Counselling with Jen

18/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/17xgYwtRnS/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Intrusive thoughts can feel frightening, but are more common than you might think. Psychotherapist Kate Lewis explores what they are, why they happen, and how to manage them. ⬇️ http://ow.ly/nbEq106tbqP

09/01/2026

✨ A little milestone moment ✨

I can’t quite believe it, but this month marks one year in private practice 🎉
It’s been a year full of learning, growth, meaningful moments, and plenty of “I’m so glad I do this work” reflections along the way.

Over the past year, I’ve also qualified as an Advanced Specialist in Counselling children 🧠💛 Supporting children and young people is something I really care about, and it’s been such a meaningful part of this journey.

At the moment my books are full, which I’m incredibly grateful for, but please do feel free to get in touch if you’d like to connect, ask questions, or be added to a waiting list for the future.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me, trusted me, and encouraged me over the past year — it truly means more than I can say!! ❤️🥰

30/12/2025

Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy – My Approach ☺️

I offer neurodivergent-affirming therapy for children and teens, supporting them to understand themselves — not to change who they are.

I recognise that neurodivergence (such as ADHD or autism) isn’t something to fix. It does in fact have lots of positives!! My work focuses on reducing anxiety, building self-esteem, and finding strategies that fit their brain.

My approach:
• Doesn’t reward masking
• Doesn’t try to make young people “fit in”
• Does create safety, understanding, and confidence

Many neurodivergent young people experience anxiety from trying to meet expectations that don’t suit them. I provide a supportive, affirming space where they can feel accepted, understood, and empowered to be themselves. 😌

A diagnosis isn’t required.

23/12/2025

I’ll be out of the office over the Christmas period, taking some time to rest and recharge. If you send a message, you’re very welcome to do so and I’ll respond when I can.

I also want to gently acknowledge that Christmas can be a difficult time for many people. Alongside the celebrations, it can bring up grief, loneliness, family stress, financial pressure, or simply the exhaustion of a change in routine.

If you’re finding this time challenging, here are a few gentle strategies that may help:

🌿 Lower expectations – You don’t have to do Christmas “properly.” It’s okay to keep things simple or opt out of traditions that feel too much.

🌿 Create small moments of care – A quiet walk, a warm drink, music you love, or a few minutes of stillness can make a difference.

🌿 Set boundaries – It’s okay to say no, leave early, or take space from conversations or people that feel overwhelming.

🌿 Stay connected in safe ways – Reach out to someone you trust, even just for a short message or check-in.

🌿 Stick to basics – Eating regularly, sleeping when you can, and keeping some routine can help ground you.

If you need immediate support while I’m away, please reach out to local crisis services or Samaritans on 116 123.

Be gentle with yourself this season. However Christmas looks for you this year is okay. 🤍

I look forward to reconnecting when I’m back.
Jen ❤️

18/12/2025

Words can hurt.. please share with your young people.

Su***de jokes are not funny.Typing KYS is not ok. ‘Committed suicide’ is not an acceptable term.While malice may not be meant, offence can be caused when we ...

16/12/2025

https://youtu.be/XiCrniLQGYc

At its worst, depression can be a frightening, debilitating condition. Millions of people around the world live with depression. Many of these individuals an...

26/11/2025

💜 Comforting Christmas Activities for Bereaved Children 💜 Creative, gentle activities can help children express their feelings and find moments of calm during the festive season. Some lovely ideas include:

💜 Writing a Christmas card or letter to someone they miss
💜 Making “feelings baubles” filled with notes or memories
💜 Baking a favourite festive treat together
💜 Having a cosy movie night with blankets and hot chocolate

These small moments can bring connection, comfort and even a few smiles along the way.

We’d love to hear from you – which activities help your family find peace or joy at Christmas? Share your ideas in the comments below to help inspire others.

For ways to remember loved ones and self-care tips for parents and carers, read our latest blog – link below.

https://www.mosaicfamilysupport.org/how-to-help-a-bereaved-child-through-christmas

20/11/2025

🎄Join us for a festive evening at The Nurture Sanctuary, as part of Redlands Yard's Late Night Christmas shopping event! 🎄

28th November, 5 pm - 8 pm ✨

✨ Mini Treatments

£5 for a 10 minute taster treatment

Facial Massage
Hand Massage
Foot Massage
Indian Head / Neck Massage

✨Sample our New Skincare Range

Try out our beautiful new product range, unique to Nurture. We have created a variety of natural & organic cosmetics products which will be available to sample and purchase.

✨Christmas Well-being Raffle

Vouchers, products and well-being gifts to be won in our biggest raffle to date. Tickets available to purchase on the night.

🍷🥧 Free mulled wine and mince pies from

(The best mince pies you will taste!)

🎶🔔 Christmas carols performed by Beaminster singers

We look forward to seeing you there!
🎄❄️✨🎅🎁

17/11/2025

If you have a couple of minutes spare please take a minute to nominate Mosaic. It’s such an incredible charity supporting children who have suffered a bereavement.
I feel privileged to be part of it ❤️

Please could you take a moment to nominate Mosaic in the Benefact Group Christmas Draw?

Each nomination gives us the chance to be selected at random to receive £1,000 – which would make a real difference to the work we do

If you are also able to share amongst friends and family, please do!

Nominate here and search Mosaic Supporting Bereaved Children: https://movementforgood.com/index.php?cn=1158138&ct=health&i=1762873140-51305.gif&utm_source=holiday+card&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=M4G2025card&utm_id=M4G2025card

Thank you, as always, for your continued support 😃

16/11/2025

A really interesting post on the Challenges of interoception during these colder months

Why your body feels ‘off’ in autumn and winter.

Interoception in autumn and winter can become so much more challenging — and many neurodivergent people feel this long before they have the words for it.

As the seasons shift, the body suddenly has to interpret a whole new set of signals.
Colder air. Less daylight. Heavier clothes. Different routines. More demands on energy and the interoceptive system — the part of the brain that helps us understand our internal signals — can get overwhelmed or confused.

This is when you or your child might find yourselves thinking:

“Am I hungry… or just cold?”

“Am I tired… or is it just darker earlier?”

“Do I need a drink… or a blanket?”

“Why does my body feel weird and I don’t know why?”

For those with interoception differences, this time of year can bring:

• Misjudging layers — constantly too hot or too cold.

• Internal restlessness that looks like irritability.

• Struggling to notice thirst or hunger until it’s extreme.

• Feeling “unsettled” or “not quite right” without a clear reason.

• Finding it harder to begin tasks because the body doesn’t feel regulated.

• Sudden tiredness that hits harder because of shorter days and sensory load.

And because most people don’t talk about interoception at all — let alone how seasons affect it — many end up blaming themselves:

For being “moody.”

For being “unmotivated.”

For “overreacting.”

For “not coping” with the cold or darkness like everyone else seems to.

But none of this is a character flaw; it’s a seasonal shift in sensory demand.

Autumn and winter require gentleness.
More warmth.
More pauses.
More checking in:
“Have I eaten?”
“Am I overwhelmed?”
“Do I need light?”
“Do I need stillness?”
“Do I need movement?”

Bodies talk — sometimes in whispers, sometimes by screaming at us to show us where uncomfortable — and at this time of year those signals can be harder to interpret.

If interoception feels muddled right now, that’s understandable because your body isn’t being difficult; it’s adjusting.

Offer warmth without questioning it.

Offer food before you’re starving.

Offer rest before you’re drained.

Offer light where you can.

A softer, slower rhythm is not just allowed — it’s often what the body needs most as winter settles in.

Hiw are you feeling at this time of year?

Have you noticed changes with your child or young person?

Emma
The Autistic SENCo
♾️

Photo: Hubbie and me on the back of our narrowboat in the pouring rain.

14/10/2025

🌿 Face-to-Face Counselling Space Available at The Nurture Sanctuary, Broadwindsor 🌿

I currently have a space available for face-to-face counselling at The Nurture Sanctuary in Broadwindsor — a calm, nurturing space surrounded by nature.

I offer counselling for adults and children, supporting emotional wellbeing, confidence, and self-understanding in a gentle and compassionate way.

💚 For children and young people, counselling can be a safe place to:
🎨 express feelings through play, art or talking
💬 explore worries and build resilience
🌈 feel understood, supported, and more confident

🌿 For adults, it’s a space to pause, reflect, and find support with whatever life is bringing — whether that’s stress, anxiety, loss, or big life changes.

I’m passionate about creating a warm, non-judgemental space where both children and adults can feel heard and supported at their own pace.

If this sounds like something that could help you or your child, please do get in touch — I’d love to hear from you.

📍 The Nurture Sanctuary, Broadwindsor

🌱 A calm and caring space for all ages to grow and heal

11/10/2025

🌿 Taking Care of Your Mental Health — One Step at a Time 🌿

Life has a way of throwing challenges our way — some big, some small, and some that quietly build up over time. Whether you’re navigating stress, loss, burnout, or simply feeling “not quite yourself,” please know this: you don’t have to go through it alone.

Counselling isn’t just for times of crisis. It’s a space to explore your thoughts, understand your emotions, and reconnect with yourself.
It’s about slowing down, noticing what you need, and finding gentle ways to care for your mental and emotional well-being.

💚 A few reminders I often share with clients:
• You are not alone — we all experience struggles and low moments.
• Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s an act of courage.
• Healing is rarely a straight line — it’s okay to have ups and downs.
• Small acts — talking, journaling, pausing, noticing — can make a real difference over time.

You deserve support, peace, and the chance to feel grounded again.
If you’re thinking about counselling but aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to offer a safe, welcoming space to begin.

✨ Let’s take the first step together.
📩 Message me or visit my website www.psychotherapywithjen.co.uk to book a session.

A private counselling practice offering online sessions worldwide, or face to face sessions in West Dorset. www.psychotherapywithjen.co.uk