Rephael House Counselling Centre

06/11/2025

Rephael House November 2025 Newsletter -

Like most charities, we rely on the kindness and generosity of our community to keep our doors open. This winter, we’re launching our “Pay It Forward” campaign as an opportunity for you to help us support your community. Each session we provide costs the charity £60, but we understand that no...

06/11/2025

Fawn Response
What it looks like:
People-pleasing behavior; prioritizing others’ comfort or approval over one’s own needs
Over-apologising or taking responsibility for others’ emotions
Quickly agreeing or complying to avoid tension or conflict
Difficulty identifying personal wants or boundaries

Why it happens:
As children, they may have learned that appeasing others prevents danger, rejection, or emotional withdrawal.
The nervous system associates safety with keeping others happy, rather than expressing needs or disagreement.

How to help:
Encourage honest expression of real feelings and preferences.
Gently reinforce that it is safe to say “no” or disagree without losing love or acceptance.
Model healthy boundaries and emotional authenticity, show that relationships can remain secure even with differing opinions.
Help them practice assertive communication in low-stakes situations.

05/11/2025

🎉 Trustees’ Week 2025: 3–7 November 🎉
A time to celebrate the vital contribution of trustees and encourage new voices to step forward.

Thinking about becoming a trustee?
Looking for a meaningful way to give back and grow your skills?

Rephael House, a trusted charity supporting families for over 28 years, is looking for passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees.
Whether you bring charity management, fundraising, strategy, or lived experience and your voice can shape our future.

🧡 Voluntary roles
🧡 Just 15 hours/year
🧡 All meetings held remotely via Zoom

📌 During Trustees’ Week, explore how you can get involved:
👉 www.rephaelhouse.org.uk/WorkingWithUs/Vacancies
📧 Or email: ceo@rephaelhouse.org.uk

Let’s keep Rephael House strong for today, tomorrow, and generations to come. 🧡

We do not accept AI generated CV's, cover letters or applications as this is a therapeutic position and therefore we need to get a feel for you. 

04/11/2025

📞 Tuesday Challenge! 💛

Reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Life moves quickly, days turn into weeks, weeks into months, and before we know it, years have passed.

Social media and messaging apps are great for staying virtually connected, but nothing compares to actually hearing the voice of someone you love or care about. 💬

👉 Today’s challenge: Pick up the phone and call someone!

Then come back and share in the comments:
Who did you call?
How did it make you feel?

03/11/2025

Men's Mental Health Month 2025:

Here are 3 practical tips for improving men’s mental health:

🗣️Talk it out — don’t bottle it up.
Many men feel pressure to “handle things alone,” but opening up to a friend, family member, or therapist can make a huge difference. Talking reduces stress, normalizes vulnerability, and helps you see problems more clearly.

🏃🏽‍♀️Move your body regularly.
Exercise isn’t just for physical health, it releases endorphins, improves sleep, and reduces anxiety and depression. Even 20–30 minutes of walking, lifting, or playing sports a few times a week can boost mood and confidence.

🛌🏽Build healthy routines and downtime.
Consistent sleep, balanced meals, and intentional relaxation (like hobbies, meditation, or nature time) support emotional stability. Protecting time for rest isn’t lazy, it’s maintenance for your mind.

02/11/2025

I just LOVED this.
Jamie Laing's interview with Cat Burns was so good and a really honest and refreshing look at neuro diversity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1FSYbwZysS0

01/11/2025

Therapy is for everyone not just young people!

31/10/2025

🎃 Friendly Halloween Reminder 🎃

Halloween is fun for many, but it’s not for everyone. Please be mindful when trick-or-treating or dressing up, not everyone finds clowns funny or the Scream mask entertaining. Some people have real phobias and anxieties.

Enjoy the evening, have fun, but remember: it’s possible to celebrate without scaring or upsetting others. Let’s make it a night everyone can enjoy safely. 💜👻

30/10/2025

Freeze Response
When a child feels unsafe, overwhelmed, or threatened, their nervous system reacts automatically. This is not a conscious choice, it’s a survival mechanism controlled by the brain’s amygdala and autonomic nervous system.

What it looks like:
• Shutting down, going quiet, “blank” stare
• Unable to move or respond — even to comfort

Why it happens:
The brain goes into pause mode to protect you from perceived harm. It’s the body’s way of saying, “Stay still, stay safe.”

How to help:
• Be gentle and patient — don’t push for a reaction
• Offer calm reassurance: “You’re safe. I’m here.”
• Once things feel safer, try soft grounding — slow breathing, gentle movement, or sensory comfort

29/10/2025

🌟 Volunteer Opportunity: Charity Management Trustee (Board Member)
📍 Remote | ⏱ 15 hours/year | 💥 Make a Real Impact

Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back?
Do you have experience in charity management or strategic leadership?

Rephael House is a trusted charity supporting families for over 28 years and is seeking a committed Trustee to help shape our future and strengthen our impact.

🧡 Voluntary role
🧡 Just 15 hours per year
🧡 All meetings via Zoom

✨ In this role, you’ll:
✔ Guide a values-led, community-focused organisation
✔ Contribute to strategic growth and good governance
✔ Collaborate with a passionate and experienced Board

📌 Learn more about the role:
👉 www.rephaelhouse.org.uk/WorkingWithUs/Vacancies
📧 Or contact us directly: ceo@rephaelhouse.org.uk

Let’s build a stronger tomorrow, together. 🧡

28/10/2025

GAMES THEMED NEURODIVERSE SPEED DATING
How can you not love this!
https://www.shynne.co.uk/activities/speed-dating/ - Click for more details 🧡

Speed dating for people with autism and adhd

27/10/2025

Kintsugi (金継ぎ) means “golden joinery.”
When a bowl or piece of pottery breaks, instead of throwing it away, the cracks are repaired with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum.
The mended object becomes more beautiful and valuable because of its history, not despite it.

The Philosophy Behind It

Imperfection is beauty.
The flaws and breaks are part of the story.

Healing makes you stronger.
What was once broken becomes unique and more resilient.

Acceptance of change and impermanence.
Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, finding beauty in imperfection and transience.
People often use Kintsugi as a metaphor for healing after trauma, emotional growth, or resilience, especially with children, relationships, and mental health recovery.