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Counsellor
Village
Canterbury
Emotional Wellbeing


Why It Feels So Hard to Say No
"Why can’t I just say no?” If you’ve asked yourself this, you’re not alone. Saying no can feel heavy, sticky—even impossible.
It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means at some point, your nervous system learned that saying yes was safer.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Aug 272 min read


Why You Freeze in Difficult Moments
“Why didn’t I do something? Why didn’t I say something?”
If you’ve ever replayed a difficult moment and asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. And you didn’t fail. You froze.
Freezing isn’t weakness. It isn’t inaction. It’s your body protecting you.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Aug 212 min read


The Cost of Constantly Managing Other People’s Feelings
You were never meant to carry the emotional temperature of every room you walk into.
You know how to keep the peace. How to say the right thing. How to soothe someone else’s discomfort—even at the cost of your own.
You’re tuned in. Responsive. Empathic. And exhausted.
If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. And you’re not doing anything wrong. You may have just learned, somewhere along the way, that other people’s feelings were your responsibility.
But that comes at a c

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Jul 103 min read


Why You Keep Falling Back Into Old Patterns (Even When You Know Better)
Awareness is powerful—but it’s not magic.
You’ve done the work. You’ve read the books. You’ve gained insight. You know what your patterns are.
So why do they still show up?
Why are you still people-pleasing? Still avoiding rest? Still getting pulled into the same spirals?
If you’ve ever felt the sting of “I should know better by now”—you’re not alone. And you’re not failing. You’re being human.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Jun 122 min read


Why Being Kind to Yourself Feels So Hard(And why that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong)
You know the advice.
“Be gentle with yourself.”“Talk to yourself like you would a friend.”“Practice self-compassion.”
And yet… something in you resists. You try, but it doesn’t stick. It feels fake. Uncomfortable. Even unsafe.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not failing. You’re not broken. You’re likely protecting yourself in the only way you know how.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Jun 52 min read


Why You Can’t Just ‘Think Your Way Out’ of Anxiety
ou tell yourself:“I’m fine. It’s not that bad.”“I’ve dealt with worse.”“There’s nothing to be anxious about.”
And still—your heart races. Your stomach flips. You can’t focus. You feel wrong, even when your brain says it’s fine.
Sound familiar?
If so, you’re not broken. You’re not failing. You’re not weak. You’re just learning that anxiety doesn’t live in logic.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
May 292 min read


“The Window of Tolerance: Why You Sometimes Shut Down or Blow Up”
You’re trying to stay calm… But suddenly everything feels too much. Or maybe the opposite—you go numb. Tired. Foggy. Disconnected.
You wonder:
Why do I freeze like that in conflict?
Why can’t I just keep it together?
Why do small things suddenly feel huge?
There’s a name for this. It’s called your Window of Tolerance.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
May 222 min read


I Won’t Be Judging What You’re Carrying (And Here’s Why That Matters)
Sometimes the hardest part of therapy isn’t opening up—it’s the fear that if you do, you’ll be judged.
You might wonder:
What if it’s too much?
What if I don’t make sense?
What if they think I’m failing?
If that’s you, I want you to know this: I’m not here to judge what you’re carrying. I’m here to hold space for it.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
May 152 min read


Mental Health Isn’t Just for May
Why everyday awareness matters
May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time when social media, organisations, and workplaces shine a spotlight on emotional wellbeing. And while awareness campaigns can be helpful, there’s also something quietly uncomfortable about the idea that mental health only gets the microphone once a year.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
May 92 min read


Why Rest Feels So Uncomfortable (Especially If You're Anxious or Neurodivergent)
We’re often told that rest is good for us. That slowing down is essential.But if you’ve ever tried to actually rest—and ended up feeling more unsettled than calm—you’re not alone.
In therapy, I often hear versions of the same thing:“I finally got a moment to myself… and I couldn’t relax.”“I sat down and felt guilty, like I should be doing something.”

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Apr 233 min read


The Need to Know vs. the Need to Feel
Many of us respond to emotional pain by trying to understand it rather than actually feel it. When something hurts, our first instinct might

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Apr 92 min read


You Don’t Need to Earn Rest
If you’re someone who pushes through exhaustion, feels guilty for slowing down, or needs to justify time off with productivity—you’re not al

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Apr 22 min read


The Fear of Being ‘Too Much’: Why You Apologise for Your Feelings
Have you ever caught yourself saying, “Sorry for rambling” or “I know I’m being dramatic” when sharing something important? You’re not alone. So many people—especially those who struggle with low mood, anxiety, or relationship challenges—fear that expressing their emotions will make them a burden.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Mar 262 min read


When You Look Like You’re Coping… But You’re Not
Let’s be honest — it’s entirely possible to look like you’re holding it all together while feeling like you’re barely keeping your head above water.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Mar 193 min read


From Hashtags to Healing: Understanding Social Media's Impact on Mental Health
In today's digital age, social media has become a significant player in the conversation about mental health. With millions of posts shared daily, social media platforms are not just for socializing; they serve as vital resources for learning about mental health. As a therapist, I see many clients turning to these platforms for guidance and support. It's crucial to recognize both the advantages and the downsides of using social media as a mental health tool.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Mar 124 min read


Beyond the Couch: Exploring Walk and Talk Therapy
Outdoor therapy and walk and talk counselling are becoming increasingly popular as alternative approaches to traditional therapy. By incorporating nature into the therapeutic process, clients often experience a sense of calm and connection. This can be crucial for effective healing. In this article, we will examine the benefits of outdoor therapy and walk and talk sessions while also considering potential drawbacks, such as confidentiality concerns. This information will help

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Mar 54 min read


Is it time to take the "D" out of ADHD?
ADHD—Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This acronym often brings to mind chaotic classrooms and restless children. But could we shift the dialogue surrounding ADHD? Rather than just focusing on the challenges, let’s explore the unique strengths individuals with this neurodiversity bring to the table. As a therapist, I believe it's crucial to reconsider how we view ADHD in therapy.
In this blog post, I will discuss the significance of embracing neurodiversity in couns

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Feb 274 min read


When the Fog Won’t Lift: A Therapist’s Take on Depression
Depression is often seen as a silent struggle that many individuals face alone. As a therapist, I encounter many clients who express feelings of low mood, sadness, and an inability to find joy in their daily lives. Online counselling has become a pivotal avenue for reaching out, allowing those grappling with these emotions to seek help in a comfortable environment. In this post, I aim to provide insights from my experiences working with depression, offering you practical appr

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Feb 194 min read


Online Counselling: Is It the Right Fit for You?
As our lives become busier, the need for mental health support is more crucial than ever. Online counselling has emerged as a popular, modern alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy. In this blog post, we will explore the various advantages and disadvantages of online counselling compared to in-person sessions, helping you determine which option best suits your needs.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Jan 224 min read


Feeling Down on Blue Monday? Gentle Self-Care Tips to Lift Your Mood
Blue Monday, often called the most depressing day of the year, falls on the third Monday of January. After the excitement of the holiday season, dreary weather and looming post-holiday bills can bring many down. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Yet, this day can remind us about the significance of self-care. Here, we'll share practical tips from a therapist on how to uplift your mood this Blue Monday and beyond.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Jan 153 min read
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