SJ Counselling Essex

27/01/2026

Such lovely feedback...

"I went to see Sam after she was recommended to me by a friend. I’d been having a particularly hard time in life and Sam has helped me sort through my thoughts and feelings; what was true and what wasn’t true, what was mine to own and what wasn’t mine and so much more.

Sam is understanding, empathetic and very knowledgeable. I have no understanding how she manages to take the river of words that I give to her and untangle them into exactly the thoughts and meanings that I was trying to convey. She is somehow able to put into a succinct sentence the exact emotions I’m trying to communicate through examples from my life and then also gives me the words and tools I need to understand both myself and the people around me.

The past few months working with Sam have given me more growth and understanding of myself than at any other time in my 30 years of adulthood. I would recommend Sam without any hesitation as I will always be grateful for the insight, clarity and growth she’s given to me".

❤️❤️❤️

06/01/2026

Very excited to be teaming up with The Essex Therapy Hub Ltd

🌼🌼MEET THE TEAM🌼🌼

We are kick starting the new year with some exciting news! Our newest team member Sam from SJ Counselling Essex will be joining our expanding team here at The Essex Therapy Hub.

Sam has been a working in her thriving practice in Southend and is looking to expand her practice right here with us in Rayleigh.

Sam works as an integrative counsellor and we are very lucky to have her join us, welcome to the team Sam.

Here is what Sam had to say;
I’m Sam, an integrative counsellor based in the Southend area. I believe real change happens when people feel supported, heard, and understood — that’s at the heart of my work.

I offer a calm, confidential space where you won’t be judged or told what to do, just gently supported to explore whatever’s weighing on you, at your own pace. Whether it’s anxiety, stress, ADHD, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, or life changes — you don’t have to face it alone.

✨ I offer face-to-face and online sessions, with daytime and limited evening availability.

If something inside you is saying it’s time to take care of yourself, I’m here.

If you’d like to book a session with Sam either at our offices in Rayleigh or at her practice in Southend please get in touch today.

02/01/2026

If something feels unfinished, stuck, or heavy as the year turns…
You don’t have to carry it alone into the New Year.

Therapy isn’t about having all the answers - it’s about creating space to explore what’s been weighing on you and finding a way forward that feels right for you.

✨ A New Year doesn’t require a new you - just support where it’s needed.

💬 If you could give your future self one gift this year, what would it be?

01/01/2026

As we step into a New Year, there’s no pressure to start fresh, set big goals, or have everything figured out.

It’s okay to arrive here feeling tired, reflective, hopeful, uncertain - or all of these at once.

May this year bring you space to breathe, moments of calm, and the support you need when things feel heavy.

Wishing you a gentle and compassionate year ahead.

29/12/2025

You don’t have to reinvent yourself in January.

Despite the noise around “new beginnings”, it’s okay if you’re tired, reflective, or simply relieved that the year is ending.

Growth doesn’t always look loud or dramatic. Sometimes it looks like rest, honesty, or asking for support.

✨ You’re allowed to begin the year gently.

Instead of resolutions, consider an intention:
• “Be kinder to myself”
• “Ask for help sooner”
• “Listen to my body”

Intentions allow flexibility and compassion - not perfection.

✨ In therapy, small intentional shifts often create the biggest changes.

25/12/2025

However today looks or feels for you, busy, quiet, joyful, heavy, or somewhere in between, I hope you’re able to find a moment of gentleness and rest.

Christmas can bring up many emotions, and all of them are valid. There is no “right” way to experience today.

If this season feels difficult, please know you’re not alone and support is available when you’re ready.

Wishing you warmth, kindness, and care today and over the coming days.

24/12/2025

A quiet Christmas tip you might need today…

You are allowed to:
• Say no to plans
• Leave early
• Change your mind
• Take breaks
• Protect your energy

Boundaries aren’t about pushing people away - they’re about taking care of yourself.

✨ Especially at this time of year, tending to your emotional wellbeing matters.

💬 Which boundary feels hardest for you at Christmas?

23/12/2025

Christmas doesn’t have to feel magical to be meaningful.

For many people, this week brings mixed emotions - joy alongside grief, connection alongside exhaustion, love alongside old memories that resurface.

If Christmas feels heavy this year, please know you’re not alone, and nothing is “wrong” with you.

✨ A gentle reminder:
You’re allowed to show up as you are, not as you think you should be.

💬 What one word describes how Christmas feels for you this year?

22/12/2025

If you’re feeling discombobulated, try this today...

️ A simple grounding check-in:
1️⃣Pause and notice where your feet are
2️⃣Take one slow breath in through your nose
3️⃣Name one thing you can realistically let go of today

You don’t have to regain control of everything. Just finding one small anchor can make a difference.

✨ Discombobulated moments don’t last forever, especially when they’re acknowledged with kindness.

💬 Finish this sentence in the comments:
“Today, I’m giving myself permission to ______.”

20/12/2025

When “discombobulated” shows up in therapy...

Feeling discombobulated doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. Often, it’s a sign that:
• Your nervous system is overloaded
• You’re holding too many roles or expectations
• There hasn’t been space to pause or process

In counselling, we don’t rush to “fix” this feeling. Instead, we gently slow things down, create clarity, and make sense of what your mind and body are asking for.

✨ Sometimes the work is simply allowing yourself to say:
“I’m not okay right now - and that’s allowed.”

💬 When you feel discombobulated, what helps you most - quiet, talking, movement, or rest?

19/12/2025

This week’s word: Discombobulated

It’s the word I can’t stop thinking about this week - because it perfectly describes how I’m feeling.

Discombobulated can mean feeling:
• Mentally cluttered
• Out of sync
• Overwhelmed but not always sure why
• Pulled in lots of directions at once

And I know I’m not alone in this, especially at this time of year.

✨ If you’ve been feeling a bit scattered, foggy or “not quite yourself”, this word might
resonate with you too.

💬 Does discombobulated describe how you’re feeling right now?

Comment with 💭 or share your word for this week.

14/12/2025

Practical Festive Coping Tips

🎁 Your Festive Mental Health Toolkit If Christmas feels stressful this year, try these small steps:
🕊️ Pause before saying yes
Give yourself time to consider what you want, not what others expect.

💬 Plan boundaries early
It’s easier to say “I won’t be staying late” now than in the moment.

🌲 Create moments just for you
A walk, a bath, a quiet cup of tea - micro pauses can prevent overwhelm.

💛 Name your feelings
It’s easier to manage feelings once you name and own them.

If any of these resonate, therapy can help you understand why certain triggers show up and how to move through them with more ease.

You deserve a calm Christmas and it’s absolutely possible.