw them into my world, I took a step into theirs. The result? Connection, conversation, and shared smiles. And today, as their incentive and something meaningful for them, I stopped a fire officer in Morrisons and arranged a visit to the fire station after our session. Their excitement says everything. 🔥

One of the most meaningful ways to engage with autistic children is by exploring and valuing their special interests. These interests, whether it’s trains, animals, gaming, space, numbers, or a TV character, are not “obsessions” or something to be discouraged. They are powerful bridges to communication, learning, and emotional connection.

When we step into their world and show genuine curiosity and respect for what they love, something really special happens:

✨ The child feels seen, understood, and accepted.
✨ Trust and connection grow naturally.
✨ Communication becomes easier and more joyful.
✨ Their interests become pathways to learning and shared experiences.

Special interests are not distractions from development, they are gateways to it. 💛

It’s these moments—led by their interests—where relationships truly grow. 🌈

So next time you want to connect, start with what they love. Sit beside them. Notice what matters to them. The connection will follow. 💙

13/10/2025

I have met some amazing families providing autism assessments. I always feel deeply honoured to walk alongside families on their autism assessment journeys.

Each story shared, each moment of insight, and each connection reminds me why compassionate, authentic, and supportive practice matters so much.

As a psychologist, I aim to ensure that every assessment honours the child’s individuality, celebrates neurodiversity, and empowers families to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Receiving such kind feedback last week (pictured) is a reminder that gentle curiosity and respect can make a real difference.

13/10/2025

Over the last 6 weeks I have met some amazing families providing autism assessments. I always feel deeply honoured to walk alongside families on their autism assessment journeys.

Each story shared, each moment of insight, and each connection reminds me why compassionate, authentic, and supportive practice matters so much.

As a psychologist, I aim to ensure that every assessment honours the child’s individuality, celebrates neurodiversity, and empowers families to feel seen, heard, and valued.

Receiving such kind feedback last week (pictured) is a reminder that gentle curiosity and respect can make a real difference.

06/10/2025

😴 Sleep, Mood & Resilience — They’re More Connected Than You Think! 🌙

As a psychologist, I often see how sleep plays a huge role in how we feel, think, and cope. 🧠💭

When we’re well-rested, our brains process emotions more effectively, helping us regulate mood and respond to stress with perspective and patience. But when sleep is disrupted, the emotional part of the brain (the amygdala) becomes overactive, meaning we can feel more anxious, irritable, or low.

🧩 Focus & Decision-Making:
Lack of sleep impacts attention, memory, and problem-solving, making it harder to concentrate or stay motivated.

💪 Resilience:
Sleep is like emotional “recovery time.” It’s when the brain repairs, restores, and resets — helping us bounce back from challenges and keep things in balance.

✨ A few small steps can make a big difference:
🌿 Keep a consistent sleep routine
📵 Switch off screens 30–60 mins before bed
🕯️ Create a calm bedtime environment
💭 Try gentle mindfulness or relaxation before sleep

29/09/2025

🌱 Stage-Based Anxiety in Children: A Parent’s Guide

Anxiety is a normal part of growing up. Children’s worries change as they develop, and most fears are part of healthy growth. Knowing what to expect and how to support your child can make all the difference. 💛

👶 Infancy (0–2 years)�It’s common for babies and toddlers to cry when separated from parents or caregivers. This “separation anxiety” shows their growing awareness of the world.�✨ How to help: Create predictable routines, use short goodbyes, and reassure them with a calm return.

👧 Early Childhood (3–6 years)�At this stage, children may fear the dark, monsters, loud noises, strangers, or non-family members. Their imagination is vivid, and they’re learning what feels safe or unfamiliar.�✨ How to help: Acknowledge their fears instead of dismissing them (“I know the dark feels scary”), use night lights, practice “pretend bravery” games, and gently model safe interactions with new people.

🧒 Middle Childhood (7–11 years)�Worries become more realistic about school, friendships, media-based fears or safety. Kids start comparing themselves with others and may feel pressure to “fit in.” They also start to hear about world news and consider their safety within that wider space. �✨ How to help: Encourage open conversations, break big worries into smaller steps, praise effort (not just results), and practice calming skills like deep breathing.

🧑 Adolescence (12+ years)�Teens may feel anxious about friendships, body image, school performance, and global issues. Their ability to think about the future can fuel worries.�✨ How to help: Listen without judgment, validate their feelings, encourage problem-solving, and support healthy routines (sleep, exercise, downtime).

🌟 When to Seek Extra Support�If fears are intense, long-lasting, or stop your child from enjoying daily life (like refusing school, withdrawing from friends, or frequent tummy aches), it may be time to seek professional help.

At Safe Base Psychology we can support you to support your child or work directly with your child.