Sharon Horwood Counselling

03/12/2025

💭 Have you ever noticed yourself getting defensive when someone talks about change or improvement

💭even when it’s not about you personally?

✨ That reaction often tells us something important. ✨

Sometimes the ideas that trigger us the most are the ones that touch on something we’re already carrying - unspoken worries, unmet needs, or parts of ourselves we haven’t fully explored yet. 🌱

There’s no shame in this. It’s actually a sign of self-awareness beginning to surface. 💚

If you’ve found yourself reacting strongly to conversations about growth or change, and you’re curious about what that might mean, I’m here to help you explore it in a safe, non-judgmental space. 🤝

💭 Ready to understand your reactions better?

🌟 Visit www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk to book a session or learn more about how counselling can support you. 👇

03/12/2025

🤔 Sometimes when we’re talking generally about how things could be better - whether it’s relationships, habits, or ways of being - someone takes it personally and reacts defensively or even angrily.

If you’ve been that person, it’s worth paying attention to. 👂

Often, the things that trigger us most are touching on something deeper - perhaps fears, insecurities, or our patterns of behaviour that we haven’t fully acknowledged yet. 💭

This isn’t about blame. It’s about understanding. ✨ These moments of reactivity can actually be doorways to greater self-awareness and healing. 🚪💚

If you’ve noticed this pattern in yourself and want to explore what’s underneath it, I offer a compassionate, confidential space to do exactly that. 🌿

Take the first step toward understanding yourself better 👉

www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk

01/12/2025

Anxiety is a normal human emotion… but sometimes it becomes more than that.

You may notice:

😟 Constant worry

💭 Racing thoughts

❤️‍🔥 A tight chest or physical symptoms

🛌 Trouble sleeping

🌀 Feeling overwhelmed for no clear reason

Many people try to “push through”, or rely on quick techniques such as:

✨ The 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method (naming 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, etc.)

🌬️ Slow breathing

🌿 A short walk, movement or distraction

These can genuinely soothe you in the moment - BUT they don’t address the underlying anxiety that keeps coming back.

If anxiety is starting to affect your daily life, emotional wellbeing, relationships, or confidence, please know this:

there is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching out for help.

Talking to a professional can help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface, develop healthier coping strategies, and feel more grounded and in control. 💛

You deserve support, and you don’t have to do this by yourself.

🌿 Find out more or get in touch today: www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk

👉 Your wellbeing matters - take the first step when you’re ready.

I’m a psychotherapist helping you recover from burnout, stress & low self esteem. Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, or wanting non-judgemental support?

28/11/2025

Wednesday’s power cut was a real wake-up call. No electricity, no internet, no mobile signal - I found myself driving around just to get phone service. It made me wonder ... what if I’d had a client booked in?

We’re so reliant on technology that when it fails, we can feel completely unhinged. It got me thinking about resilience and how we cope when things don’t go to plan.

Here are FIVE WAYS to stay grounded when life throws a curveball:

1. Have a backup plan
Whether it’s a fully charged power bank, a list of offline activities, or alternative contact methods, preparation reduces panic.

2. Embrace the pause
Sometimes disruption forces us to slow down. Use it as an opportunity to reflect, rest, or simply be present.

3. Connect in different ways
When tech fails, we remember the value of face-to-face connection, a handwritten note, or a proper conversation.

4. Practice adaptability
Flexibility is a skill. The more we practice rolling with change, the easier it becomes.

5. Notice your response
How do you react when things go wrong? Observing our patterns helps us understand ourselves better.

Life doesn’t always go to plan, but how we respond makes all the difference.
www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk

27/11/2025

Yesterday’s power cut left me with no electricity, no internet, and no mobile signal!
I had to drive just to get phone service.

It made me realise how reliant we’ve become on technology - and how vulnerable we feel when it suddenly disappears.

So, what do we do when life doesn’t go to plan?

✨ Have a backup plan
✨ Embrace the pause
✨ Connect differently
✨ Practice adaptability
✨ Notice your response

Sometimes disruption is an invitation to slow down and reconnect with what really matters.

How do you cope when things go wrong? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk

24/11/2025

Give the gift of time, space, and care 💚

Sometimes the most meaningful gift isn’t something you can wrap - it’s the gift of being heard.

I’m now offering therapy gift vouchers at Sharon Horwood Counselling - a way to show someone you value their wellbeing and want to support them in taking time for themselves.

Perfect for:
• Someone navigating a difficult time
• A loved one who’s always there for others but rarely prioritises themselves
• Anyone who deserves dedicated space to process, reflect, and breathe

How it works:
✨ Choose one session or multiple sessions
✨ Sessions available online (£45) or in person at Prittlewell, Southend (£50)
✨ Current prices until 31st December 2025 - prices increasing January 2026
✨ I’ll email the voucher to you for personal printing, or I’m happy to print and post it directly
✨ Each voucher includes a unique code for security and booking

Whether it’s for a birthday, a thank you, or just because you care - this is a gift that says “I see you, and your wellbeing matters.”

💻 www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk

📧 DM me to arrange a voucher, or comment below for more information.

21/11/2025

What is anxiety?

Why does it look so different depending on our age and gender?

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but it doesn’t present in the same way for everyone:

✨ Women: Excessive worry, emotional overwhelm, fatigue
✨ Men: Irritability, anger, restlessness, withdrawal
✨ Teenagers: School pressure, perfectionism, irritability, low motivation, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating
✨ Children: Stomach aches, behaviour changes, fearfulness, sleep issues

Understanding these differences helps us identify when support may be needed.

💛 I offer counselling for anyone aged 16 and above.

➡️ Learn more or get in touch:
horwoodcounselling.co.uk
Psychology Today:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/.../sharon.../1216530

16/11/2025

The festive season isn’t joyful for everyone.

If you’re feeling the weight of this time of year - the financial strain, the social expectations, the pressure to be “merry and bright” - please know you’re not alone.

As a counsellor, I see firsthand how demanding this season can be. That’s why I’m offering something to make support more accessible: 50% off your first therapy session when you mention “stress price” at booking.

This offer is available until December 31st, 2025, because everyone deserves a space to be heard, especially during difficult times.

💙 Take the first step toward feeling better.
Visit www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk to book your session today.

Sharon Horwood Counselling - Supporting you through life’s challenges.

15/11/2025

This time of year can feel overwhelming. Between the festivities, family expectations, and financial pressures, it’s okay to admit you’re struggling.

If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, now might be the perfect time. I’m offering 50% off your first session when you mention “stress price” at booking - available until December 31st, 2025.

You deserve support during the demanding seasons, not just the easy ones.

📍 Ready to take that first step?
Visit the link in bio or head to www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk to book your session today.

06/11/2025

The Balance Between Boundaries and Kindness 💚

We’ve all heard about the importance of setting boundaries, and rightly so. But here’s something worth considering: boundaries aren’t about building walls around ourselves.

Yes, protect your energy. Yes, prioritize your wellbeing. But also remember that acts of kindness that cost us nothing can genuinely bring us joy.

When helping someone doesn’t drain your emotional reserves, compromise your values, or steal time from your own needs … it’s okay to say yes. Sometimes making others happy makes us happy too.

Even something as simple as a phone call or text to a family member or friend to show them you’re thinking of them … that costs nothing but can mean everything.

Healthy boundaries aren’t about saying no to everything. They’re about knowing when your “yes” comes from genuine care rather than obligation, guilt, or self-sacrifice.

The key? Check in with yourself: Does this cost me something I can’t afford to give right now? If the answer is no, your kindness isn’t compromising, it’s connecting.

What are your thoughts on balancing boundaries with generosity?

Sharon at 🌐 Horwoodcounselling.co.uk

💬 If you’re struggling to find this balance, I’m here to help. Please share this with someone who might need to hear it.

06/11/2025

Sometimes making others happy brings you so much joy!

I’m a psychotherapist helping you recover from burnout, stress & low self esteem. Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, or wanting non-judgemental support?

31/10/2025

Exciting news! 🎉

My website has been updated and I'd love for you to take a look:

www.horwoodcounselling.co.uk

A massive thank you to Flo Marketing and Design (https://www.flo.marketing/) for her expertise in redesigning and restructuring the site. She's done an amazing job!

Whether you're looking for support or just curious about what I do, I'd really appreciate your thoughts. Please feel free to comment, share, or pass it along to anyone who might benefit.

Thank you for your continued support! 💙

I’m a psychotherapist helping you recover from burnout, stress & low self esteem. Are you dealing with depression, anxiety, or wanting non-judgemental support?