Therapy Foundations For Education

13/04/2026

Let's talk about burnout

Not the full crash, but that 75% loaded, running-on-fumes version that nobody really talks about

My brain knew holiday was coming. My body? It clocked out about 10 days earlier

I've still been showing up. Still completing everything. Still bringing as much energy as I could find. But fully present? Not always and it took deliberate effort to notice that and pull myself back into the moment

Because here's the thing nobody tells you about being a woman, a wife, a mum, a therapist AND a business owner, the to-do list before you're "allowed" to rest doesn't get shorter just because you're depleted

Before 5 days off, this was my reality:

🧺 Washing baskets emptied and bags packed for three
🏠 House cleaned to a standard it never normally reaches
🐱 Full cat supply restock + learning to trust a new pet sitter (harder than it sounds but was an amazing experience)
🚗 Car checked — tyres, pressure the lot (no new tyres needed this time, small win)
💼 Accounts updated, invoices sent, emails cleared, wages done, socials… honestly, they went to the bottom of the pile. Hence the silence here

That was all before a full day of Tetris-style car packing and a 4:30am alarm for the ferry

Relaxed yet? 😅

I'm sharing this because I spend my days helping people recognise and respond to burnout and I am not immune to it! None of us are. The difference is I know what's happening in my nervous system and I know what's coming on the other side of that ferry

If any of this sounds familiar, the functioning but running on empty, the inability to hand things over, the list that has to be perfect before you can rest, that's worth paying attention to

Your nervous system is keeping score, even when you're not

28/03/2026

Sexual abuse and sexual assault in childhood happens!

I’ve supported many adults over the years who have experienced inappropriate contact with adults and peers

They are left with feelings of confusion, shame, guilt and isolation. Many struggle with low self esteem, body dysmorphia, addiction and relationship challenges

Unfortunately the sad reality is many families know this is happening around them, the rumours, the quiet whispers, being told not to be alone with someone or not to wear certain things around them. This is not ok!

Silence protects the perpetrators and shames the survivors

Secrecy normalises abuse

It’s time to have the uncomfortable conversations

Its time to open our eyes, open our ears and advocate for those who can’t for themselves

It’s time to protect, communicate and have openness with our young people and children about consent, “keeping secrets” and being the adult who listens without shock judgement or fear

27/03/2026

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟
We’re proud to announce that we are now fully trained Neuroadaptive Therapists in LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy) — bringing innovative, science-led support to children with neurodevelopmental challenges.

💡 We are now offering Intensive Block Therapy Sessions designed to provide focused, personalised support for children experiencing:
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)
• Trauma and emotional regulation challenges

✨ Our approach combines neuroadaptive techniques with LLLT(laser therapy) Functional and Adaptive motor skills, Reflex Integration and Sensory processing strategies to promote Neuroadaptive development by in supporting the neurological systems that influence communication, regulation, attention, and development.
We work on root challenges and not symptoms.

To
✔️ Support brain regulation and development
✔️ Improve focus, coordination, and emotional wellbeing
✔️ Enhance each child’s ability to engage with the world around them

@📅 Intensive blocks are ideal for families looking for targeted, structured intervention with measurable progress over a shorter period. We work on root challenges and not on symptoms or behaviours.

This is a new and scientific approach to neural dysregulation and for children who cannot think and do simultaneously or self calm and regulate. It also promotes communication, emotional awareness and focus and attention

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Every child is unique — and so is our approach. We tailor each programme to meet your child’s individual needs. Intensive programmes allows us to offer daily intensive support to enable the brain to rewire and build
📩 Message us today to learn more or book a consultation.
💙 Helping children thrive, grow, and reach their full potential.

26/03/2026

How can I regulate with my children?

You’re not trying to control your child’s behaviour
You’re helping your child learn how to feel safe in their body

👶 Co-regulation comes first

• Your calm supports their calm
• Slow your breathing
• Get low to their level, soften your voice and speak slowly

👶 Support their body, not just behaviour

• Every behaviour is communication
• Their nervous system is overwhelmed
• Communicate – Notice and validate “I can see your body feels tight right now”
• Offer movement, pressure (hugs if welcomed) or space

👶 Connection before correction

• Safety + relationship = regulation
• Sit with them until they are ready to connect with you
• You don’t always have to ‘fix’ it, listening and presence can be enough

🏃🏽‍♀️ Movement for regulation

• Gentle rocking
• Breathing together
• Throwing a ball
• Walking
• Riding bike
• Swings, slide, trampoline

🤗 Repairing the connection
• Listening to the child’s experiences
• Using soft tones and non-critical language
• Enforcing boundaries/consequences – Explaining why
• Apologising to the child if required

This teaches communication, emotional safety, accountability and a healthy relationship

Regulation isn’t a quick fix, it’s a skill we build over time
It starts with listening to your body, not fighting it

25/03/2026

How to regulate at work

💼 Micro-moments matter

• Step away for 2 minutes to breath
• Stand outside to breath fresh air
• Drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw
• Feel your feet on the ground
• Go to the toilet and wash your hands or splash cool water on your face
• Take a drink – Hydration matters
• Stretch - Your arms, legs, back, neck

💼 Reduce internal pressure

• Focus on one task at a time
• Be aware of your limitations and responsibilities
• Keep time boundaries – Lunch, Leaving at your finishing time
• Take your lunch break!! Away from your desk
• Go for a walk during your break
• Remind yourself: You are human, not a machine
• Remind yourself: You are replaceable at work
You are not replaceable at home

24/03/2026

Regulation is connected to our sensory system

5 external senses
Sight 👀
Hearing 👂🏽
Smell 👃🏽
Taste 👅
Touch 👌

3 Internal senses
Vestibular – balance ⚖
Proprioceptive – muscle joint 💪🏽
Interoception – internal body signals 🚾😴🤒

What you need to regulate your nervous system will also be a sensory need

Ways to regulate at home:
🏡 First slow your body down
• Sit or lie down lengthen your exhale
• Focus on your breath – slow deep
• Wrap up in a blanket or hold something warm like a cup of tea
• Gentle movement - stretching, walking, tidying

🏡 Create sensory safety
• Low lighting
• Soothing music
• Connection with pets
• Routine – getting up, eating, moving
• Reduce noise and overstimulation

Your body always knows what it needs

Do you recognise your body talking to you?

23/03/2026

22/03/2026

Regulation is:

✨ Your nervous system feeling safe enough to respond, not react
✨ Being able to pause, think and choose your response
✨ Moving through emotions without becoming overwhelmed
✨ Returning to a place of reset after stress

It’s not about being calm all the time…
It’s about being able to come back to you

Regulation is NOT:

🚫 Suppressing emotions
🚫 “Just calming down”
🚫 forcing yourself to relax or stop
🚫 Ignoring stress or pushing through
🚫 Being in control

Regulation includes feeling But without becoming stuck or overwhelmed

21/03/2026

Ways To Regulate Your Nervous System

Nervous system regulation doesn’t happen through willpower, it happens through supportive experiences

Things that can help regulate our nervous system include:

• slow breathing
• gentle movement
• time in nature
• grounding through the body
• safe connection with others
• sensory regulation
• therapeutic support

Small daily practices helping your body learn it is safe

Regulation is not about never feeling stress — it’s about being able to return to balance

If your nervous system feels overwhelmed or stuck in survival mode, support is available

Integrative Therapy NI can help you reconnect with safety, regulation and resilience

Bringing You back to YOU

20/03/2026

What We Eat Matters!!

Food and nutrition effect our mood and nervous system

What we eat doesn’t just fuel our body

Food also influences our nervous system and mood

Stable blood sugar helps support emotional regulation

When our body lacks nutrients or experiences blood sugar spikes and crashes, we may notice:

• irritability
• anxiety
• fatigue
• difficulty concentrating

Nutrients that support mood and nervous system health include:

• protein – Eggs
• healthy fats – Olive Oil
• magnesium - Spinach
• omega-3 – Chia Seeds
• B vitamins – Dairy

Our gut is connected to our brain – What we eat matters, nutrition matters

Supporting our body through nutrition can be an important part of overall wellbeing