Lesley Butlin Psychotherapy, Coaching & Supervision

29/10/2025

This week as the light fades, our pace slows down — and even if life is good, we can feel slightly off balance.
Here are five simple ways to help your mind and body adjust to the darker months:
🌞 1. Seek daylight.
Spend time outside each morning or during daylight hours. Natural light supports energy, mood, and sleep.
💡 2. Light your environment.
Use warm, consistent lighting at home or work. A well-lit space can improve concentration and ease low mood.
🚶‍♀️ 3. Keep a steady routine.
Regular meals, exercise, and sleep patterns help regulate your body clock and emotional balance.
🤝 4. Stay connected.
Social contact protects against isolation. Plan time with friends, colleagues, or community activities.
💭 5. Be mindful of mood changes.
Notice shifts in motivation or sleep. If low mood persists, reach out for professional support — early help can make a real difference.

Shared by Lesley Butlin, Psychotherapist — supporting emotional wellbeing through the seasons.

27/10/2025

As the clocks go back and daylight hours shorten, it’s common to notice changes in energy, sleep, and mood.
Our bodies and minds are naturally responsive to light — it helps regulate our circadian rhythm, which influences everything from our alertness to how balanced we feel emotionally.
If you find your motivation dipping or your mood feeling lower in the darker months, small daily habits can really help:
🌤 Seek daylight early – open curtains wide, sit by a window, or step outside for even ten minutes in the morning.
🚶‍♀️ Keep moving – gentle activity outdoors combines the benefits of light and movement for your mental health.
🕯 Maintain routine – consistent sleep and wake times help your body adjust to seasonal changes.
💬 Stay connected – shorter days can make us retreat; keeping social contact helps maintain perspective and support.
These shifts are common and understandable — and a few mindful choices can make the darker season feel more manageable.

24/10/2025

Just been reminded of this:
Let me know if it resonates for you

10/10/2025

Today, on World Mental Health Day, I pause to reflect on my 40 years as a psychotherapist. When I began this work, conversations about mental health were very different. They were often whispered, hidden in shame, and misunderstood.
Now, decades later, I am deeply moved by the openness I see every day. We’ve collectively begun to understand that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. We are talking, we are connecting, and most importantly, we are finding hope.
My message today is simple: Take a moment for yourself. Notice how you feel. And remember that the same courage that brings you through your struggles is also what allows for healing. You don’t have to carry your burdens alone. Whether it’s a small check-in with a friend or a step toward professional help, reaching out is a profound act of strength.

10/10/2025

Today, on World Mental Health Day, I pause to reflect on my 40 years as a psychotherapist. When I began this work, conversations about mental health were very different. They were often whispered, hidden in shame, and misunderstood.
Now, decades later, I am deeply moved by the openness I see every day. We've collectively begun to understand that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. We are talking, we are connecting.
My message today is simple: Take a moment for yourself. Notice how you feel. And remember that the same courage that brings you through your struggles is also what allows for healing. You don't have to carry your burdens alone. Whether it's a small check-in with a friend or a step toward professional help, reaching out is a profound act of strength.

08/10/2025

A friend asked me in January what my goals were for this year:
I had two,

1) To become an EMDR Consultant, so I can continue to supervise other Therapists and support them through their accreditation process.

2) To become a Triathlete (That had to go on the back burner for now)

Goal 1 achieved in 6 months:
5 days training in London- March
3 live videos of Supervision and Psychotherapy shared with my Supervisor in July & August.
Then a very evil form to complete. (Took a few weeks)

Result 🥳

Thanks to all my colleagues who I met in London. local therapists that gave their time to create the live sessions .
My supervisor for all her time and understanding of the process.
Most importantly every supervisee and client that has trusted me with their story and believed in the process.
Thank you
# Achieving Goals
# Consultant

05/10/2025

It's definitely been a weekend for this:
What do you do when it's window weather?

Window Weather...

22/09/2025

Not the easiest weeks in my personal life, but sometimes you read something and can smile:
Thanks to a supportive friend for sending me this today;

04/09/2025

A gentle reminder: You are not defined by your struggles, but by how you choose to rise. Be kind to your mind today. What's one small act of self-care you can do for yourself? ☀️

My self care was a walk in the sunshine and noticing the autumn crocus.

01/09/2025

A new month...Hello September.
Self care is not selfish.
Looking through the calendar below, what activities appeal to you?

I quite like the idea of time for something I really enjoy, and time to do nothing. Which will you do?

31/08/2025

Sometimes we need reminders to feel the feelings, and account that closure has already happened. This allows us to stop waiting and move on slowly.
I needed to hear this today!

28/08/2025

I talk frequently about the power of vulnerability.
How when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, we can make real connections with ourselves and others.

Today I find Steve Bartlett saying the same thing.

Do you feel able to be vulnerable with certain people in your life?

Something I've learnt from doing the podcast is that you will only ever feel a sense of connection with other's through being vulnerable. It's as simple as that.

Vulnerability is at the heart of every human connection.

Something I've learnt from doing the podcast is that you will only ever feel a sense of connection with others through being vulnerable. It's as simple as that.