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Andy Burnham became PM the same week my professional body called for counselling to be treated as core NHS infrastructure. This isn't about politics — it's about a harder truth: GPs aren't the problem, and short-term therapy genuinely helps many people. But even the community charities built to offer something longer-term are being squeezed into the same brief model, leaving people with deep-seated, longstanding issues fewer places to turn.

This week, a small Maidenhead charity turned 50. Number 22 Community Counselling Services trained me, gave me my first long-term client, and is still the reason I get to do this work today.

Rage-baiting and anger are closely linked in today's online world — and it's by design. This article explores the psychology of online rage-bait, why anger can feel more accessible than ever, and what the research says about anger, algorithms, and our nervous systems. I also share practical, gentle ways to manage anger day-to-day, and how counselling — including person-centred therapy — can help when anger starts to feel unmanageable. A balanced, evidence-based look at anger

Menopause can shake a woman’s sense of self, yet support is often hard to find. With the new Menopause Café in Maidenhead opening space for honest conversation, more women are exploring how compassionate, person‑centred therapy can help them navigate the emotional and identity shifts of this transition.

Many people come to therapy wanting to understand the emotional patterns they’ve carried from childhood. Exploring our parents or caregivers can gently reveal where these responses began — not to blame, but to understand ourselves with more clarity, compassion, and choice.

Concerns about the impact of social media on children are rising, from disrupted sleep to anxiety and constant notification overload. With the UK government announcing a ban on social media for under‑16s from 2027, this article looks at the evidence behind the decision and what I see in my work with teens — offering a balanced view of how this change could support young people’s wellbeing.

Being told to “just think positive” can make depression feel even heavier. Depression isn’t a mindset issue — it’s a complex condition that affects motivation, energy and emotional processing. With compassion and the right support, people can feel understood rather than judged.

Many of today’s digital comfort habits — from bed‑rotting to doom‑scrolling — offer quick relief but can quietly drain our wellbeing over time. This article explores why these trends resonate, where they may become unhelpful, and how to find gentler, more sustainable ways to cope.

Parentification can quietly shape a person’s life when a child takes on adult roles to keep the family going. This article explores how these patterns develop, their impact in adulthood, and how counselling can help you understand your story with compassion and clarity.

There’s something about early spring in the UK — that mix of bright sunshine, cool breezes, and the first real stretch of daylight — that seems to lift people a little. You can feel it on walks, in parks, along riversides. I notice it myself when I’m out near the Thames, watching the light change on the water or taking a cold‑but‑invigorating wild swim. It’s not a cure‑all, but nature can offer a quiet, steadying kind of care. Recent research backs this up: Spending time in n

In a year where the news feels relentless, many of us are carrying more emotional weight than we realise. Constant updates, global crises and personal pressures can leave our minds overstimulated and overwhelmed. This article explores how negativity affects our wellbeing — and offers gentle, practical ways to protect your mental health from negativity without disconnecting from the world.

Nostalgia for the 90s is everywhere — from cassette tapes to fashion trends — but why does it hit so hard in midlife? This article explores the psychology of nostalgia, why we’re drawn to the past, and when reminiscing becomes emotionally unhelpful.

Retroactive jealousy can appear when a partner’s past feels uncomfortably present, stirring comparison, insecurity, or old fears. It’s a deeply human experience that can place strain on relationships, but with space to explore what sits underneath these feelings, therapy can help people reconnect with the present rather than feeling pulled into the past.

Many young people experience eating disorders not because they want to change how they look, but because food becomes a way to cope with overwhelming feelings. In a world of pressure, comparison, and uncertainty, eating difficulties often reflect a deeper struggle for safety, control, and understanding.

Many older adults experience emotional challenges, yet they’re under‑represented in therapy. In my practice, I’ve noticed how practical barriers, generational attitudes and unfamiliarity with counselling can all play a role. This article explores those factors with curiosity, and gently invites support at any age.

Bullying looks different today, especially for teens navigating constant online pressures. As a counsellor working with young people in schools and private practice, I see how deeply it affects their confidence and sense of safety. With steady listening, collaboration with school, and support that protects their autonomy, parents can make a powerful difference.

Discover how to manage self‑criticism by understanding where it comes from and how it develops. This person‑centred guide explores recent research, the roots of self‑critical thinking, and gentle, compassionate ways to soften your inner critic and build a kinder relationship with yourself.

Public conversations about sexual abuse often surge when high‑profile cases appear in the news. The recent release of documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein has brought the topic back into the spotlight, and for many people—especially those who have experienced sexual abuse—this can be deeply unsettling. As a person‑centred counsellor, I’ve seen how these moments can stir up old wounds, heighten anxiety, or create a sense of being overwhelmed. While I won’t dwell on the detail

Therapy is often misunderstood, shaped by TV portrayals and common myths. This article explores the realities of therapy and common misconceptions from a person-centred counselling perspective in the UK, offering a clear and reassuring explanation of what therapy really involves, what it isn’t, and how ethical counselling supports growth, understanding and independence over time.

Conversations about wellbeing are changing. What once centred on resilience, productivity, and “pushing through” is giving way to something slower, more reflective, and (possibly) more human. As we enter 2026, many people are sensing that old approaches to wellbeing are no longer enough — not because they failed, but because the context has changed. Rising levels of stress, digital overload, overwhelming world events, economic uncertainty, and emotional fatigue have left many