The Foster Practice

30/09/2025

Trauma is talked about so much. There are arguments as to whether trauma is the experience or the symptoms. I can't speak for all of my clients, but my general experience as a therapist is that the nuance doesn't matter. What does matter is understanding your trauma, feeling safe, exploring old and new coping mechanisms and most importantly of all, developing self-compassion during that journey.

Like anything involving mental health, the experience involves both body (somatic) and mind. Survivors of all trauma can experience powerful physical symptoms that may be life changing for some. Childhood trauma impacts life in adulthood in so many ways and for those experiencing it, they become experts in being 'okay' for everyone around them. All the while, this effort is hugely exhausting.

This article is a good overview of how childhood trauma can impact everyday life once someone reaches adulthood. It is never too late to start giving yourself the time and space to work through your own needs.

By better understanding childhood trauma, therapists can recognize its signs and guide clients on a path toward healing and resilience.

27/08/2025

My apologies on the big gap in posts. In all honesty, when it gets this busy, all the focus must be on you the client. That might sound trite, but it's true. Follow ups, materials, referrals, supervision and always further education/development are a part of the core work. The same is true for clients. The 50 minutes you spend in a session usually starts a process that continues until the next session when you will have reflected, planned and processed.

Also... there has been another project. I now have a separate office, with air conditioning at home. So far the feedback has been great, clients are loving the office (and the nosey birds). Photos soon!

25/03/2025

Sadly these individuals have not taken the time to understand what counsellors and psychotherapists do. We do not and cannot diagnose any conditions of any sort. This is something that can only be done by a GP or Psychiatrist. We train for years and are regulated. We do accreditation, we are audited and attend monthly, often fortnightly supervision to check and balance our work.

One of the things we can and do recommend is that a client see their GP if we have concerns. We do this when they need additional oversight that falls beyond our training. This is essential so clients remain safe.

I am all for any action that provides rigour and protection for our clients, but it must be done from a position of understanding the data and issues being faced in this sector.

If you have any concerns about a therapist, you can and certainly should speak to their membership body. We have a code of ethics that to be adhered to at all times.

Thank you to the BACP and the NCPS who have released responses to these comments.

Join the Accredited Register A Society Registrant is listed publicly on our website and is recorded as a Registrant in our Accredited Register. The Society allows Registrants to progress through different levels of membership depending upon qualifications and experience, but all Registrants have…

13/01/2025

Climate anxiety is a thing. With the awful situation going on in LA, it's worth being mindful of your own needs. Maybe even the need for a media break. Disconnecting for a while doesn't mean you don't want to stay informed or that you don't care. Self-care is essential to be able to support others. Here's a good article by Mental Health UK on Climate Anxiety

If news reports of rising temperatures, melting ice caps, or forest fires fill you with dread and anxiety, you aren’t alone. You might be experiencing ‘climate anxiety’, and while it is a relatively new term, it’s on the rise and particularly affects young people.

23/12/2024

It’s that time again. Christmas can be difficult for so many. If you’re not okay, it’s okay to ask for help. If it’s too much, it’s okay to get some quiet time. Christmas doesn’t need to be what you see on the TV or social media. It can be what works for you. Take care of yourselves. ❤️