Sharen Dobson Therapy Services

16/01/2026

Men who have experienced pregnancy or baby loss can often feel that there is little support available to them.

We want you to know that we have specific support for men as well as our Helpline, Local Support Groups and Online Community.

Link in the comments below for support options 👇

14/01/2026

I share a lot about my dogs. Digby, our cockador and Lada ( don't ask, my husband named him) is our little working cocker spaniel.

Digby was originally bought to be a therapy dog. From the moment we got him, it was constant stress and tears. So many times of wanting to re-home him. He was a nightmare to walk, cried non-stop, was reactive, and would bite. I just didn't know a way to help him. Costly behaviourists, diet changes, anxiety medication, and trainers meant I was burnt out and ready to give up.

I didn't. Everything changed when I broke my ankle,and it was just me and him while we waited to be found. Waited to be lifted and rescued. This pup then wouldn't leave my side. We slowly built up a bond. He would circle around my walking frame and stop me if I went near steps. We built a bond so close that I can't imagine life without him.

Then came lada nearly 2 years ago. What a difference! He is so easy to train, is a joy to be around ( when he is not in his teenage brain), I can take him anywhere and nothing phases him.

These dogs have been a lifeline, a reason to get up when my pain is at its worst. I have a dog that will sleep for England and not complain if he doesn't get walked. The other is so eager to play and learn, to run and explore.

Recently. I have had to witness people lose their beloved pets. It breaks my heart to hear them minimise the loss. "Why do I care more about losing my pet, more than a person?"

It is because these animals offer us something a lot of humans don't. Love without judgement. You walk out of the room for 5 minutes, and they are overjoyed to see you. They snuggle in when you feel low. They make you think of something other than yourself. They are a constant companion who requires nothing more than you being you.

The loss of a pet companion is not to be underestimated. They are true and loyal , they deserve to have that grief. Sometimes, they are the only ones who see us for who we really are.

I appreciate every single day I get to spend with them. Life would certainly be less happy without them in it.

🐶🐕🐾🤎

13/01/2026

💻 Free Online Support Group 💻

I can't believe it's been almost a week already since our last one!

If you're wondering the best ways to support your child with education or anything else, come along tomorrow for our informal drop in where we can discuss all things Neurodivergence, school, reasonable adjustments, EHCP's, Home Ed, EOTIS and more. Come with questions, leave with a plan!

https://bookwhen.com/neurothenticnetwork

13/01/2026

Nominate a charity for a Movement for Good award now.

13/01/2026

12/01/2026

On Friday the 6th March we are holding a Cancer Support Networking Event for organisations that supports people with cancer.

If this is you contact us at info@melanoma-me.org.uk for more information we would love to have you there to share information and to help each other to help others.

11/01/2026

The Oak Book Directory contains information about support services for male victims of domestic abuse in the UK.

09/01/2026

The charity's experts provide training, information and consultancy services for those supporting male victims of domestic abuse.

09/01/2026

I have had the pleasure or starting my journey here. My grandad had skin cancer removed from his nose last year. People think it is "just" skin cancer. It isn't, it is devastating.

What stuck out for me was the way Kerry and her team think of their clients as family. You don't just come in for therapy. You are welcomed with coffee, cuddles, chats and support. Sound baths, reiki, fundraisers and free!! Counselling. Either face to face, online or by phone.

There is a real sense of togetherness, and that is something that is not really promoted in counselling training.

I love that I get to rent a room from them, to still be part of their ethos after all this time.

In 2015 I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma and what a lonely place that was! Certain Individuals in my life at the time didn’t fully understand melanoma and completely diminished my diagnosis and made me feel that my cancer wasn’t cancer enough. I then sought out counselling, but again the counsellor didn’t understand melanoma and didn’t understand my feelings and fears.

I set Melanoma-Me up because no one should have to go through cancer alone. People diagnosed with most other types of cancer aren’t diminished. They aren’t told they are lucky to ‘just’ have breast, prostate, cervical cancer like we are when our cancer is described as ‘just skin cancer.’

Why counselling can help your mental recovery from a cancer diagnosis…

Melanoma-Me is a service like no other. Our counsellors are compassionate, empathic and can listen in a way no one else can. It can be hard to speak to family members and friends about your fears and concerns. Your loved ones are going through their own process and often we are afraid of overwhelming or frightening them and that can make the diagnosis feel all the more isolating. This is why we provide support for loved ones too.

Having someone to talk to is healing in itself. A person who will listen and not try to fix things, be falsely positive, or try to encourage you to feel something you do not - can be extremely helpful.

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and scary. It helps to have someone with whom you can reality check your fears and walk you through the steps you need to take.

Counsellors can help keep you grounded so you don’t get carried away with your fears.

Although our counsellors are not involved with your physical care, they can help you make plans for how you want to proceed, review your options and even explore how else you might want to handle your illness.

They can help you express your needs to doctors, staff, family members and friends, and, essentially, become an important member of your treatment team in a non medical way.

They can encourage you, provide support and be there in times of darkness and doubt.

If you are considering counselling and are nervous, anxious, resistant for whatever reason… give it a go - you’ve nothing to lose and it might be the best decision you ever made!

Email Kerry at mmfound18@gmail.com

🦋🦋🦋🌟🌟🌟🦋🦋🦋

08/01/2026

As many people return to work after the festive break, it can bring up very different feelings.

For some, it’s heavy. The alarm feels too loud, the pace too fast, and the body hasn’t quite caught up yet.

But for others, returning to work isn’t about pressure or performance — it’s about connection, familiarity, and routine.

It’s the comfort of the known.
The faces you recognise.
The rhythm that steadies your nervous system.
The sense of purpose that gently brings you back into yourself.

For some people, work is where regulation lives. Where things make sense again. Where the world feels a little less chaotic.

There’s no “right” way to feel as we step back into routine. Wherever you are with it — tired, relieved, grateful, resistant — it’s valid.

Be kind to yourself this week.
Your nervous system is doing its best. 💛

Eddie enjoying the snow after his first day back at work 🥰

08/01/2026