ALN counselling & Wellbeing

13/02/2026

10/02/2026

We often talk about the relief of diagnosis.
But not always the grief that can follow quietly behind it.

Grief for lost time.
For being misunderstood.
For trying so hard without knowing why things felt different.

Many people feel sadness for their younger self —
the one who coped the best they could without the support they deserved.

If this is part of your story, you’re not alone.
And your feelings make sense.

Grief doesn’t mean the diagnosis was wrong.
It simply means something important mattered… and was missing for a while.

And alongside that grief, hope can slowly grow.
Understanding.
Self-kindness.
A different way forward.

If you feel able, share one thing you’d want your younger self to know

Someone reading might need those exact words today.

Anna

09/02/2026

After a diagnosis, something quiet can happen.

Life starts to revolve around the label.
Decisions, confidence, identity… all shaped by a single word.

And without meaning to,
people sometimes step out of the centre of their own story.

Reclaiming yourself isn’t about denying what you live with.

It’s about remembering you are still whole, still layered, still more than any description on paper.

You are allowed to have support
and keep your sense of self.

If you feel able, share what helps you feel most like you.

Your words might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.

Anna

09/02/2026

After a diagnosis, something quiet can happen.

Life starts to revolve around the label.
Decisions, confidence, identity… all shaped by a single word.

And without meaning to, people sometimes step out of the centre of their own story.

Reclaiming yourself isn’t about denying what you live with.

It’s about remembering you are still whole, still layered, still more than any description on paper.

You are allowed to have support
and keep your sense of self.

If you feel able, share what helps you feel most like you

Your words might be exactly what someone else needs to hear today.

Anna

08/02/2026

A client said something this week that stayed with me:

“I thought I now needed to be my diagnosis.”

So many people feel this after receiving a label even when the diagnosis brings relief or clarity.

What begins as understanding can quietly turn into identity… and suddenly it feels like you’ve disappeared from your own story.

But you are still here.
Still whole.
Still more than any word written in a report.

A diagnosis can guide support.
It should never replace you.

If you feel comfortable, share one part of you that hasn’t changed
Your humour, kindness, creativity, stubborn hope… whatever is still beautifully yours.

Someone reading might really need that reminder today.

Anna x

05/02/2026

Boundaries don’t always feel calm and confident at first.

Sometimes they feel icky.
Weird.
Uncomfortable.
New.

But boundaries aren’t about pushing people away
they’re about protecting your energy, creating safety in relationships,
and learning to treat yourself with the same care you offer everyone else.

You’re allowed to have needs.
You’re allowed to say no.
You’re allowed to choose what feels right for you.

If this is something you’re learning right now, you’re not alone
Save this for when you need the reminder, or send it to someone who might need to hear it today.

wellbeingjourney

01/02/2026

Last few days for tickets

30/01/2026

ADHD in adults isn’t just about focus or organisation.
For many, it’s years of emotional intensity, masking, self-criticism, and quietly carrying the feeling of being “too much” or “not enough”.

When emotions hit harder and last longer, rejection feels sharper, and shame has had time to settle in, it can increase vulnerability to suicidal thoughts especially during periods of overwhelm or burnout.

This isn’t weakness.
It’s not a failure to cope.
It’s what can happen when nervous systems are under constant strain in a world that doesn’t always understand ADHD.

What helps isn’t being told to try harder.
It’s being met with understanding, validation, and space to talk without judgement.

If this post resonates, you don’t have to hold it on your own.
At ALN Counselling, I work with adults with ADHD to gently explore the emotional impact of coping, masking, and self-blame at a pace that feels safe.

If you’re struggling right now, support is available:
Samaritans 📞 116 123 (24/7)

You matter.
Your experience makes sense.
And support can help things feel more manageable

26/01/2026

AI can give you answers.
Online workshops can give you step-by-step instructions.

But what would it be like to sit in a room with real people and ask:
What was it actually like building a successful private practice?
What went well, what felt hard, and what they wish they’d known earlier.

That’s what Becoming Your Own Boss offers.

This in-person workshop guides you through the essential foundations of private practice, helping you feel informed, grounded, and ready to move forward — not just in theory, but in real life.

Together, we’ll explore:
• what working for yourself really means as a therapist
• legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities
• practical considerations when setting up your service
• ethical decision-making in day-to-day private practice
• common fears and barriers — and how people move through them
• real-life insight from experienced practitioners

The day includes reflective discussions and interactive group activities that bring the learning to life and help you connect ideas to your own practice.

It’s not about ticking boxes or following a script.
It’s about learning with others, asking honest questions, and leaving with clarity that feels steady and usable.

Book your place today 👇

https://subscribepage.io/becoming-your-own-boss

16/01/2026

Finding the right therapist isn’t about getting it right from the first contact.

I recommend speaking to a few therapists and noticing how it feels to be in the space with them.

Pay attention to whether you feel heard.

Whether you feel safe enough to be honest.

Whether there’s a sense of ease, even when things feel emotional or unfamiliar.

Because when the relationship feels right, therapy becomes more than techniques or expertise.

It becomes a space where trust can grow and where meaningful change can begin.

08/01/2026

The early bird is officially open!

Ready to build your own private practice with clarity and confidence?

If you’re a therapist thinking about stepping into private practice, or you’ve already started and want to feel more secure in what you’re building, this supportive in-person workshop is for you.

Becoming Your Own Boss is a down-to-earth, practical training designed to help you understand what it really takes to set up and grow a therapy practice that feels ethical, sustainable, and aligned with your values.
No jargon. No pressure. Just honest guidance from people who’ve been there.

Book your place via the link 👇🏻

https://subscribepage.io/becoming-your-own-boss

03/01/2026

Coercive control rarely looks dramatic from the outside. It’s often quiet, gradual, and deeply confusing when you’re inside it.

If this carousel brings up questions, feelings, or a quiet sense of recognition, that matters.

You deserve relationships that feel safe, steady, and respectful without fear or self-erasure.

Save this, share it, or reach out for support if you need to