Gate Psychological Services

16/10/2025

There is a new service in Durham for OT sensory integration therapy that can be funded by ASGSF and that is FASD informed. They are working on expanding the procurement to the wider north east region. It might be worth exploring as an option.

16/09/2025

16/09/2025

🌿 Celebrating a decade of 'Doctor-ing' and 13 years of friendship 🌿

At the weekend, I swapped the woods for the bustling Newcastle Quayside to mark 10 years since graduating as Clinical Psychologists.

What a 13 years it's been. Full of lows, highs and lots of laughs. We've all ended up following very different paths but I was so very proud to reunite and catch up with this very special group.

Belonging and identity are so very important to us as humans.

No matter how much time has passed, it's important to link in with those who are special to you.

09/09/2025

The Athlone Trust Nurturing Potential Grant is open for applications.

This one-off payment of £500 is available to support adopted children and young people up to the age of 19 with their education and development. The grant can go towards things like tutoring, assessments, learning equipment, or extra-curricular activities that help them grow and thrive.

It’s open to adoptees living in the UK, in families with a household income of up to £70,000 per year. Applications will close on 30th September 2025.

Find full details and the application form here: https://theathlonetrust.org/application/

04/09/2025

🌿 Struggling to feel calm? You're not alone.

Our nervous systems aren't built to stay calm all the time, especially when caring for children who've experienced trauma.

The goal isn't to maintain a constant state of calm, but to learn to notice where you are, understand your responses and gently guide yourself back to safety with compassion.

You don't have to get it right every moment. You're human, you're trying and that's more than enough.

🌿 Your presence matters 💚 follow along and join me in the woods as I make space for those in caring roles.

01/08/2025

The Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund The subjects for these debates were determined by the Backbench Business Committee. The sitting will be suspended and time added if divisions take place in the main Chamber (Standing Order No. 10(3)).

01/08/2025

🌿 When playfulness feels out of reach 🌿

Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy, is a therapeutic parenting approach for children who've experienced trauma. We often refer to the principles of PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity & Empathy) and support parents and carers to embody this way of being with their children.

But when you're running on empty, playfulness can feel impossible. Often, it's the first thing we lose. Not because we don't care, but because we're in survival mode ourselves.

It's not a personal failing. At times, we will all need to find ways to rediscover and reclaim our spark ✨

🌿 Take a breath. You don't have to be fun all the time.
🌿 Just a moment of light connection is enough to shift the energy
🌿 Remember, regulation is contagious. If you can find a tiny moment of lightness and joy, your child might find one too.

25/07/2025

🌿 When you care deeply, you feel the weight of others' distress 🌿

Our brains and bodies are designed to tune in to others. Sometimes we absorb and carry more than we realise. If we don't attend to this, we burn out.

Trust me, I've been there.

But, it is possible to stay present without becoming overwhelmed. By understanding and noticing your body's responses, you can begin to regulate in the moment.

You're not broken. It's not hopeless. We're all human and we can do this, together.

Follow along and join me in the woods. Let's prioritise self care so that we can keep showing up for those that matter 🌿

www.gatepsychology.co.uk/resilientroots-support

21/07/2025

Feeling lost in the overwhelm? You're not alone.

When caring for children who've experienced trauma, it's easy to lose sight of your own needs.

Understanding your nervous system, through the lens of Stephen Porges' Polyvagal Theory can help you find your way back to calm, connection, and clarity.

🧠 By recognising your body’s signals, you can learn to regulate more effectively and stay grounded, even in the most challenging moments.

Because you matter too.

🌿 Your wellbeing is not a luxury. It's essential for the children and families who rely on you.

19/07/2025

🌿 Hello, I'm Gemma, a Clinical Psychologist with a specialism in childhood trauma and attachment.

The work I do with families, carers, and professionals supporting children who’ve experienced trauma is incredibly meaningful, but it’s also heavy. To keep going, I have to look after myself.

I escape to the woods. Sometimes it's a peaceful walk, sometimes I need a bit more of a distraction. Something to quiet my busy mind.

So I block out the world, crank up the rock music and let Luna the Labradoodle drag me full pelt through the woods. This is my reset button. It helps me clear the tension, find focus, and return to the work grounded and present.

Resilient Roots is my new project, supporting those who are doing the hard and heartful work of caring for hurt children. Whether you're a parent, foster carer, teacher, or social worker, your wellbeing matters.

You can’t pour from an empty cup, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Join me in the woods. We can make space for your care, too 🌿

www.gatepsychology.co.uk/resilientroots-support