David Cox Counselling

16/06/2024

It's father's day, but it might not be a happy father's day.

I know there is a tendency to put on a brave face and "suck it up". But strength comes from sadness. The strongest men I've seen are those that can let down their guard and let emotions flow.

It's incredibly hard, I know, we've been conditioned to keep parts of ourselves hidden and that can lead to a painful and unfulfilled life.

Take a chance, be brave, share your sadness with someone (anyone) you feel safe with. You are not alone.

04/03/2024

Counselling can be hard. It can be painful to feel our emotions intensely but from discomfort comes growth, success and happiness.

A marathon runner would not be able to finish unless they had the determination to put in the long training sessions.
A weightlifter would not be able to lift heavier weights without the physical pressure on their body.

These are the challenges of the body, and the mind is no different. It is also a "muscle" that can grow and become stronger, better able to cope with discomfort and pain.

No journey is ever complete, it is how we decide to walk it that matters.

10/02/2024

I was reminded yesterday that not everything is my responsibility. That there are times where doing nothing is ok too.

I've found myself in the trap of keeping busy so I can stay away from some uncomfortable feelings. It was difficult just to walk slowly yesterday; but I was lucky enough to find a place with some trees where I could slow down, walk through the puddles and smell the air.

02/02/2024

Gentlemen, prioritize your mental health! Counselling is a valuable resource in tackling anxiety. Break the stigma, embrace vulnerability, and let counselling guide you toward calmness and confidence.

13/12/2023

It's really hard doing hard things. Our goals, future plans, things we want to change can seem so big and challenging. Trust and risk, opening ourselves up to pain and hurt, but with it the rewards of a life fully lived.

Start close in, don't take the second step or the third,
start with the first thing close in,
the step you don't want to take.
Start with the ground you know, the pale ground beneath your feet,
your own way of starting the conversation.
Start with your own question, give up on other people's questions,
don't let them smother something simple.
To find another's voice, follow your own voice,
wait until that voice becomes a private ear listening to another.
Start right now take a small step you can call your own
don't follow someone else's heroics,
be humble and focused,
start close in,
don't mistake that other for your own.

David Whyte

27/09/2021

I came across this David Whyte poem today and it really resonated with me.

It left me reflecting on how we view the world shapes what we actually see around us.

Our lives should be filled with joy and space to live. We need to fill our lives with people and experiences that enhance our existence, because who wants to live a life of "if only..."

22/05/2021

My new piece of artwork, created last night with the wonderful Emma . It's really nice working with acrylics as nothing is ever wrong. This picture evolved three times over the evening into something I am really happy with.

All art is personal, what do you see in it?

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14/05/2021

A lovely passage from about wholly accepting who we are.

11/05/2021

As part of have you considered what living with OCD is like? Here is an interest article that goes beyond "having colour coded books on the bookshelf".

Tuppence Middleton has fascinating conversations with fellow-sufferers, and experts.

26/04/2021

What is counselling? It's a common question (the answer changes every day). Today it is about being able to walk side by side with someone while exploring the unknown edges of ourselves, and to have that person support and encourage us.

20/04/2021

Walking an unknown path. What does it bring up; fear, anxiety, worry, excitement, indecision, hope, adventure???

02/04/2021

It's been a harsh winter being closed off to the world. With spring here and lockdown easing it's time to open ourselves up to the world again.