The NEST

20/03/2026

What a tricky thing the mind can be. Hold on!

Hello. This drawing has been stuck on my studio for ages. I thought I’d post it.

08/03/2026

Possible Trigger Warning!

International Women’s Day.

Earlier this week I saw the play Prima Facie. It tells the story of a defence barrister who believes deeply in the legal system she works within, until her own experience of sexual assault forces her to see it from a very different place.

I know this post may feel a little ‘left field’ from all the celebratory posts you may have seen today. Understandably this theme can be confronting, and for many people (1 in 3), stories like this can feel incredibly close to home. They can bring up anger, sadness, or a sense of being unseen.
As a mother of a young girl who recently expressed some red flag behaviour as “boys being boys”, I also feel these can also open reflection and conversations.

Today feels like a moment to acknowledge how many women carry experiences that are difficult to speak about, and how important it is that experiences are heard, believed, and held. Acknowledging the courage it takes to speak and the importance of listening with care when someone does.

If today brings up thoughts or feelings for you, you don’t have to hold them on your own. If it feels helpful, you’re very welcome to reach out.

05/03/2026

Some wonderful inspiration!

Proud day for me, my first day World Book Day as a Children’s Author 🥹

05/03/2026

World Book Day 2026 - Often the story becomes the starting point.

Sometimes we see ourselves reflected in characters, sometimes it’s easier to talk about how a character feels than it is to speak about ourselves, and sometimes it can just be for fun - escape and pretend ‘play’ at being someone else for a bit.

Stories can also be a bridge into the emotional world.
Stories can help children feel understood and less alone.
Stories can help build language for feelings and help make connections in their life.

Through stories we can explore big feelings such as: worry, anger, sadness, bravery or loneliness, in a way that feels a little safer and less direct. A book can open the door to conversations that might otherwise feel too difficult to begin.

28/02/2026

Join us as we continue to support OneMaidstone's Month of Wellbeing at Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre's drop-in day dedicated to making wellbeing support visible.

📅 Date: Saturday, 28th February
🕚 Time: 11am – 3pm
📍 Location: Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre

Whether you’re seeking support, looking to connect, or simply want to learn more about local resources, this event is for you.

There may even be some 'hands on' activities for younger ones 🙃

26/02/2026

Grab a friend or set aside an hour of 'me time'!
FREE workshop on Dopamine Dressing with Natalie from Life in Colour
Friday 27th February 6pm
Royal Star Arcade
Walk in or save your seat at www.thenestcounselling.co.uk/events-and-workshops

21/02/2026

18/02/2026

Final free workshops with OneMaidstone, for their Month of Wellbeing.

- Supporting Regulation in Children and Young People (online) - Friday 20th February 7:30pm

- Inside the Play Therapy Room (in-person) - 21st February 9:30am

- Dopamine Dressing with Natalie from Life in Colour (in-person) - Friday 27th February 6pm

Save your seat at www.thenestcounselling.co.uk/events-and-workshops

15/02/2026

Yesterday, as part of OneMaidstone's February Month of Wellbeing, we held a 'Creative with Clay' workshop. It was a wonderful exploration of working with clay as a form of play, expression and communication.

We squeezed, smoothed, rolled, threw, flattened, joined, squished, reshaped, and even started again. We explored without outcome with differing energies and pace. Nothing was fixed.

Join us for our next FREE workshop 'Inside the Play Therapy Room' Saturday 21st February 9:30am. Royal Star Arcade

Come and see inside the play therapy room. A space for exploration, safety and expression. Explore and experience a range of therapeutic resources. The room and contents designed to hold the child’s inner world, offering permission to create, move, choose and express freely.

Come see how I work, ask any questions you might have and chat about how I can support you, your child and your family.

Sign up at www.thenestcounselling.co.uk/events-and-workshops

14/02/2026

The day of love! A gentle reminder that self-love and awareness IS love (and arguably the most important).
Whatever that looks like - today and every day.
‘Feel the love’ (for yourself)!
You are allowed to offer yourself the same compassion and love you offer others.

Sometimes 'I am...' statements can help to ground, regulate and give space for self compassion. Focusing on what is true now.

Share your love today in the comments below. I have started us off with 3 in picture 2.

13/02/2026

Free workshop
Creative with Clay - Messy Modelling
Saturday 14th February 9:30am

Child-led exploration of working with clay as a form of play, expression and communication.

This workshop invites curiosity, permission giving and freedom from “doing it right”, creating space for making without expectation or outcome.
This workshop is for anyone interested in the emotional and therapeutic value of creative play, and in how simple, sensory materials can open pathways to connection, regulation and deeper understanding.

Book your place at
www.thenestcounselling.co.uk/events-and-workshops