Is it time to recreate, renew, rejuvenate, re-imagine or renovate your life? Read on to learn more ... As 2026 approaches, it's fun to reflect on the past year - what went well, what you achieved, your struggles and challenges, what you'd like more or less of, and what your hopes are for the year ahead. Perhaps you're yearning for something new or finally feel ready to overcome the things that have held you back? At the end of this year, what is calling to you? If you have be

The holiday season often feels like a celebration of happiness and togetherness. But for some families, the reality is more complicated. Family drama can cast a shadow over the joy of the season. As the festivities approach, it may be helpful to find ways to navigate complex family dynamics while staying true to yourself. So, if family tensions threaten to weigh you down this Christmas, here are five empowering strategies to help you cope, create boundaries, and even refresh

In any relationship, communication is the heartbeat - but listening is the oxygen. Want to know how to increase understanding, show empathy and reassure your partner that what they’re saying truly matters to you ? Let's get started. Listening can be a unique challenge, particularly if you're the less emotional/more practical partner. This blog describes a simple Daily Check-in that may be the very answer you've been looking for. (Hint: It has improved the way my couple thera

Do you tend to stay where it's safe, comfortable, familiar and predictable... OR are you considering taking a momentous leap towards that thing you've dreamed about for so long?!!!! Taking a leap of faith can be a gateway to something new, something that excites your senses and makes your heart race a little (or a lot) faster. It may be a new career, a new lifestyle, a change in direction or obtaining something of significant importance to you. It could be to finally addre

Grief can be an overwhelming and unpredictable experience, affecting both emotional and physical health and well-being. While there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to managing change and loss, here are ten easily implemented and effective strategies to help you tap into self-compassion, heal at a pace that suits you, and find a sense of peace as you navigate this difficult time. 1. Spend time with Your Grief Grief can bring waves of emotions, including sadness, denial, an

Have you ever noticed how many opinions and comparisons, and how much commentary and judgment the world continually offers? Against a chorus of external noise, it's crucial to stay true to yourself by embracing who you actually are , becoming your own 'north star' and celebrating all the things it means to be you... Have you ever found yourself caught in the trap of comparing your progress to that of others? Wanted what (you think) someone else has? Become preoccupied by (yo

Adapting your parenting as your daughter grows up (and becomes an adult herself) can be challenging. Relinquishing control and providing space and time for her to set her own path, decide things for herself and make her own mistakes is so important yet not always easy to do. Read on to learn more... Your baby is now fully grown (or perhaps she has been for quite some time...) and yet you find yourself unable to entirely let go . You feel drawn to be a part of her life, but t

Have you ever yearned for more meaningful connections and supportive bonds that go beyond surface level? You're not alone. Making friends later in life can feel daunting. Let's delve into the fine art of finding new connections... Embracing vulnerability: what am I actually looking for? In a world that portrays adulthood as a time of settled social circles , it's important to explore your own truth. Perhaps you've outgrown your old circle (or the circle has dwindled), or neve

On the rollercoaster of life, the pressure to achieve and succeed can sometimes feel like a heavy burden placed on our shoulders by those we love the most. Today, we delve into the complexities of family pressure, touching on competitiveness, the drive to keep up, and the wider impacts. The Competitive Drive: a double-edged sword While a healthy level of competition can fuel growth and motivate us to push boundaries and stretch out of our comfort zone, the line blurs when it

When you think about the problems that arise in your relationship, a few common factors will come up time and again. Believe it or not, some of them may have their origins in your childhood... Many of our beliefs about ourselves, expectations about how we should be treated, and defensive "go-to" tendencies were laid down at an early age... way before you were even aware it was happening. These may be things that feel automatic, and entirely appropriate and reasonable to you

As a counsellor, I find the issue of 'stuck-ness' to be INCREDIBLY common amongst my clients. Everyone gets emotionally stuck in their life from time to time, so let's look at what can help you to move through this feeling and get back on track. Stuckness. It's when you just can't move forward. You'd REALLY like to, but you somehow can't. Your mind replays the same old thoughts and doubts over and over again. It's like there's an invisible wall in front of you. You're pull

As a parent, it can be difficult to know where to start. Read on to learn more... There is nothing more concerning for a parent than to see their beautiful son or daughter struggling emotionally. Recent times have brought more significant challenges, change and flux than ever before. Counsellors and psychologists are currently experiencing an inundation of requests from anxious parents, and unfortunately waiting lists for professional help for your child can be long. I decid

Feeling like you don't deserve the success? Shouldn't be there? Haven't earned it..? Could you actually be a fake? A phony? A complete imposter....? 'Imposter Syndrome' describes the sensation of not feeling worthy of the way you are viewed by others. It can happen at any time in your life: You may have just won an award, received a promotion or landed a new role. You might have brought something into your life that immediately raised your status or placed you in the spotligh

Saying farewell to negative or uncomfortable memories, thoughts or beliefs is a big ask. Moving on isn't easy when there are complex layers of emotions at play... Deep feelings of loss, regret, disappointment and pain can leave behind seemingly indelible scars. Remembered situations can trigger painful feelings and affect your life, even years or decades after they happened. Have you ever experienced any of the following?: - Recurrent replays of painful, embarrassing or regr

They are struggling. They've hit rock bottom and can't see a way forward. They want to be listened to, heard and understood yet you don't have a clue how to do this successfully. Read on... It's EXTREMELY difficult to watch someone you care about struggling with sadness, the lowest of low moods, difficulties in coping and/or distancing from the things they usually love. If you have no idea how to "hold a space" for someone, or know what to say or do , read on... Maybe you've

Your relationship is not what it once was. Your partner wants change. You want things to improve but have no idea where to start. Let's look at four simple steps to help you to be the best version of yourself in this relationship... Have you reached a turning point in your relationship? Maybe you're no longer certain about what the future holds. Your bond with each other may be suffering. It may be unclear what to do to help this situation. Luckily, getting started may be ea

Feeling stuck? Finding it hard to finish something or even get started? This blog is totally for you... The reasons people procrastinate may surprise you. There's more to it, lurking beneath the "I don't have time" or "I'm just lazy". Deep down, it may be: "I'm afraid of failing" "I'm not good enough" "I'm protecting myself from criticism" "I can't risk being rejected or hurt" "I'm scared it's not perfect" "I'm afraid I will be ridiculed" "My inner critic is advising against

Yes. Let's talk about it. As a couple's therapist the subject of sex comes up ALL THE TIME. And that makes perfect sense. When couples disconnect, sex and physical intimacy are usually among the first things to disappear. Let's talk about: surprising turn-ons that you may not have considered date nights - why they're so important knowing each other's "language" talking about sex: a very quick How To guide 1. Surprising turn-ons - Her seeing you spending quality time with your

It's a constant theme in my counselling practice - clients wanting to get a better night's sleep! Here are my Top 5 creative tips to help you achieve consistent, uninterrupted and restful sleep. Regardless of who you are, you need it. A lack of good quality sleep is a ongoing concern for so many of my clients. It can become a factor during big events (i.e. pandemics) or major changes in life, and can take the form of racing thoughts, mild (to more severe) feelings of panic,

What holds you back? It may be a memory, an event, a feeling, an opinion, a loss, an experience, a belief or even a thoughtless one-liner someone dropped years ago that still haunts you.... It happened. And from that moment on, you saw yourself differently. Saw yourself through a slightly altered lens. The issue may be standing in your way. In the way of your own self-acceptance, happiness, optimism, hope, satisfaction or progress. Whenever you consider your future, it's ther