Jilly Whitham Counselling

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Jilly Whitham Counselling

MBACP counsellor offering mental health support to the people of York and nationwide through online therapy

01/04/2026

You can’t see the detail here but tiny Venus hangs radiant in the blue expanse beneath the moon here, and I was so very excited to see her! This quote really reflects something of the approach I take to both life and my work as a therapist. Always one of wonder, curiosity, awe. I believe this is where we learn the most; when we explore, we expand.

16/03/2026

Updating ahead that I will be away adventuring at the end of March and will respond to any messages on my return!

11/03/2026

I wanted to add my voice in support of recognising the unique (but deeply human) challenges that impact University students - having both been a student myself and offered my support to others.

There are 2.9 million students in the UK. However, at least 1 in 3 has felt lonely, and loneliness is increasing. Academic and financial pressures combine with potential political polarisation, navigating identity, and relationship complexities against the backdrop of a uniquely technological way of relating.

Human Connection (this year’s theme) is such nourishment for mental wellbeing. I feel it is essential to understand how this theme features and what it means to students.

Therapy can absolutely be a place in which you can experience that human connection, as well as explore more broadly what connection means to you. Many universities provide therapeutic services accessible to students, but there is also the possibility of contacting a registered therapist to work with privately.

While I do not currently have any availability, please reach out if I can help you find the support you deserve.

03/03/2026

What is it you dream of, what really matters? How do you nurture that?

16/02/2026

Did you know that volunteering random acts of kindness actually improves the subjective wellbeing of the volunteer as well as the recipient of the kindness?

For me this seems a good reason to try to make the world a better place, and day feels a perfect opportunity!

Kind acts don’t have to be huge. Small gestures can have a big impact - noticing, complimenting, smiling, listening, really deeply listening. Offering time, help, company. Creating something with an uplifting message - a note, letter, a painted stone.

What random acts of kindness have you been involved with?

11/02/2026

The imminence of Valentine’s Day has got me pondering about the nature of love. I think the concept can mean so many different things.

Scientists will describe the survival/reproductive motivations that drive romantic love and the biochemical symphonies that inundate our nervous systems, receptors, hearts.

What about other kinds of love, love for experiences, places, feelings. I “love” the feeling of accomplishment after climbing a mountain. Is this love? Or is this meaning, satisfaction, something else?

I’ve definitely said “I love …” about things where it doesn’t feel quite accurate. I don’t feel quite as passionate about butternut squash as I might have led people to believe 😂

It has got me curious about how we use the word “love”, does it have other meanings, and what do we mean by it? I really LOVE that there will be as many answers to this as there are people, and I feel so privileged to work with people to deepen and unfurl their own understanding

05/02/2026

I think sometimes the cultural pressure that glorifies independence can overshadow the basic truth that humans are wired for connection! There is wisdom in depending on those who are safe and trustworthy; this is where we regulate our nervous system, heal, build resilience and live!

It is ok to depend on others, just like it is ok to depend on oxygen to breathe and on water to hydrate.

26/01/2026

Reflection is, to me, a key part of what a therapeutic relationship can support.

When I see nature reflected in water like this, I always feel it adds something, a depth and a curiosity. Though the scene remains the same, the process of reflection enhances something about it.

I see something of the same process through my therapeutic work. When I share what I see, feel, sense, experience, this can change the scene in some way. Perhaps bringing to the foreground what was in the back, or to light what was in shadow.

I see it as a process and a shared endeavour, one that is very much worthwhile!

How has reflection impacted your life?

21/01/2026

I love this quote by Carl Rogers and it really sums up my approach to working with people. With a science background I am just naturally curious and looking for the bigger picture, the variables, the patterns and the anomalies. Judgement does not actually make sense to me!

I am humbled by what I don’t know, but am driven to strive to deepen my understanding. This is my approach to both my work and life in general. If something about this approach resonates and you feel we may work well together, please reach out (currently full and operating a waiting list, Jan 26)

13/01/2026

Therapy is a great place to get to know, name and understand your emotions without being carried off the road by them!

The Ancient Greeks likened the balance between the rational and emotional brain to the power of the relationship between a horse and rider. Without the rider to guide, the horse can be wild and heading for trouble. But without the horse, the rider has no power or energy. The beauty is in what each brings and the balance between the two.

05/01/2026

First post back after a refreshing (and hectic) festive break and I am just filled with gratitude for the work I do and the wonderful people I work with.

Last year has been a year of such growth, enlightenment, holding, learning and connection. Here’s to 2026 and another year of deep understanding and empowerment.

Currently my practice is full, but please do still reach out if something about my approach resonates. I do operate a waiting list or can thoughtfully recommend colleagues based on your needs ❤️

15/12/2025

A message of for when we struggle; hardship and painful experiences can actually be the conduits through which we develop resilience, grow, and shine in luminous new ways. This is not to diminish the suffering of pain, but to acknowledge also its potential teaching, burnishing, fortifying and galvanising capacity. Therapy is a place to be curious about all of the facets of your

Address

Blossom Street
York
YO241AQ

Website

https://www.jillywhithamcounselling.com/

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