GLA Counselling & Therapy Services

30/12/2025

✨ New year. Same you. Just a better version. ✨

You don’t have to become someone else to change your life.
You just need the right support, accountability, and space to grow.

If 2026 is the year you want to:
• Work through historic or unresolved issues
• Break cycles and make different decisions
• Be held accountable in a supportive way
• Let go of what no longer serves you
• Focus on personal growth, recovery, or direction

I’m here to help.

📩 Get in touch to start your journey
📧 glatherapy@outlook.com
📞 07932 458444

Make 2026 the year you thrive. 🙏🏻

25/12/2025

18/12/2025

✨ Start 2026 lighter — not carrying the same weight forward. ✨

If you’re feeling fed up of repeating the same cycles… this could be your year to do something different.

Maybe it’s:
• Addiction / substance use (or you’re worried you’re slipping back into old patterns)
• Anxiety, low mood, stress or burnout
• Anger, emotional overwhelm, or feeling “on edge”
• Relationship difficulties (communication, trust, conflict, feeling disconnected)
• Behavioural patterns you don’t understand but keep repeating
• Historical trauma that still shows up in your life today
• Or simply a sense that you’re done with surviving and ready to start living

You don’t have to carry it alone into 2026.

I’m Gemma Allen – Integrative Counsellor (MBACP) at GLA Therapy Services, and I support individuals and couples (16+) to work through what’s keeping them stuck — with warmth, honesty, and practical progress at a pace that feels safe for you.

✅ Flexible appointments with a range of availability
✅ In-person and video sessions available
✅ A safe, non-judgemental space to talk things through and move forward

💛 Bulk booking discount available:
Book 6 sessions and pay in advance = 6 for the price of 5.
And the more you book, the bigger the discount.

If you want to go into 2026 feeling clearer, calmer, and more in control — message me today to secure your January sessions.

📩 glatherapy@outlook.com
📞 07932 458444
📍 242 Lyndon Road, Solihull B92 7QW

Let 2026 be the year you stop coping and start healing. 🙏🏻

16/12/2025

🎄 Christmas in Recovery: 10 Tips to Stay Sober / Clean 🎄

The festive season can be full of joy… and also full of triggers. Extra social events, family dynamics, loneliness, stress, and “just one won’t hurt” pressure can feel intense. If you’re in recovery, please know this: you don’t have to do Christmas perfectly — you just have to get through it safely. 💛

Here are 10 tips to protect your sobriety/clean time over the Christmas period:
1. Plan ahead
Know what events you’re attending, how long you’ll stay, what you’ll drink, and how you’ll get home.
2. Have an exit strategy
Drive yourself, take your own taxi, or agree a code word with someone. You are allowed to leave early.
3. Keep your support close
Tell a trusted person your plan. Arrange a quick check-in call/text before and after any triggering situation.
4. Don’t go hungry, angry, lonely, or tired (HALT)
These four states can make cravings louder. Eat regularly, rest, and simplify where you can.
5. Set boundaries (and keep them)
You don’t owe anyone an explanation. “No thanks,” is a full sentence.
6. Bring your own drink
A favourite soft drink in your hand reduces questions and keeps you grounded.
7. Limit time around heavy drinking/using
You’re not being rude — you’re protecting your recovery.
8. Play the tape forward
If you’re tempted, pause and imagine tomorrow morning. How will using/drinking actually affect you?
9. Create a daily recovery routine
Even 10 minutes: a meeting, journaling, prayer/meditation, a walk, a podcast, a gratitude list.
10. If you slip, reach out immediately
A lapse doesn’t have to become a relapse. Shame thrives in silence — connection changes everything.

If Christmas feels tough this year, you’re not alone. Support is out there, and you deserve it. 🤍
If you’d like help putting a plan in place for the holidays, feel free to message me.