Joanne - The WellBee’ing Lodge

20/02/2026

If someone opens up to you that they are struggling with suicidal thoughts, it is okay to be honest and tell them you are not quite sure what to do next. However, the important thing is to let them know that you have heard what they are saying and you are glad that they have shared it with you.

Reassure them that they are not alone and you can look for support together. Let them know you want to stay by their side throughout their journey in finding support.

If you are concerned for a young person who may be struggling with thoughts of su***de, you can speak to our HOPELINE247 advisers for free, confidential advice. Call 0800 068 4141, text 'HOPE' to 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. 💜

18/02/2026

❤️

18/02/2026

18/02/2026

Connection isn’t a luxury it’s a human need. 🤍

Before we ever learn to speak, we learn to reach.
We are wired for closeness.
For eye contact.
For someone who sees us and stays.

As a therapist, I often remind clients:
Your longing for connection isn’t “too much.”
It’s biology. It’s attachment. It’s being human.

We don’t just want love , we need to feel:
✨ Known
✨ Safe
✨ Chosen
✨ Understood

Disconnection doesn’t just hurt emotionally; it registers in the body.
And genuine connection doesn’t just feel good it regulates our nervous system, softens our defenses, and reminds us we don’t have to do life alone.

Connection isn’t about constant contact.
It’s about emotional availability.
It’s about someone saying, “You matter to me,” in words and in action.

If you crave depth, reassurance, or closeness that doesn’t make you needy.
It makes you human.

We heal in relationship.
We grow in relationship.
And we thrive when we feel connected. 💛

17/02/2026

✨ Random Acts of Kindness Day ✨

As a therapist, this image beautifully captures something we talk about often in sessions: kindness isn’t just a nice idea , it’s powerful medicine. 💛

In the picture, you’ll see small but meaningful moments:
🤝 Offering help to someone in need
🎁 Donating items to support others
🐶 Showing gentleness to animals
💬 Greeting others with warmth
🐝 And even a little bee spreading sweetness , just like kindness spreads from person to person.

You’ll also notice the therapist sitting calmly in her chair.
That’s intentional.
Kindness doesn’t only happen in big public gestures, it happens quietly, too.
In listening without judgment.
In holding space.
In offering empathy.
In choosing patience.

From a mental health perspective, random acts of kindness:
❤️ Reduce stress and anxiety
❤️ Increase feelings of connection and belonging
❤️ Boost mood for both the giver and receiver
❤️ Strengthen our sense of purpose

Kindness creates a ripple effect.
When we experience it, we’re more likely to pass it on.
Just like the hearts filling this image, compassion multiplies.

Today, I encourage you to choose one small act of kindness.
It could be a text message, a compliment, a donation, a moment of presence.
It doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.

Kindness heals. And in a world that can feel overwhelming, that healing matters. 💫

16/02/2026

14/02/2026

For some of us, dark mornings and evenings can make us feel really low. The consistent cold, wet, and windy weather can also impact our mood ☔️
️
The good news is that we're heading towards spring. And we’re gaining an average of 4 minutes of daylight per day 🌞

Fun fact: The amount of daylight gained varies depending on how far north and south you are

What’s your favourite part about spring?

14/02/2026

1 in 5 people report struggling with their mental health in any given week in England.

Behind this statistic are real people balancing everyday life while quietly struggling.

Access to safe, professional support matters. NCPS’s Accredited Register is recognised by the Professional Standards Authority and helps people find qualified counsellors & psychotherapists.

Visit our directory here: https://buff.ly/x4NZaHc



Source: https://buff.ly/6dG0o1c

14/02/2026

Love & Connection ❤️
The Power of Special Connections

Not all connections are loud.
Some are rare. Quiet. Sacred.

As a therapist, I’ve learned something important:

Special connections aren’t about intensity.
They’re about safety.

It’s the friend who can sit with you in silence.
The partner who understands your triggers.
The person who remembers the small details of your story.

Psychologist John Bowlby taught us through attachment theory that humans are wired for secure bonds , relationships where we feel safe, seen, and soothed.

And researcher Brené Brown reminds us that real connection requires vulnerability and the courage to be known.

Special connections don’t mean perfect relationships.
They mean:

You can exhale.
You can be imperfect.
You can be honest.

Sometimes it’s romantic.
Sometimes it’s friendship.
Sometimes it’s family.
Sometimes it’s someone who came into your life for a season but changed you forever.

Love isn’t about how many people are in your life.
It’s about who feels like home.

Protect those connections.
Nurture them.
And most importantly become that safe place for others too.

❤️

13/02/2026

Valentine’s Day Isn’t About Love

Unpopular opinion?

Valentine’s Day isn’t really about love.
It’s about pressure.

Pressure to prove you’re happy.
Pressure to prove you’re chosen.
Pressure to prove your relationship is ‘good enough.’

And if you’re single?
It can feel like a public reminder that you’re somehow behind.

But here’s what I tell my clients as a therapist:

Healthy love isn’t loud.
It’s not roses and reservations posted online.
It’s consistency on a random Tuesday.

It’s someone asking how your meeting went.
It’s repair after an argument.
It’s feeling emotionally safe.

Research from relationship expert John Gottman shows that lasting love is built on small daily moments not grand gestures once a year.

And therapists like Esther Perel remind us that modern love already carries unrealistic expectations.
A single holiday just amplifies them.

So if today feels heavy for you , that makes sense.

You are not alone.
You are not unlovable.
And your worth is not measured by who buys you flowers.

Real connection is built quietly , in ways no algorithm can measure.

You are not alone.
Valentines Day isn’t about love.
❤️

12/02/2026

Children are still feeling the mental health impact of lockdown.

Our survey found that four in five therapists working with children are seeing rising anxiety, more complex mental health needs and growing pressure on already overstretched services.

This , we are calling on the Government to act by funding counselling in all schools and expanding Mental Health Support Teams so every child can access timely, professional support wherever they live.

Read the full story 👉 https://orlo.uk/mMGi4

12/02/2026

Late-diagnosed ADHD is common in women. Psychotherapist Sarah Hopton explores why it’s missed, how masking can affect well-being, and how counselling can help. ⬇️ http://ow.ly/pnIw106uikl