Dawlish Counselling

19/12/2025

Reminders to take the pressure off… part 2. You’ve got this!

18/12/2025

This Christmas, give yourself permission to rest, breathe, and enjoy the season without pressure. 🎄Now that we are counting down to Christmas Day, schools are closing, some workplaces are shutting down, here are some daily reminders to take the pressure off yourself .

15/12/2025

Christmas can be lovely, but it can also feel overwhelming for a lot of people. If you’re not feeling cheerful all the time, that’s okay—you’re not alone. Taking a breather, being kind to yourself, and doing what feels manageable really matters. ❤️

14/12/2025

Yesterday my husband and I set off really early in the morning to pay a flying visit to family members who live almost 200 miles from us. We were about 2hours into our journey, near Were in Wiltshire when the traffic came to a halt. It turned out to be because police had been called to a person in distress on a bridge above the duel carriageway. No traffic moved anywhere for quite a long time. I have no idea of any details regarding this person but I can only assume that they had reached breaking point. I hope this person will now get the help they need and that they can look back on this day and be so relieved that the police arrived in time. We didn’t make it to our destination but it felt irrelevant in the great scheme of things. My heart goes out to anybody who reaches this point and somehow, particularly at this time of year, it can make any problem feel magnified.
Reach out, please!! Talk to somebody, find the support, YOU RE WORTH IT!!! ❤️

09/12/2025

Of course being kind is always the way to go, especially if someone is having a rough time but how kind are you to yourself when things are difficult?
It’s very common to struggle emotionally at Christmas, even when it feels like everyone else is celebrating. If you’re finding things difficult, try to slow down and give yourself permission to feel what you feel—there’s no “right” way to experience the season. Setting small, manageable plans can help ease pressure, and it’s okay to say no to activities that feel overwhelming. Reaching out to someone you trust, whether a friend, family member, or support line, can provide comfort and connection. Most importantly, be gentle with yourself and remember that prioritizing your well-being is not only allowed but essential.

05/12/2025

Saying “sorry” a lot seems polite, but when it becomes a habit, it can quietly chip away at your self-esteem. Here’s why:

1. It reinforces the belief that you’re always at fault

If you apologize for things that aren’t your responsibility—like someone else’s mood, small inconveniences, or simple misunderstandings—you teach your brain that you are the problem, even when you’re not.

2. It makes your needs feel “less important”

Over-apologizing often comes from wanting to avoid conflict or seem easy to get along with. But when you apologize before expressing needs or feelings, it sends the message (to yourself and others) that your needs are an inconvenience.

3. It creates a people-pleasing mindset

Constantly saying sorry can be a sign that you’re prioritizing others’ comfort over your own worth. This can reinforce low confidence and the belief that you must “earn” acceptance.

4. Others may start to see you as less confident

Over-apologizing can make you seem unsure of yourself, even if you’re not. People may take you less seriously or see you as someone who doesn’t stand firmly in their perspective.

5. It blocks healthier emotional habits

Instead of saying “sorry,” people with stronger self-esteem often say things like:
• “Thanks for your patience.”
• “Excuse me.”
• “I didn’t understand—can you clarify?”
These alternatives express respect without diminishing your self-worth.

⸻

A quick self-check

You might be over-apologizing if you say “sorry” when:
• someone bumps into you
• you ask a normal question
• you take up space (physically or emotionally)
• you can’t do something unreasonable
• someone else is having a bad day

03/12/2025

I know, for sure, that if you are at the point of struggling so much that you feel worthless and pointless, you won’t believe me ( or anyone actually) when I say that things can be better for you.
It doesn’t always have to be this way, you are NOT stuck! Changes can be made and life can be good. I 100% know this to be true. You just might need a bit of help and support to get there. Find the help, accept the support. You are so worth it 💚

02/12/2025

Boosting your self-esteem starts with being kinder to yourself and shutting down that negative voice in your head. Try setting small goals you can actually reach—they add up and make you feel more confident. Spend time with people who lift you up, not bring you down, and do things that make you feel good and capable. Little by little, these habits help you feel better about who you are. ❤️

01/12/2025

“it’s the most wonderful time of the year!”….. Is it? I hope you are feeling all warm and fuzzy and looking forward to the festivities but, if you are not, if you find it stressful, overwhelming, difficult, lonely then you are definitely not alone in that. A lot of people feel this way around Christmas — the pressure, expectations, family dynamics, money, social obligations — it all piles up. Here are some practical ways to get through it with less strain and more control:

1. Lower the bar — on purpose
You don’t have to make Christmas “perfect.” Decide what minimum viable Christmas looks like for you: a quiet meal, a small gift, a walk, a movie — whatever feels manageable. Everything else is optional.

2. Set small boundaries
You don’t need to attend every event or say yes to every request. A simple “I’m keeping things low-key this year” is enough. You’re allowed to protect your energy.

3. Plan for escape valves
If gatherings overwhelm you, have an exit plan: a short walk, stepping into another room, or limiting how long you’ll stay. Even a 10-minute breather can reset your stress levels.

4. Simplify gifts
If gifts are the stressful part, go simple: one small item, homemade things, or agree on no-gift exchanges. Many people secretly wish someone else would suggest this.

5. Make space for your feelings
It’s okay to feel pressure, sadness, or mixed feelings. You’re not failing — you’re human. Sometimes the hardest part is expecting yourself to feel “festive.”

6. Create one thing that’s just for you
A ritual you actually enjoy: your favourite meal, a long shower, a holiday movie you like, a walk in quiet streets, journaling, music. This helps anchor the day in something soothing.

7. Reach out if you feel alone
Talking to someone you trust, or even having a casual chat with a friend, can help break the emotional weight of the season.

28/11/2025

27/11/2025

Therapy can be a really comforting place to sort through your thoughts and feelings with someone who’s genuinely there to help. It gives you space to understand yourself better, break old patterns, and learn healthier ways to handle stress or tough moments. You also pick up helpful tools for everyday life, and over time, you start to feel more grounded, confident, and connected. It’s a boost for your mind and your overall well-being. If you are considering counselling, get in touch email- jennie@dawlishcounselling.co.uk

26/11/2025

Feeling emotionally exhausted is tough—it’s like you are running on empty, and everything feels a little heavier than it should. It usually happens when you’ve been pushing yourself for way too long without a real break. To start feeling better, give yourself permission to slow down and breathe. Set some boundaries, step back from anything that drains you, and find the things that bring you comfort. Talk to someone you trust, rest without guilt, and do small things that make you feel like you again. It won’t fix everything overnight, but those little acts of kindness toward yourself really do add up.