Holding Space Counselling

30/09/2025

27/09/2025

What a wonderful way of spending a Saturday afternoon with other wonderful creative souls.

Carl Rogers' daughter, Natalie Rogers, developed Person-Centered Expressive Arts Therapy, a creative way of working that integrates her father's person-centered philosophy with the expressive arts. I’m super excited to be delivering this in schools in the coming weeks.

25/09/2025

2 new additions to the counselling room…

18/09/2025

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/blogs/tips-looking-after-your-mental-health-christmas?fbclid=IwRlRTSAM5TStleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHmitrcAPu2aegmtPbubMd2cBympZHkhLmdhBXnNgmK2NkZbSawKoQUkevOJc_aem_VzYoJC60stZTJFJxn4xGcg

The festive season can be a time of joy and spending time with loved ones but it can also be a stressful and lonely period.

09/09/2025

Another morning of creative exploration at Kings Leadership academy Bolton.
Therapy rocks have been a great hit with pupils ❤️

09/09/2025

❗️looking for Help ❗️

A new project to keep me busier than I already am
First batch made last night…Colin and I had great fun being the taste testers 😋

08/09/2025

Going back to school or starting something new can be daunting and that’s just how some of the staff feel so imagine what it’s like for a young person.

If your child or a child you know is feeling worried about making friends or feeling lonely or worried about being away from loved ones, there are things you can do to help them feel supported. Such as communicating openly, reminding them lots of people find it hard to make friends,
reminding them being friendly can help put others at ease.
Whatever a young person’s worry, Childline is there for all under 19s via phone, 1-2-1 chat or email. They can also talk to other young people via the message boards. Visit https://bit.ly/3Wmx3zS for more information.

Each slide has a background of a blue sky, sea and sand.

Slide 1) "I recently moved to England from another country, and it was really hard to say goodbye to all my friends. Now I feel lonely and worried about going to a new school. I’m worried no one will like me or I might get bullied.”
Boy, 10 - Childline service user

However you feel, we're here for you. Contact us on the phone or online. Or try getting support from other young people on our message boards or by writing to Sam.

08/09/2025

Sand tray therapy is a wonderful gentle way of facilitating a safe space for young people to explore and process those difficult life experiences where sometimes words alone are not enough. Looking forward to sharing this way of working with the pupils at New Bridge School in Wigan this morning

05/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BMMQYgyuk/?mibextid=wwXIfr

A groundbreaking study using brain scans has revealed a disturbing parallel: children exposed to intense family conflict show brain changes similar to those found in combat veterans. That’s right — the emotional warfare inside a home can mimic the neurological toll of literal battlefield trauma.

Researchers found that kids who witness chronic yelling, aggressive arguments, or domestic tension have altered brain activity in areas linked to fear, stress, and emotional regulation. These are the same brain regions often affected in soldiers returning from war zones.

The amygdala, a part of the brain responsible for processing threats and fear, becomes hypersensitive, constantly on alert. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex, which helps manage emotions and make rational decisions, often becomes underdeveloped or impaired. This combination can lead to long-term emotional difficulties, anxiety, or even PTSD-like symptoms later in life.

What makes this even more alarming is that many families underestimate the impact of loud fights or emotional tension on children. But the science is clear: a child's brain is shaped by the emotional climate they grow up in.

This discovery highlights the urgent need for family therapy, safe environments, and emotional education to protect developing minds. Just because there are no visible bruises doesn’t mean the damage isn’t real.

03/09/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/179M1Se51L/?mibextid=wwXIfr

02/09/2025

Nothing quite like being near the sea to sooth the soul,
Recharging the old batteries and soak up that vitamin D ready for a new term in school

01/09/2025

❗️Warning to anyone who has an extra phone, safety phone❗️Think about giving it to a trusted friend if you don’t know how to turn the alert off.

📢The UK government is testing the Emergency Alerts system THIS SUNDAY- 7 September 2025- at 3pm. Compatible mobile phones and tablets will receive an alert, make a loud siren-like sound and vibrate. You will not need to take any action.

The Emergency Alerts system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. Regular testing ensures the system is functioning correctly, should it need to be used in a life-threatening emergency.