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ESJ counselling

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ESJ counselling

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from ESJ counselling, Mental Health Service, West Street, Bridgwater.

Counselling for adults, children and young people in Bridgwater with a special interest in supporting younger minds

WhatsApp: 07552 356745
letstalk@esjcounselling.co.uk
www.esjcounselling.co.uk

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. 💙

28/11/2025

A great question to ask your child today:

✨ “What colour is your mood right now?” ✨

(A surprisingly powerful check-in)

26/11/2025

One-Minute Grounding exercise:

Take a deep breath and name:
✨ 1 thing you can see
✨ 1 thing you can hear
✨ thing you can feel

A tiny reset for a busy mind.

24/11/2025

After school meltdowns: why do they happen?

If your child seems to hold it all in at school and fall apart at home, nothing is wrong with your parenting. In fact, it’s the opposite, home is where they feel safe enough to release the emotions they’ve been carrying all day.

This after-school ‘unravelling’ is incredibly common, especially for children struggling with anxiety, masking, or overwhelm.

Some reasons could be:

- They’ve used up all their coping energy
- School is overstimulating
- Home feels safe enough to let go

Remember ✨
Meltdowns aren’t “naughty” - they are communication

What can help:

- offer connection
- A snack
- A cuddle
- A quiet corner
- Even sitting together in silence can go along way

21/11/2025

✨ Healing isn’t linear. Some days are steps forward, some days are steps back, and that’s okay ✨

19/11/2025

Myth: Talking about su***de will put the idea into someone’s head.

Truth: Openly talking about suicidal thoughts can actually help someone feel heard, understood, and less alone. Asking and listening with compassion can save lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out to a trained professional or a crisis support line is a strong and brave step.

17/11/2025

It’s ok not to be okay. It’s ok to feel.

Toxic positivity is when we feel pressure to ‘always be happy’ or to ignore negative emotions. Saying things like ‘just stay positive’ or ‘it could be worse’ might seem helpful, but it can make people feel unheard or ashamed of their feelings.

Real healing comes from acknowledging and accepting your emotions, whatever they are, and giving yourself permission to feel them.

It’s healthy and ok to sit with sadness, frustration, or worry, and it’s okay to reach out for support when you need it 💙

14/11/2025

Love a bit of Brené Brown ❤️

11/11/2025

Struggling with anxiety, low mood or feeling stuck?

I’m Ella and I run ESJ Counselling in Bridgwater. I’m reaching out to those struggling with their mental health.

In case you didn’t know, I offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can get a feel for how I work.

I support children, teens and adults, in-person or online.

You don’t have to figure things out alone 💙

07552356745
letstalk@esjcounselling.co.uk
www.esjcounselling.co.uk

Address

West Street
Bridgwater
TA67EU

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 8pm
Tuesday	9am - 8pm
Wednesday	9am - 8pm
Thursday	9am - 8pm

Website

http://www.esjcounselling.co.uk/

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