The Journey Coaching and Therapies with Vicki Herrington-Sturman

02/11/2025

After Half Term – A Gentle Reminder ❤️👇🏼

It’s that time again — the posts are going up: “Back to school!”
Uniforms lined up, lunchboxes ready, smiles for the photos.

But let’s take a moment for the families whose half term didn’t bring rest…
For the ones where “back to school” means meltdowns, panic, and sleepless nights.

For the children who want to go, but can’t.
The ones frozen by anxiety, sensory overload, or unmet needs still waiting for support.
Sometimes you haven’t even unpick the root cause yet, and that’s okay. 💛

For the parents who’ve spent the week trying to rebuild their child’s sense of safety, knowing that come Monday, it might all unravel again.

Let’s be clear:
School attendance issues are not about “bad parenting” or “lack of discipline.”
They’re about environments that aren’t accessible.
Systems that ignore SEND.
Support that comes too little, too late.

Instead of punishments and fines, we need understanding.
Instead of attendance officers, we need support plans.
Instead of “just get them in,” we need to ask why they can’t.

💡 Legal, Reasonable Adjustments (Equality Act 2010)

These aren’t favours,!they’re rights.
If your child has SEND, schools must make reasonable adjustments to help them access education.

Here are some examples:

• Flexible or reduced timetables – shorter days or later starts if full days cause distress.
• A calm or safe space to decompress when overwhelmed.
• Phased returns after illness, trauma, or anxiety.
• Sensory accommodations – ear defenders, soft lighting, fidget tools, movement breaks.
• Adjusted uniform rules for sensory comfort (e.g. softer fabrics, no ties).
• Alternative ways to record learning – laptop, voice notes, drawings.
• Extra adult support – a key worker or familiar staff member (a “safe person”).
• Exemption from assemblies, PE, or loud spaces if they trigger anxiety.
• Communication support – visual timetables, social stories, advance notice of changes.
• Remote or hybrid learning when attendance isn’t yet possible.

Because every child deserves an education that fits them, not one that forces them to break themselves to fit in.

So if your child struggles to go back after half term, please remember:
You’re not alone.
You’re not failing.
And your child isn’t “defiant” or “lazy.”

The system just wasn’t built with them in mind.

Keep advocating.
Keep protecting their peace.
And remember: attendance means nothing if a child isn’t okay.
A child can’t learn in survival mode.

19/10/2025

London bound for another day of training!
Always grateful for opportunities I get to grow, connect and keep learning, because professional and personal development never really stops. 💪

10/10/2025

This 🙌

World Mental Health Day

This year’s theme is “Mental Health in Catastrophes and Crises.”

Crises can leave us feeling uncertain and overwhelmed. While we can’t control everything, small steps towards resilience and clarity matter. Life coaching can help you rebuild confidence, regain focus, and move forward with courage.

If you’re struggling, support is available:
Samaritans — 116 123 (free, 24/7)
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Su***de — 0800 068 4141 (under 35s, free, 24/7)
Mind — mental health information and support
nhs.uk — 111 for urgent help

Please share this post — you never know who may need it today.🩵

10/10/2025

Finally Friday!

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am so relieved it’s finally Friday! It’s been a long week, and it seems I’m not the only one feeling it. Maybe it’s the change in seasons, the weather doing its thing, the school germs making the rounds, or just that final sprint to half term… whatever it is, it’s been a week and a half! 😅

It’s totally okay to admit when life feels a bit much. Take a step back, slow down, and give yourself some time out, you’ve earned it. 💛

Wishing everyone an amazing weekend, whatever you’re up to!

09/10/2025

So following on from my post yesterday about boundaries, somebody asked me ‘well what really are boundaries, what would be a boundary to you?’ And it stopped me in my tracks for a moment to think what boundaries mean to me, as sometimes we get complacent and forget to review them or keep them in check as boundaries can change, they are moveable.

So for me boundaries are the lines that define where I end and someone else begins, that’s emotionally, mentally, and sometimes physically. They’re not barriers to keep people out, they’re guidelines that help me protect my energy, time, and wellbeing.

Setting boundaries means knowing my values, understanding my limits, and communicating them clearly and kindly.
I feel it’s a form of self-respect, not selfishness.

Personally when I honour my boundaries, I create space for healthier, more balanced relationships, where there’s mutual trust, respect, and care.

“Boundaries aren’t walls, they’re bridges built from self-awareness and respect. They teach others how to treat us and remind us how to care for ourselves. ”

Sometimes we just need to take a step back and revaluate our boundaries and question ourselves ….
1️⃣ Where in your life do you feel your boundaries are strongest?
2️⃣ Where do they tend to blur or get crossed?
3️⃣ What would it look like to protect your peace more intentionally?

If you’re struggling or would like support feel free to reach out.

08/10/2025

🌿 Happy Hump Day! 🌿

Let’s talk boundaries. Because it’s something I’m seeing so often right now with my clients, teenagers and adults alike. Everyone seems to be struggling with setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.

But why? Why do we find it so difficult to say no, or to put our own needs and feelings first? Often, it comes down to fear, fear of disappointing others, being judged, or feeling guilty for prioritising ourselves.

✨ Here are a few ways to start improving your boundaries:
✅ Get clear on what’s okay and what’s not for you.
✅ Communicate your limits calmly and confidently.
✅ Remember that saying no doesn’t make you selfish,it makes you self-aware.
✅ Practice small boundaries first and build up over time.

If you’re still struggling, please reach out or get in contact. I can help you work through it. 💬

04/10/2025

⚽️ The life of a football mum!

Not my most favourite way to spend a Saturday morning, especially third time round! 😅 Standing in the cold, wind in my face, coffee gone cold… it’s not exactly relaxing.

But here’s the thing, this will pass, life is full of moments like this. Times when we’re doing things that aren’t comfortable, fun, or easy. It’s okay to admit that! Acknowledging when something feels tough doesn’t make us ungrateful, it makes us human. 💛

Sometimes it’s the small, everyday challenges (like another cold or muddy match morning) that test our patience. Other times, it’s the bigger stuff — worries, stress, relationships, or emotions we’re not sure how to manage.

If you’re finding something in your life hard to deal with right now, please know you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out, we can work through it together. 🌿

27/09/2025

🍂🐾 Saturday Morning Reflections 🐾🍂
It’s been a long week, but stepping out into the sunshine this morning on the dog walk reminded me of something simple yet powerfu, just how some fresh air and autumn light really do lift the spirit. 🌞🍁
I love autumn, the colours, the crispness in the air, but it’s the sunshine breaking through the trees that makes everything feel lighter, calmer, and more hopeful.
No matter how busy or heavy the days feel, there’s something grounding about pausing, breathing deeply, and just being present.
✨ Do you notice how just getting outdated can shift your mood, even just a little?

26/09/2025

A gentle reminder for Friday ❤️

17/09/2025

It might be grey and miserable outside today, but remember you don’t have to carry every heavy thing with you. Let go of the weight of the past and simply focus on what you can hold in the present.
Even the stormiest days pass, and lighter, brighter ones will come.
Keep moving forward, you’re stronger than you think. 💛

12/09/2025

✨ Glimmers ✨
Today, the sky gifted me this stunning double rainbow. A quiet, magical moment that stopped me in my tracks. This was my glimmer for today. 🌈
Glimmers are those tiny sparks of joy, peace, or hope that remind us we're alive, we're here, and there's beauty even on grey days.
What was your glimmer today? 🌤
Let’s make it a habit to look for one every single day. 💫

11/09/2025

Do you ever have one of those days where you just wish it was Friday already?
For me, today was definitely one of those days… a never-ending to-do list, topped off by getting absolutely drenched on the school run ☔️.
But then, just 15 minutes later, by the time the kids came out, the sun was shining ☀️
It reminded me of the quote:
"This too shall pass."
Even on our darkest days, or in the hardest moments, it’s just that—a moment in time. Things will change, and there’s always hope.
If you need someone to talk things through with and think I could help, please do get in touch 💬💛