ESJ counselling

07/01/2026

January blues…

06/01/2026

If you or your child have been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or struggling emotionally, you don’t have to manage it alone. Talking things through with the right support can really help.

I’m a local counsellor based in Bridgwater (ESJ Counselling), working with adults, children and young people. I offer a warm, non-judgemental space to explore what’s going on, at a pace that feels safe.

Happy for people to message me for more information:

📱 WhatsApp: 07552356745
🌐 www.esjcounselling.co.uk

Please feel free to save or share if it might help someone else

Professional counselling in Bridgwater for adults, children, and young people. Supporting anxiety, low mood, and other emotional challenges.

05/01/2026

Good morning ☀️

After a lovely/long/busy break with the family, who else is excited to get back to routine and normality?

I certainly cannot wait, I thrive on routine and structure. I am SO ready to be back!!

22/12/2025

✨ A gentle Christmas pause ✨

As we head towards Christmas, I’ll be taking a short break to rest and spend time with my family.

Taking this time to slow down and recharge is important to me as we move towards the new year.

Wishing you whatever you need this Christmas — whether that’s rest, connection, quiet, or simply getting through the day 💙

19/12/2025

✨ As we move towards Christmas and a new year✨

This time of year can be full of lights, gatherings and celebrations, but it can also be a difficult time for many. Not everyone is counting down with excitement.

Let’s take a moment to think about:
• those who are feeling lonely
• those grieving someone they love
• those struggling financially
• those facing anxiety, low mood, or exhaustion
• those for whom this season brings pressure rather than joy

If this season feels heavy for you, you’re not alone and it’s okay to do Christmas your way. There is no “right” way to feel at Christmas.

Let’s move through the coming weeks with a little extra kindness, perhaps towards others, and towards ourselves.

✨ Sometimes that’s the most meaningful gift of all.

17/12/2025

This is great!!

We'll go through some top tips from child psychologists to help you and your child regulate their different emotions and support their emotional wellbeing.

15/12/2025

❤️

12/12/2025

Are you emotionally burnt out?

Emotional burnout doesn’t always look like falling apart, sometimes, it can look like quietly running on empty.

If you’ve been feeling numb, overwhelmed, or constantly exhausted, you’re not failing. You’re exhausted. Here are some signs to look out for:

✨ You feel numb or “switched off.”
✨ Everything feels like too much effort — even things you normally enjoy.
✨ Your mind feels foggy, loud, or hard to focus.
✨ You’re tired even after resting.
✨ You’re saying “yes” when you really need to say “no.”
✨ Small things feel overwhelming, and you can’t figure out why.

Burnout isn’t about weakness, it’s what happens when you take on too much for too long.

It’s your body’s way of saying: “Please slow down. I need care, not pressure.”

08/12/2025

Why is play important in therapy with younger clients?

Children express themselves differently to adults — often through play rather than words. Play helps them make sense of big feelings, worries, and experiences in a safe, gentle way.

In therapy, play isn’t “just playing.” It’s communication, exploration, and healing. It gives children choice, control, and the freedom to express feelings at their own pace!

If you’d like to talk about how therapy could support your child, I’m here to help.

💬 WhatsApp: 07552356745

05/12/2025

Do you know what intrusive thoughts actually are? And more importantly what they are not?

Many people experience intrusive thoughts and the distress comes from the meaning we attach to them, not the thoughts themselves. Therapy helps reduce fear, build understanding, and change your relationship with them.

Intrusive thoughts are…
✔️ Unwanted
✔️ Automatic
✔️ Often the opposite of your values
✔️ Common in anxiety and OCD

Intrusive thoughts are NOT…
✖️ A reflection of who you are
✖️ A sign you’ll act on them
✖️ Something you chose
✖️ A reason to feel ashamed

Intrusive thoughts can feel scary, but they don’t define you. They’re automatic mental “pop-ups” that say nothing about your character or intentions. They are incredibly common in anxiety and OCD.

Therapy offers a safe space to explore them without fear or judgment, helping you respond differently and feel more in control. You’re not alone in this 💙

Message me on WhatsApp: 07552356745

03/12/2025

Emotional Vocabulary Upgrades: Helping Children Say What They Really Feel

Children often use the same few words for lots of different feelings — especially “angry,” “sad,” or “fine.”
But when we help them find more accurate words, something powerful can happen;

✨ Their brains calm down
✨ They feel understood
✨ Behaviour becomes easier to manage

Here are some gentle “emotion upgrades” you can use at home:

Instead of “angry,” try:
• “I feel overwhelmed.”
• “I feel stuck.”
• “My body feels too full.”
• “I feel out of control.”

Instead of “sad,” try:
• “I feel disappointed.”
• “I feel lonely.”
• “I feel tired in my heart.”

Instead of “worried,” try:
• “I feel unsure.”
• “I feel scared about what might happen.”
• “My thoughts won’t slow down.”

You using these words when you feel them will help your child to understand what they mean and they will start to use them too.

These small language shifts help children feel seen — which often softens big behaviours.

P.S. zoom in on the feeling wheel below to see all the feelings.

01/12/2025

✨ The Lead-Up to Christmas Isn’t Easy for Everyone… ✨

As we step into December, many people feel the pressure to be festive, joyful, and full of energy. But the truth is… this time of year can bring up a mix of emotions.

You might feel:
- Overwhelmed
- Stretched too thin
- Excited and exhausted
- Complicated feelings about family
- A dip in mood as routines change

If this season feels heavier than the images on TV and social media, you’re not alone.

If December feels difficult, you deserve support.
You don’t have to navigate it alone. 💙