Time to Heal Together

Time to Heal Together Connecting with and empowering others to access emotional healing.

Yesterday was my favourite day of 2026 so far, spent in the majestic Welsh surroundings with a long term friend, champio...
08/02/2026

Yesterday was my favourite day of 2026 so far, spent in the majestic Welsh surroundings with a long term friend, champion and supporter.

A fitting environment and company in which to reflect on the time six years earlier when I set out on an adventure of a different kind, showing up for an interview as a far quieter, less confident person.

Many memories of that day, including even a reference or two on my part to “things that make me feel” in that time before Protective Behaviours was ever on my radar but most importantly that this was a place which felt safe and like I could belong.

From class teacher, to Curriculum Lead for Social and Emotional Well-being and Middle Leader within those intervening years, being outside yesterday put so much into perspective.

Sometimes the path ahead feels difficult, unstable, unclear and even akin to climbing a mountain but with persistence, help from those you trust within your network, and those all important Protective Interruptions you really can keep moving forwards and overcome the challenges you meet along the way.

Sorting out a teenage photo ahead of a work meeting later this week may seem an odd thing to do.For me it’s a choice whi...
03/02/2026

Sorting out a teenage photo ahead of a work meeting later this week may seem an odd thing to do.

For me it’s a choice which reflects awareness, ownership and responsibility for the parts of my lived experience which continue to affect me in my adult life, especially in the workplace, and leave certain situations with an extra level of challenge.

Perhaps it’s because I allow myself to feel the feelings like never before, maybe the fact that in just over a quarter of a century I’ve learned a thing or two about grief or perhaps a combination of other factors.

Nevertheless, I feel I owe it to both the younger and current version of me to Protectively Interrupt on our behalf and help some things feel safer than previously. It’s really the best course of action as an authentic Protective Behaviours practitioner who truly believes it applies to me as well as the school community in which I help embed the process.

Whilst not wishing to undermine the importance of academic knowledge and skills,  for me there are three other words beg...
01/02/2026

Whilst not wishing to undermine the importance of academic knowledge and skills, for me there are three other words beginning with ‘R’ which are vital in education.

I believe that collectively they help create an environment in which it feels safe to learn, where mistakes are seen as learning opportunities and where ultimately pupils are enabled to fulfil their potential.

Nor are they passively accepted as automatically given from students to staff. For I believe respect is earned through demonstrating that we as adults are safe, trustworthy people who care enough to connect even when situations become tricky and dysregulation affects more than the individual who is finding it difficult to manage their emotions.

Being the Protective Behaviours advocate that I am, these words are for me at the heart of solid PB practice which goes beyond being a school which teaches the curriculum to one which in which it is embedded in all aspects of school life.

Saturdays are, in my opinion, for topping up your wellbeing whilst doing some of the things that bring you joy.From Warw...
31/01/2026

Saturdays are, in my opinion, for topping up your wellbeing whilst doing some of the things that bring you joy.

From Warwick parkrun this morning with some lovely colleagues to leading a Drawing and Talking session as part of a Winter Wellbeing Day, I have felt really at ease and peaceful throughout these activities.

Now off home to recharge in a less active way. The older I get the more I realise it’s not healthy or sustainable to constantly be doing at the expense of sometimes just being.

Persistence in the face of repeated disappointment is not always easy but in the long run can prove highly beneficial.Un...
29/01/2026

Persistence in the face of repeated disappointment is not always easy but in the long run can prove highly beneficial.

Unsuccessful applications in the Great North Run ballot for several years left me doubtful whether I would ever get a place at this renowned event and perhaps it was time to just accept and focus on some others on my list. However, one runner’s dream (mine) became another’s too in the shape of my brother and hence we discussed whether we could find a different route to get us to that start line.

Signing up to run for Winston's Wish this September felt like the perfect thing to do. As an Adult Bereaved As Child myself I can’t wait to raise both cash and awareness of their vital work whilst doing one of my favourite hobbies with my brother right by my side.

Somewhat of a shock and surprise to find myself delivering a short presentation to nearly 30 people this afternoon as op...
28/01/2026

Somewhat of a shock and surprise to find myself delivering a short presentation to nearly 30 people this afternoon as opposed to the 10 or so I’d expected.

Events beyond my control left me without the time I’d usually like to prepare and rehearse but fortunately I know the subject matter well enough to not so much wing it but talk without a script quite confidently.

On a day I’ve felt less than my best it felt great to see the friendly face of a former colleague in the room and hear that I came across well.

Only a couple of years ago a situation like this would have resulted in major anxiety in advance and second guessing afterwards as to whether it was good enough. Further proof that Risking on Purpose and stretching my own comfort zone continues to pay dividends in professional and personal growth.

Nearing the end of January and I have completed my two acts of kindness dedicated to my mum’s legacy in this year we mar...
27/01/2026

Nearing the end of January and I have completed my two acts of kindness dedicated to my mum’s legacy in this year we mark 25 years since she died.

One for family, the other for friends I felt a strong sense she would have approved and liked how I set off on this personal act of remembrance.

Lighting my Robin candle was my way of acknowledging I have begun what I set out to do in these twelve months and will be a pattern I repeat each time the monthly acts are done.

Living with grief as I have done since a teenager has brought home to me that time does not heal necessarily nor do we go through stages in an order which leads to eventually being able to “move on” from incredibly painful events. Nevertheless, I do believe we can learn and choose to carry those big associated emotions in ways which reflect the love we continue to feel for those significant people who have died.

Less than a week to go until this Winter Warmth and Wellbeing event.I’ll be there leading a group Drawing and Talking se...
26/01/2026

Less than a week to go until this Winter Warmth and Wellbeing event.

I’ll be there leading a group Drawing and Talking session on the emotion of calm😌

Belonging, for me at least, transcends, being in a physical place with others. It’s how we feel when connected in a shar...
25/01/2026

Belonging, for me at least, transcends, being in a physical place with others. It’s how we feel when connected in a shared passion, vision or purpose.

I’ve had those feelings for days in anticipation of a meeting today with some of my fellow Protective Behaviours Council members.

Some might think it odd to feel this way about an activity which involves giving up an hour or so of my weekend but for those who actually know me it will come as no surprise, given how obvious it is that PBs resonates deeply in both personal and professional senses.

Looking forward to having many mindful
moments this morning in the company of a group I find inspiring and who despite my relative inexperience and limited knowledge base never fail to leave me feeling safe, welcome, included and with valued contributions to make.

Finding this bookmark again recently left me reflecting on how our names can be such an important part of our identity.P...
24/01/2026

Finding this bookmark again recently left me reflecting on how our names can be such an important part of our identity.

Personalised items like this often have an air of generalisation but I do like to think there is a grain or two of truth in the description of mine, despite perhaps a preference on the Protective Behaviours part of my character not to align with the violent connotations of warrior but more so one who has determination and strength of the resilience kind.

In a classroom context, I find it important to check in with pupils, as well as staff, at the start of the year as to their preferred name. For some the shortening of longer ones feels safe, for others less so and for me it is one of the best ways to build trust in those early days in showing that they have choice and control over such an important detail which will be respected.

The more I learn about mental health, and certainly my own, the more I believe it is far more nuanced than either good/b...
22/01/2026

The more I learn about mental health, and certainly my own, the more I believe it is far more nuanced than either good/bad or up/down.

The past couple of days have been a case in point as events on both the personal and professional front filled up my bucket or narrowed my own window of tolerance, depending on which analogy you prefer. Nevertheless I continued to find moments of lightness and brightness which lifted my wellbeing.

My run this evening linked quite well with my musings as fairly early into a speed session I had a strong desire to quit and give up on it for the day. Rarely do I feel as physically and mentally drained as I did then and there came a mental crossroads when the choice was either stop or persist.

Both options valid but nevertheless with logical consequences ensuing: stopping meaning prioritising rest and recovery but likely accompanied with feelings of frustration and disappointment at my own lack of commitment. Continuing meaning a hard slog which would undoubtedly feel uncomfortable yet end with feelings of satisfaction at overcoming difficulties.

Whichever option I went for, the main thing is recognising whatever the situation knowing you have choices in how you view or respond can really make a big difference to your sense of emotional wellbeing.

When a post-work treat helps you take further steps on your own grief journey.Tomorrow I will be accompanying some colle...
20/01/2026

When a post-work treat helps you take further steps on your own grief journey.

Tomorrow I will be accompanying some colleagues and pupils to the official opening of a local park. I had some small involvement in its redesign and for me it feels special to be invited to its launch. I wanted to look a bit fancier than my usual casual run wear and hence asked a friend for a manicure.

Tomorrow also happens to be my parents’ wedding anniversary and a few days ago I felt a deep, sad ache of grief linked to another celebration without my mum and also her absence on a day I’d liked to have shared a special moment in my career with her.

Hence I took her eternity ring from my memory box and decided this would also come with me tomorrow- signifying the love that joined back in 1978 still lives on, as does the love I still feel for her nearly twenty five years after her death.

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