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https://michellejeancounselling.com/

Michelle Jean Counselling, Ashford (2025)

10/12/2025

Hello ... well, we’re very much in that time of year again where the sense of obligation can speak louder than our actual needs.

Do you find yourself slipping into people pleasing without even noticing it? Saying yes when you mean no… stretching yourself thin… agreeing to plans or events that leave you exhausted, burnt out, or even resentful instead of connected?

If you’re feeling the pressure building already, I wonder how it might feel to pause and gently check in with yourself about what you would like this holiday season to look like.

I know how hard it is to shift patterns that have felt “safe” for years, even when those same patterns leave you exhausted. The worry about letting others down is real.

But here’s the reminder you may need today:

You don’t need to justify what you want YOUR Christmas to look or feel like. You don’t need to justify or earn your rest.

What’s one thing you’d like to do differently this Christmas that’s just for you? I’d really love to hear your thoughts…

Michelle ♥️

08/12/2025

Hello...how are you doing? It's a busy time of year with a constant running "to-do" list and I wanted to check in on this.

Mondays have a way of switching on that internal commentary or critic of what we feel we aren't doing.

“You should be further ahead by now.”
“Everyone else can do it."
“New week new goals."

It’s interesting how quickly and determined that voice shows up. Not to mention how convincing it can sound...we actually buy into it. We allow it to take over.

Ground yourself and gently enquire...
Is this true? Do I have to accept every thought as fact?

Let's enter into the week by reminding yourself that you don’t have to earn your worth every Monday. You don’t need to meet Monday with perfection. Every day is a day worth meeting your needs.

Maybe today you need calm moments after a busy weekend. Maybe today what you are doing is enough.

Remember, the inner critic can talk but you get to choose whether it's worth listening to.

I hope this helps you today and for the rest of the week.

I'd love to hear how you are doing in the comments...

Michelle 🤍

04/12/2025

This time of year can be a time when we begin to think about what we might like to do differently. What we've maybe felt disappointed with and if we are ready for change.

It's more than ok to release things that feel heavy or no longer supportive. Perhaps you've noticed things come up for you in this past year that you know deep down aren't feeling good.

Remember, there is no pressure, no expectation, and no right way to do it. Maybe see this as an encouragement to think about how you'd like to move forward. What do you need? What's working and what's not working for you?

Many people find themselves wanting to loosen old habits, set clearer boundaries, or listen to their intuition more. If any of this resonates with you, take it as a gentle nudge rather than instruction, advice giving or judgement.

You’re allowed to move at your own pace.
You’re allowed to change your mind.
You’re allowed to choose what feels good for you.

Is there anything you’re noticing has become easier to release over time? Or anything you'd like to release?

I'd love to hear your thoughts?

Michelle 🤍

02/12/2025

Hey...how are you doing? How is your energy? This time of year can feel heavy for so many reasons. Not forgetting the days are shorter, colder, and the expectations are higher. With all of this, I'm noticing many people feeling their nervous system shifting into freeze.

That shut down, numb or low energy state where everything feels like too much or you can't move from procrastination or feeling stuck.

I wanted to check in on this and remind you that you're not lazy or failing. Your body is responding.

Freeze is a survival response. It's your nervous system’s way of saying:

“Things feel overwhelming, this time of year reminds me of...I feel unsafe....let’s conserve energy until it feels safer.”

When you are in this space the small practices and acts of kindness towards yourself really do matter. If you can do one thing daily that works for you then that's great and will truly help you in these times. This might look like:

• Moving your body gently - walking, yoga, stretching
• Routines and rituals - Mornings and Bedtimes
• Hydration
• Self compassion versus fighting against yourself
• Breath work / Meditation / Grounding

These are all ways of nurturing, grounding and whispering safety back into your nervous system.

If you’re struggling right now, it’s not just you.
This season is hard for many. December can be one of the toughest months.

Be gentle. Self compassion is key.

If this resonates, if you're in freeze or you feel stuck what’s one thing you can offer yourself today?

Michelle 🤍

30/11/2025

Hello...how are you? I'm curious whether you have ever noticed a moment that made you realise you’re healing, you've experienced a breakthrough or just how far you've come?

For a long time I struggled to listen to music. Much of my years in active addiction involved lots of music. Growing up in the 90s and partying in the "noughties"... it was all about the music!

Navigating my own healing journey over the years I noticed that listening to music from those years was too overwhelming. Like BOOM, I was back there. My nervous system didn't react well.

That was until recently, I've been listening to music more and more and, instead of feeling overwhelmed, it has actually felt good. I am regulated. I am safe.

A small but a powerful shift...

Healing rarely arrives with fireworks… sometimes it’s hidden in the quiet ways your body and mind soften when faced with something that was previously difficult to sit with.

If you’re on your own path, I encourage you to notice the tiny breakthroughs. Celebrate your wins. They’re proof that change is happening, even when it’s slow, subtle, or unexpected.

Learn to notice your body's reactions to what's going on around you.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. What you're working on, with or towards.

Michelle 🤍

28/11/2025

Hello… I hope you are doing well ✨

I wanted to check in with an update on my availability and opening times for December.

My practice is open Monday to Thursday. I will be working up until Monday 22nd December, and will be closed from Tuesday 23rd December, reopening Monday 5th January.

I am currently fully booked throughout December. There may be potential openings on Monday 15th and Wednesday 18th December, and of course there’s always the possibility of cancellations.

If you’ve been thinking of reaching out, please do get in touch and we can explore how we might move forward together. I would love to hear from you.

Wishing you a restful weekend,
Michelle ♥️

26/11/2025

Hello… how are you doing as we move towards December? I’ve been thinking about how emotionally loaded this time of year can be. Christmas brings up so much for so many of us and not always the joyful, cosy feelings we see in adverts.

The picture perfect family scenes on TV, and Black Friday are everywhere. For some, all harmless background noise, for others, it can be a powerful reminder of something more complex.

Maybe it’s missing someone, an estranged relationship, financial pressure, the expectations, or simply the noise of it all.

If this time of year brings up grief, loss or heaviness for you, you’re not alone. It’s completely okay to feel what you feel.

I wonder what you might need over the next few weeks to look after yourself? What would help you feel grounded, protected, or supported?

Your “picture perfect” doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. It can be quieter, simpler, slower and exactly what you need.

Look after yourself and do your thing...
Michelle ♥️

25/11/2025

Hello...I wanted to share this beautiful book with you...

✨The Gifts Of Winter by Dr Stephanie Fitzgerald ✨

Winter can be such a tough time for many of us. For various reasons this season can bring up so much on both an emotional and physical level.

Having said that, there can be something so soothing about leaning into winter instead of fighting it. I wonder if that feels possible for you?

This book is a beautiful reminder that this season can be a time of slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and uncovering small moments of joy. Moments of joy in the nurturing compassion of nurture, rest and hibernation.

If you’ve been feeling the heaviness of darker days, you’re not alone. I for one are totally with you on that. Know that you don’t always have to push through it.

Sometimes the most healing thing we can do is soften, rest, and let winter hold us for a while. Cancel the plans, put yourself first and honour what you need. What would that be? What do you need?

I'd love to know if there is a winter ritual that brings you comfort? What brings you softness in this season?

Michelle 🤍

23/11/2025

✨Hello...a little reintroduction✨

Hi, I’m Michelle...welcome if you are new here and if you have been following for a while, thank you so much for being here.

My own lived experiences and therapy motivated me to become a therapist. I occasionally share parts of myself on here and in my work. Such as my sobriety, if I feel it is beneficial towards understanding, connection and of course it is safe to do so. Fundamentally I am a human before therapist.

My practice is based in Hamstreet, Ashford (Kent), where I offer face to face sessions. I also work online within the UK and internationally. I am a fully qualified, registered and insured professional.

I am forever grateful for the people that I work with. For each and every session. The relationship sits right at the heart of the work we do together. It’s built on trust, safety and the space to simply be, without judgment or expectation.

Whether you’re navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship or attachment difficulties, low self esteem, confidence, or you’re just trying to make sense of things…you don’t have to do that alone.

My role is to walk alongside you, to offer support, clarity, and a space where you can feel fully heard.

Perhaps you've been following me for a while and thinking about contacting me or you are new here? Feel free to reach out and we can arrange a time to chat about your needs. It would be great to speak with you.

Michelle 🤍

18/11/2025

Hello...how are you doing? I quite often talk to my clients about the power of putting pen to paper when things are feeling overwhelming or we feel overstimulated.

Journaling, writing notes, keeping a diary or even just doodling can be a powerful way of processing emotions or making sense of things.

How would it feel to take 5 quiet minutes today to check in with yourself? What would you write? Notice if you feel a pull towards getting things on paper or whether you feel stuck.

Here's some prompts to help...

•What is something I need?
•What do I need to hear right now that I’m not giving myself?
•What is something I'm tired of carrying?
•What would I like to let go of?
• Where can I offer myself kindness instead of criticism?

Try to go with what comes to mind, not what you feel you *should* be writing because actually there isn't any wrong or right answer. Journaling is about what comes up for you. It's your time to process and check in on yourself.

I'd love to know if you find journaling or this kind of self reflection helpful?

Michelle 🤍

13/11/2025

I totally get it. I remember a time in my life when I knew, deep down, that I’d benefit from going to therapy, but I was just so scared to start unpacking everything.

I’d buried things so deep that it felt like a mountain to climb.

Then I took the plunge, the first small steps and I continue to take those steps today. Because I value myself, my growth, and my self-awareness.

I truly understand what might be holding you back. It’s that “just keep swimming… I’ll be OK” feeling. But what if there was a new version of you. A more than OK version. A version of you that’s working towards better understanding and healing.

Whether it’s now, or even in 2026, do get in touch for a chat...let’s see if we can work together.

Michelle 🤍

12/11/2025

Hello … how are you? How has your week been?

Mine has been a super busy return after a week off, and it’s been so lovely to see both familiar and new faces in my practice. Thank you for keeping me busy. I am truly grateful and honoured.

What’s really struck me this week is the power this chair holds. Some may say, “it’s just a chair”...but to me, it’s so much more.

For some, coming to therapy is an easy decision. For others, it’s something that’s taken years to reach and for so many reasons.

It could be sharing a recent experience. It could be grief, relationship struggles, or childhood trauma that’s never ever been spoken about.

Whatever the reason, it’s told in this chair and this chair holds people in so many ways.

I’m forever honoured to walk alongside my clients. Those who keep showing up even when it’s hard, who sit with the discomfort of finding acceptance, who replay the good and the bad.

I hear you.
And I see you.

Michelle 🤍

Michelle Jean Counselling

10/12/2025

08/12/2025

04/12/2025

02/12/2025

30/11/2025

28/11/2025

26/11/2025

25/11/2025

23/11/2025

18/11/2025

13/11/2025

12/11/2025

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