Garden Shed Counselling

11/11/2025

Wow, this makes so much sense. Does this resonate with any one else?

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FL4V35GGM/

A groundbreaking new study has uncovered a powerful connection between ADHD and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), revealing that women with ADHD are three times more likely to suffer from this severe hormonal condition. PMDD is an extreme form of PMS that brings intense mood swings, anxiety, depression, rage, fatigue, and even physical pain such as headaches and bloating.

Researchers believe this link comes down to how the ADHD brain processes hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones fluctuate naturally during the menstrual cycle, but for women with ADHD, those changes can hit much harder. The shifts can amplify emotional sensitivity, disrupt sleep, worsen focus, and make impulsivity more difficult to manage — creating a storm of symptoms that can deeply affect daily life.

The study also highlights how underdiagnosed PMDD is, especially among women with neurodivergent conditions. Many spend years being told their symptoms are “just bad PMS” before realizing there’s a real medical cause. Experts emphasize the need for better screening and support, especially since hormone regulation plays a huge role in mental health stability.

This discovery is helping reshape the way doctors view ADHD in women, proving that hormones and neurodivergence are far more connected than once thought.

07/11/2025

Trauma in children can show in different ways, especially in their behaviour. They are unable to explain how they feel and are often labelled 'naughty'. This amazing poem by Sarah Dillon Author and Therapeutic Parenting Consultant describes what could be happening.

LIAR
Written by Sarah Dillon

I’m a first-class liar and I tell lots of fibs
I’m really quite different from most other kids
I’m scared what will happen if I tell you the truth
Will you beat me, reject me or just hit the roof?

Sometimes I truly believe my own version
And soon will you’ll agree without much coercion
Ill make you doubt what you see with your eyes
I’m a master deceiver with stories and lies.

I feel like I’m evil, wicked and bad
I’m scared of the fallout and feel really sad
I’m trying to protect me and keep myself safe
And avoid that rejection I see in your face.

I feel so alone and I’m drowning in shame
I quickly decide who else I can blame
It’s the only time I’ll look in your eyes
To make you believe there’s truth in my lies.

You often demand that I have to be honest
‘But it just wasn’t me’, I convincingly promise
‘I’ve not nicked the money you’ve found in my pocket
It fell out the sky from overhead rocket’.

I say what I can to keep you on side
I haven't got morals and what the Hell's pride?
I just cannot link cause and effect
it's part of my brain that hasn't grown yet.

While you continue to stand and debate
I've already decided on what is my fate
You're going to tell me to go pack my stuff
I'm vile and disgusting and you've had enough.

Before you reject me and tell me to leave
I've got another ACE up my sleeve
Like a roaring lion that's escaped from its cage
I mount an attack without uncontrolled rage

I'm so full of fear that you'll soon start to see
The hatred inside that I've got for me
The look on your face just confirmed what I know
You really don't want me and now I must go.

My only hope is that soon you will see
It's all a result of what's happened to me
It isn't deliberate and it's not about you
It's a sad legacy from what I've been through.

You need to just state that you know it's a lie
You know that I'm struggling and you'll figure out why
Remind me you love me and I've got a good heart
Cos you're very aware of my difficult start.

Tell me I'm staying and I'm not moving on
Though you’re feelings quite sad about what I've done wrong
Keep the consequence natural or as near as can be
Or maybe it's gone more logically.

Whatever it is be sure to see
It's bound up with nurture and real empathy
As I need to build pathways deep in my brain
To link cause and effect without too much pain

This all takes time and is hard work for you
But keep on trying, you'll soon break through
To the small, shattered heart that sits inside me
And the scared little child who needs a family

Then my lies will reduce as I build up trust
That's not just about me
It's now about us.

02/11/2025

Interoception is one of our 8, (yes 8) senses, and not many people know about it. It notices what is going on inside our bodies, often before we do. I always talk to clients about recognising what is happening in our bodies, it is an important part of learning to regulate our emotions.

Before a child can manage their emotions, they first need to notice them.
That begins with interoception — the hidden sense that helps the brain read the body’s signals.

A racing heart, a heavy chest, butterflies, a tight tummy — these are the body’s early messages.
When a child can’t interpret them, emotions can appear “sudden” or “out of nowhere.”
They’re not ignoring how they feel — their brain simply isn’t getting a clear signal yet.

Understanding interoception helps us respond with patience, not punishment — and teach children how to recognise what their body is trying to say.

Explore Managing Big Feelings: The Toolkit for Parents & Educators — practical guidance to help children build awareness, understanding, and self-regulation. Link in comments below ⬇️ or via Linktree Shop in Bio.

31/10/2025

Halloween. Some people love it, some not so much. Dressing up, trick and treat, knocks on the door.
This is for those who are struggling today.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1A1XYJ46oe/

22/10/2025

It's starting to get spooky in the Garden Shed 👻 👻
These spooky glow in the dark pictures have been fun (and messy) to make, and opened up lots of different conversations, emotions and sensory feelings.

07/10/2025

I would like to apologise to my clients and neighbours today.
Today is a loud heavy metal day 🎸 🤘 and it started with this little earworm this morning and has got progressively heavier and louder.
What music are you listening to today??

30/09/2025

I know what you are thinking, 'wow Jackie, you look great 😊, actually my on line client drew this picture of me as we were chatting away. It is amazing. ❤️❤️

24/09/2025

Today, a young client said to me 'you are the worst therapist ever!' To which I responded 'why?' I realised what I had done and then started laughing.
An important part of this young person's sessions is gaming, particularly Roblox.
Gaming can be used to explore so many emotions and feelings, from joy and excitement to frustration and anger, and opens conversations that may otherwise be difficult to talk about.
So why am I the worst therapist ever?? Because for the first time...I won🏆. I don't know how I won, or what I did, and he was laughing as I won...possibly out of shock and surprise, but then his determination to not let me win again was so much fun. We were both still laughing as his mum arrived 🤣

19/09/2025

First day back at school for me today. I am looking forward to catching up with all the children and meeting new children 😊