Stress affects our physical bodies, though most of us don’t realise just how much. I came across this excellent article examining this link and explaining it in everyday language. What is your body trying to tell you? Counselling is a great way of exploring life and relationships so that you can reduce the stress in your life. Contact Joy for a free initial consultation.
I came across this inspirational family who are showing how children (and adults!) can use the written word and drawing to express their feelings.
Information and advice about bullying, including cyber bullying, bullying at work and how a counsellor can help you.
Continue reading Bullying. Young or old, it happens to us all.
Talking to your child about your concerns is really important because it shows you care.
The Archers: What effect has the Rob and Helen domestic abuse story had?
Source: BBC The Archers: What effect has the Rob and Helen story had?
This Archer’s story has been timed and sensitively crafted to fit in with new legislation on controlling or coercive behaviour which came into effect in December 2015. Many news organisations have been reporting on the story’s significance, particularly recently when it reached a climax as desperate Helen sought to escape from her abusive husband Rob.
The powerful dynamics of relationships like these are often secret. Stigma, shame, fear and loyalty hold people like Helen in a powerful vice. And it’s not just women and it’s not just heterosexual relationships.
If all this feels painfully familiar ask yourself: “Who am I in this scenario? The victim, the perpetrator, the child of an abusive relationship, the friend or relative of someone struggling?” Sometimes we even have more than one role. As sufferers of abuse, we can then go onto abuse others.
With courage, your second question could be: “How am I going to break this vicious cycle?”
See the support agencies listed in the BBC article and contact Joy to get support with making sense of what is happening in your life and how you can find a way to safe and healthy relationships.
There are many reasons people need help – and there’s no shame in seeking it out.
Source: People Open Up About Why They’ve Been To A Counsellor
Everyone talks of “Father issues” but how was Mothers’ Day for you this year? For some mothers, it can be a wonderful time of being appreciated ‘for once’, or there can be disappointment that there isn’t the connection there that you would long for with your offspring. Alternatively, it can be an incredibly sad time, if you’ve lost a child or not been able to have children. At times like this, the flowers the rest of the world are buying and receiving are just excruciating reminders. Continue reading Happy Mothers’ Day?
If you or a loved one are feeling isolated, misunderstood and guilty at your inability to find any hope or pick yourself up, you may find some comfort from Tayana Simons’ recent Huffington Post blog “11 Truths Sufferers of Depression Will Understand (and Others Should Too)“. Continue reading Depression: Nobody understands, nobody can help
“‘Tis the season to be jolly!”, yet Christmas is often the most stressful and fraught time of the year. Consumerist society sets very high expectations of the ‘perfect Christmas’, with thrilling gifts, unforgettable meals and enjoyable loving family times. However, even if we achieve it, it so often leaves us dissatisfied, disappointed and disillusioned with the materialist fantasy.
Welcome to Talking Journeys. My name is Joy Perry; I’m a therapeutic counsellor, working in Basingstoke, Hants. I’m experienced in counselling adults, young people and children with a range of challenges, including:
• anxiety • panic • relationship issues • depression • SAD • post-natal depression • phobias • family issues • affairs & betrayals • separation & divorce • anger • abuse • stress • bereavement • low self-esteem • loneliness • poor health & disability • caring responsibilities • difficult changes in life • work problems • attachment issues • domestic violence
