I am taking a break over Christmas and New Year, from 23rd December until 6th January, and will not respond to emails, calls or texts during that time.
This time of year can be really difficult for many people, so if you need support with your mental health please reach out for help.
You can call The Samaritans 24/7 on 116 123 or the NHS on 111. Both are free numbers.
For information about a range of support services which are available over the festive period, have a look at the Mind website which has useful contacts and tips to help you.
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Procrastination. Such a delicious word, don’t you think? It’s derived from the Latin verb procrastinare, meaning “to put off until tomorrow”.
Sadly though, whilst the word rolls so beautifully off the tongue, possessing this particular skill is not so great. And believe me, I should know. Over the years I have really mastered the art of procrastination. In fact, I’d say it is one of my most practiced and honed skills!
For example, I’ve been talking about blogging for at least 10 months, yet I’ve done nothing about it. Nothing, that is, other than have loads of extra thoughts swirling around in my already very busy and somewhat chaotic mind. Which in turn has led to various feelings – occasional delight at the ideas I’ve generated, but mostly just frustration and a sense of failure directed towards myself, and then…more procrastination.
So, what on earth is procrastination all about? And just how many of us slip into this pattern of behaviour without even...
During 2021 and the early part of 2022 I undertook some additional specialist training to gain a CPCAB accredited level 5 qualification in working with children and young people.
From September I will offer counselling to young people aged 13 years and over. If you are interested in this new service please do get in touch or keep checking in on my website or social media for updates.
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I've had a very busy few months and have been working with some amazing people. However I now have capacity for a few new clients. Whether you'd like online, phone or in-person appointments I can accommodate this. Please have a look at where and how I work and if you'd like to make an enquiry or book an appointment then do get in touch. It's a big step to take, but remember that there's no obligation to go ahead if you chat with me and decide I'm not the right counsellor for you!
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Today I've brought my diary up to date and I'm pleased to let you know I have some availability for counselling support, face to face (indoors and outdoors) and online.
If you think it might be helpful to access counselling support but you're not quite sure what this entails, please contact me and we can arrange an informal telephone chat to find out more about the process, and to see whether you would feel happy working with me.
Of course you may already know what is involved, but maybe taking the step to make contact feels really daunting. Again, drop me an email or text and we can arrange a telephone chat. There's no obligation to continue further in the process, so what have you got to lose?!
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Wow, almost a week into 2022 already! I hope that everyone has had a restful, happy and healthy time over the holiday period. I know I was very ready for a break: I find the short days and long periods of darkness leave me with depleted energy levels and a real urge to hibernate!
With the turn of the year, though, the daylight hours are slowly stretching out and in spite of winter weather I'm noticing signs of growth and change in nature, as buds form on trees and hedges, and - on sunny days at least - joyous birdsong.
I am not one for making new year's resolutions; it feels like an unnecessary pressure and anyway, why does the date make a difference to my intentions? However, I definitely think that after "recharging" over the holiday period (and unlike many, I have been lucky enough to take a long break) this is a good time to reflect on where I'm at...
I'm taking an extended break over Christmas and New Year, from 23rd December to 5th January inclusive. I know that the "festive season" can be a difficult and challenging time for many and so, if you are struggling, I would urge you to reach out for support. Below are some contact numbers and websites that may be helpful:
SAMARITANS phone 116 123 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a yearCALM 0800 58 58 58 or live webchat, open 5pm-midnight 365 days a yearSHOUT text "shout" to 85258 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year -free from most UK mobile networksCHILDLINE call 0800 1111 - support and advice for children and young people on a variety of issuesPAPYRUS call Hopeline on 0800 068 4141 - available daily 9am-midnight; confidential support and advice for young people under 35 years struggling with suicidal thoughts, or for anyone worried about a young personNATIONAL DOMESTICE ABUSE HELPLINE call...
I work face to face indoors at Bab'yama Wellness Hub and Broomhouse Farmhouse, outdoors in Berwick, Coldstream and Kelso and also online and by telephone.
Contact me for an informal, no obligation chat to see whether counselling is something that may help you with emotional or psychological challenges you are experiencing at this time.
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What a year it's been so far! In some ways it's been quick - how did we reach midsummer already?! In other ways, though, the year has really dragged. Whilst we aren't yet free from restrictions relating to Covid-19 it does feel as if we're taking small steps towards moving out of lockdown.
I'm continuing to offer counselling appointments on video call or phone to anyone who lives in the UK. However I'm now also offering face to face counselling appointments indoors at the lovely Bab'yama Wellness Hub. As a new addition I to my service I'm offering outdoor therapy around Berwick-upon-Tweed, Coldstream and Kelso. So whatever the current Covid-19 situation you can still access therapy,
To find out more please contact me and I'll get back to you within 48 hours.
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Moving so quickly into a new national lockdown is not quite the way any of us wanted to start 2021 however given the huge increase in Covid infections there seems no choice at this time.
Due to the new restrictions I am still unable to offer face-to-face appointments however I am continuing to work online, both by video and telephone, and I am more than happy to discuss this with you if you are thinking of accessing counselling support.
Please email me using the contact form, or directly to bncounselling@outlook.com, or telephone 07379 094 466 - please leave a message and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Stay safe everyone!
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