Brave journeys

26/04/2026

How does counselling help? Isn’t it just like talking to a friend? It all seems a bit vague…
All different questions people have asked me over the years.

Not easy ones to answer either but I’ll try. I’ll give a little insight into my story & why I became a counsellor. It’s a very highlighted version, not missing the meaning but it’s too long a story for everything here!

Step back to my 20’s and a big health ‘event’ that changed my life. I was offered counselling - didn’t need it - I was young, independent & very much getting on with things. Would going for counselling mean I wasn’t coping? Mean I had lost control? Give up my independence? Not for me I didn’t need it.

Move forward maybe 9mths not quite a year - still coping, still doing my thing but knowing that probably talking about the situation was a good idea - not because I felt I needed to but that I should. So I went to a few group sessions- recommended by health professionals & really supportive. I learned things, met lovely people - it was a positive experience.

I continued - life went on - I dipped in& out of groups & even 1-1 counselling as life moved on & I did too. There were specific things I needed to look at occasionally & sometimes a vague unsettled feeling.

Things got quite dark as the unsettled feeling grew but not in a specific way. It was messy, emotional & very difficult to pin down. Finally I spoke to a counsellor- on the phone & through a charity - there was nothing near me & certainly nothing I could afford.

It took a while as I worked through things and there was a change. It was slow & I didn’t know what to expect but I remember when I started to feel lighter, more settled, positive & stronger in myself. This process helped me to that point. That feeling was so strong that once I had experienced that change & that shift in me I felt incredibly grateful to my counsellor. Also, grateful to where I had got to, at that point the seed was planted.
I wanted to be able to help others who had felt as lost or unsure as I had, to be able to move through it & develop their own certainty & positivity again.
It has taken a long & winding journey to get where I am today & I had more counselling across the years & trained as a counsellor myself as I felt surer that I understood how this process worked & how this profession cared for people.
Step in Graham & Brave Journeys with things that motivated a big part of my counselling journey. Affordable; nearby; working together; people at the centre: reaching across distance with online if needed.
I love being part of this – I am proud of my counselling – I am proud of my clients and the things they are working through. I will always want to provide this support & there are many reasons I have needed counselling in my life beyond the bits mentioned above. There are so many reasons my clients have needed the time & space. But counselling has made a difference for all of them in whichever way they have needed.
So what I am saying is you might not need or want counselling now, you might not have something clear and specific to bring but the space & time Brave Journeys offers means we are here if you do.
Counselling is a strong & meaningful support which makes a real difference when you are struggling. This is a recommendation from someone who genuinely knows and is here to offer that support.
Angela 🌻

25/04/2026

I’ve seen this for years now, and it’s hard to put into words how unsettling it is.

I’ve watched it happen not just through my work in Education and the aftermath with young people in my office, but with two of my own children which this happened to and it was heartbreaking.
The part that really sticks with you isn’t just the incident itself — it’s the crowd. Phones out. Filming. Laughing. Goading. Standing by as if it’s entertainment.

Something has shifted where empathy and doing the right thing gets lost in the moment, replaced by the buzz of being part of it or capturing it.

But for the child on the receiving end, it doesn’t end when the video stops. It follows them. It shapes how safe they feel in the world, how they see themselves, how much they trust others. The impact can last a very long time.

We need to keep calling this out. Not just the behaviour of the few, but the silence and encouragement of the many. Because that’s where real change has to happen.

An Aberdeenshire mum calls for tougher action after her daughter’s assault at Inverurie Academy was filmed and shared online. Read more: https://ebx.sh/GS9lpZ

23/04/2026

Good luck to students sitting their Geography exams today.

Take your time. Trust what you know.

It’s one exam — not a measure of your worth.

Breathe…..You’ve got this

Graham
Brave Journeys🧡

20/04/2026

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to Brave Little Stars tonight.

What a brilliant first session.
There were a few nerves at the start (for grown-ups and wee ones alike), but it didn’t take long before the room was full of smiles, laughter, and some really lovely moments of joining in.

I know how big a step it can be just walking through the door to something new, so it really meant a lot to see everyone giving it a go. Every child did so well in their own way, and that’s exactly what this group is all about.

There’s so much more to come, and I’m already looking forward to seeing you all again next week.

Graham 💛

19/04/2026

There’s a quiet kind of bravery that doesn’t always get seen.

I’m seeing more and more young people sitting with questions around gender and sexual identity. Not always loud and not always obvious.

Often it comes as a whisper… a bit of curiosity, a sense that something doesn’t quite fit, or might fit differently than expected.

And that space can feel confusing. Even overwhelming!

No young person should ever feel pressured to “come out” before they’re ready. That moment - if it comes - belongs entirely to them. Their timing. Their story.

But there’s something just as important that often gets overlooked… the courage to admit curiosity to yourself.

To say, “I don’t know yet.”
To sit with those thoughts instead of pushing them away.
To explore what’s going on inside in your time and at your pace!

Because when that curiosity gets buried or ignored, it doesn’t disappear. It often turns into anxiety, shame, overthinking, and a feeling of being alone with it all.

There’s a middle ground that I have been privy to, many times over the years and it really matters.

Exploring identity in a safe, supportive, non-judgemental space. Whether that’s through conversation, creativity, trusted friendships, or in you own reflection. Not rushing into labels. Not making big life changing declarations. But just allowing space to understand yourself a bit better.

When young people are given that space, something within them shifts.

They begin to feel safer in themselves.
They learn that uncertainty isn’t something to hide but it’s something to hold and grow through.

Bravery isn’t always loud.
Sometimes it’s honesty in private.
Sometimes it’s asking quiet questions.
Sometimes it’s taking one small step towards understanding yourself.

And that is more than enough.

If you’re a parent reading this, you don’t need to have all the answers. Being open, consistent and willing to listen goes a long way.

And if you’re a young person in that space… you’re allowed to take your time. You don’t have to rush to become anything. You just get to become you.

If support is needed, we are here!
There is not a conversation Angela nor I would not be prepared to have or would shy away from, and your space, identity and curiosity are safe in my room and in our company.

And through the Access for All Fund, I can offer funded sessions for those who might otherwise not be able to access support.

Graham
Brave Journeys 💛🌈🏳️‍🌈⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

19/04/2026

Blue skies, not much cloud & a gentle breeze - a typically unpredictable ‘fine day’. I love being outside and I absolutely feel the benefits of getting out when I can - depending on what’s happening I am more of a fair weather outside person though. If it’s too windy, rainy or cold I still enjoy the ‘outdoors’ but from a more protected & drier inside watching space.
Sometimes it’s hard to get the situation to match your mood though & sometimes it can feel there is no situation that will match your mood. Disinterest, not noticing much, feeling less able to see - let alone enjoy whatever kind of day it is. That empty feeling of not caring & not really wanting to either.
If this sounds familiar or you’ve been feeling less interested lately - are you wondering why? Asking yourself - where’s my spark gone? The brighter days are beginning to appear more often yet I’m not getting the usual lift or energy boost.
Maybe you’ve noticed this in someone else?

These feelings can be difficult to understand or pin down especially when the ‘should’ of feeling brighter is there in the form of sunshine or bright colours. I haven’t always loved being outside but it has always helped in little ways I barely notice - so if you’re feeling a bit low today, or the grey of the clouds fits better than blue sky - try it, just for a few minutes feeling the sun & the breeze on your face.
No magic cures, no instant energy but different, & sometimes that is enough for one day. You might not love being outside yet … but who knows?
If you want to talk over what these feelings are like- get in touch with Graham or myself at Brave journeys - a walk down to our room @ thrive could also help. Email or book online.
We’re here to listen.
Angela🌻

19/04/2026

Welcome to Brave Little Hearts 💛

I just wanted to send a quick note ahead of tomorrow’s session to say how much I’m looking forward to welcoming you all.

We’ll be meeting at the Club Hoose at Station Road, Ellon. You’re welcome to arrive from 3.45pm, with the session starting at 4pm.

Parents are very welcome to stay, watch, and relax with a cuppa and a fine piece while the session is running. The session itself will last around 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of play in the soft play area, finishing at 5pm.

These sessions are all about creating a safe, gentle space where little ones can build confidence, explore feelings, and just be themselves in a fun and supportive environment.

My assistant Violet and I are really looking forward to meeting you all and getting started.

See you tomorrow,

Graham
Brave Journeys

19/04/2026

Welcome to Brave Little Hearts 💛

I just wanted to send a quick note ahead of tomorrow’s session to say how much I’m looking forward to welcoming you all.

We’ll be meeting at the Club Hoose at Station Road, Ellon. You’re welcome to arrive from 3.45pm, with the session starting at 4pm.

Parents are very welcome to stay, watch, and relax with a cuppa and a fine piece while the session is running. The session itself will last around 45 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of play in the soft play area, finishing at 5pm.

These sessions are all about creating a safe, gentle space where little ones can build confidence, explore feelings, and just be themselves in a fun and supportive environment.

My assistant Violet and I are really looking forward to meeting you all and getting started.

See you tomorrow,

Graham
Brave Journeys🧡

17/04/2026

Today’s a big day for so many young people finishing school.

For some, it’s excitement. For others, relief. And for plenty, it’s a strange mix of everything… including a bit of “what now?”

If this is you, here’s something I really want you to hear:

There is no one right path.

You don’t need to have your whole future figured out today. You’re not behind if you’re unsure. You’re not failing if your plans change. Life isn’t a straight line… it twists, turns, pauses, and sometimes completely reroutes.

Mine certainly did.
What I do now didn’t properly take shape until my early 30s.

So wherever you’re heading next… college, work, a gap year, or still figuring it out… it’s okay. You’ve got time. More than you think.

And if you’re finishing up feeling overwhelmed, especially with exams, pressure, or expectations weighing heavy… you’re not alone in that either. This time of year can feel like a lot.

If studying or stress is getting too much, I offer support, including hypnotherapy sessions designed to help you properly switch off, reset, and feel calmer again. Sessions include a recording you can keep using whenever things start to build.

There’s also support available through the Access for All Fund for those who might not otherwise be able to access help.

But for today…

Take it in.

Laugh with your pals.
Sign the shirts.
Take the photos.
Be daft.

Because for many of you, this is the end of a six-year journey… and that deserves to be marked.

Wishing you all the very best on your last day. Whatever comes next, you’ll find your way

Graham
Brave Journey🧡

16/04/2026

I just want to say a huge thank you to Emmy at Big Beastie Competitions for making Brave Journeys this weeks £100 charity recipient.

Every week, Big Beastie Competitions selflessly gift £100 to a good cause - which is amazing - and this time it came to my Access for All Fund. That £100 means three counselling sessions for a child or young person who might otherwise not have been able to access support. And that really makes a difference!

We are so lucky. The kindness, the nominations, the quiet support behind the scenes, the donations from individuals and businesses, it genuinely fills my heart. It allows me to say yes to families who are struggling, but worrying about cost. And money should never be a barrier to someone accessing the help they so need!

So thank you, Emmy. And thank you to every single person who took the time to nominate Brave Journeys. Especially Laura stephen whose nomination won tonight.
It doesn’t go unnoticed, and it is never taken for granted!

Love you all

Graham. ❤️

15/04/2026

A Wednesday post for me always feels different. It’s the mid week & I have stuff to do, lists, phone reminders, appointments to make, all the juggling. All the while I’m still thinking …😂
Today I’m thinking about teens – yes the thorny yet amazing youngsters who cause us no end of grief yet also pull on our toughest heart strings. Whether you’re the parent, the cool aunt/uncle or the caring supporter at the sidelines & the many other roles being around teens involves it’s a tough shout at times!
I struggle with my teens & it varies day to day – even hour to hour! This point in time is difficult – exams are nearly here, tensions are building for them so by default tensions are building for us. Independence is rearing its challenging head – again! Ask how things are going too much … it’s crowding them. Don’t ask, try not to ask, leave them to it … leads, for me, to a level of self control which I really have to battle with. I’m not perfect at this – I am very far from perfect at this.
There has been a shift though & it’s been quite slow - I’m a bit less hard on myself about how I’m doing this parenting stuff. How has this come about? Genuinely by talking – this part I can do – to other mums/dads/family/pals. It has helped me balance things & not feel so isolated – especially when the big worries that nobody else mentions and I don’t want to bring up are working away in the back of my mind.
So who do you talk to? When you feel something’s ‘not right’. If you feel you are a million miles away from your teen & you’re scared to choose a direction to help them, in case it makes things worse. Who do you ask? It can take a long time to find those people in your life who won’t judge, who you can tell the deepest worries & won’t offer a solution because sometimes there isn’t one right now.
I have a great support network & it took me a long time to be brave enough to use it. But it has kept me sane and calm when otherwise I would have been full of worry & angst. Don’t get me wrong I can still be full of worry & angst but I can cope with it better these days!
Graham spoke about ‘dissolving’ worries which is a great way of thinking about this. Teen worries in particular – they can change so much. Helping break things up into smaller parts can lead to unseen solutions but more importantly it takes the load & gives it to someone else for a while. This gives you a chance to look after where you are & how you are coping. We are so used to carrying a heavy load with our teens that we often don’t realise it’s there.
So are surprised when letting it out – talking things over - can help something that is causing endless stress, feel less confusing.
is here to help and hear you. Graham has a wealth of knowledge to tap into & is a brilliant listener. I am also part of this network of support.
Take 15 mins to get in touch & find out how we might help. It costs nothing to find out more about us & the Access for All fund is there because we want to be as available to people as we can. Get in touch start building your network. Or if you know someone, teen or parent having a tough time share our posts. This might be all that’s needed.
We are looking forward to talking & working with you.
Angela 🌻

14/04/2026

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