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Mental Health Insights


When Therapy Language Gets Weaponised
Terms like trauma, triggered, gaslighting, and toxic have made their way from the therapy room to everyday conversations, TikTok captions, and meme culture.
And on one level, that’s a good thing.
Language helps us make sense of our experiences. Being able to name patterns like people-pleasing or emotional neglect can bring enormous relief - especially if those patterns were invisible or dismissed in the past.
But something else is happening too.
These words are starting t

Canterbury Village Counsellor
6 days ago3 min read


When Guilt Doesn’t Belong to You
This kind of guilt often shows up when:
You set a boundary and someone reacts with disappointment
You say no, and the other person tries to convince you you’re selfish
Someone uses past sacrifices as leverage for your present choices
You feel responsible for someone else’s emotions -when deep down, you know you shouldn’t
This isn’t guilt you generated. It’s guilt that’s been projected onto you.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Sep 112 min read


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 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 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


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


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


Why Relationships Feel So Hard Sometimes (Even the Good Ones)
Relationships are a core part of being human. They can bring great joy and fulfilment, but they can also lead to struggle and heartache. As a therapist, I have seen many individuals navigate the complex world of relationships. In this post, I will examine relationship dynamics through a psychological lens, focusing on attachment styles and how they shape our connections with others.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Feb 124 min read


My Realistic Guide to Surviving Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day can bring up a whirlwind of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and sadness. As a therapist, I frequently hear about the ups and downs people face on this day. The pressure to meet expectations—whether from partners or society—can be overwhelming, often leading to heightened anxiety or even depression. If you find yourself navigating these complicated feelings, you are not alone. Let’s go through some practical tips to help you remain calm and collect

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Feb 54 min read


Gestalt Therapy Explained—No Jargon, Just Clarity
When I first heard the term "Gestalt therapy," I thought it sounded like something straight out of a psychology textbook. But let me tell you, it’s much simpler than it sounds! Understanding Gestalt therapy might just be the key to unlocking a deeper sense of self-awareness and fulfilment in your life, especially during counselling sessions. So, grab your favourite cosy blanket, and let’s jump in!

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Jan 294 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


Setting Boundaries in Relationships (Without Feeling Like the Villain)
In the fast-paced world we live in, personal boundaries can easily slip away. People often find themselves saying “yes” to too many commitments, overwhelming demands, and expectations from others. Recognizing how to establish and maintain boundaries is vital for ensuring our mental well-being and fostering nurturing relationships.
In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of boundaries, practical strategies for setting them, and the profound positive impact they can ha

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Jan 84 min read


What If You Didn’t Have to ‘Fix’ Yourself This January?
As we approach the end of the year, many people begin to reflect on what they want to achieve in the coming year. New Year's resolutions provide a fresh start but can also lead to feelings of stress and disappointment. This post explores the significance of resolutions, their health impacts, and how to set realistic goals, all while practicing self-kindness throughout the journey.

Canterbury Village Counsellor
Jan 23 min read
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