Alder Barn Therapy

21/11/2025

20/11/2025

Come and learn about the successful ways we support children, young people and adults in turning their lives around. You’ll also have the chance to ask any questions you may have about how to support your own, or someone else’s, mental health.

Alder Barn Therapy are doing a session tomorrow (Friday) evening at The Den and answering any questions you may have! Absolutely free- book via this link https://bookwhen.com/coffeechatandsupport =ev-smoji-20251121190000

05/11/2025

Come join us at The Den Coffee House on the 21st of November to learn more about who we are and, what we offer at Alder Barn Therapy. We will also be sharing advice on what to look for in a counsellor or therapeutic service and answering your questions. See you there!

Why not pop along on the 21st November at 7pm to hear from Phoebe, Beth and Su from

https://www.alderbarntherapy.co.uk/

The first of our

Ask questions and hear all about the wonderful services they offer x

Grab a coffee, some yummy cake, and meet other parents and carers x

Book here https://bookwhen.com/coffeechatandsupport/e/ev-smoji-20251121190000

16/10/2025

I was drawn to this article because… this was me.

Years ago, my father-in-law confronted me with anger. Among his words, one line stayed with me: “You never let anyone hold her.” There was no kindness in that moment, only blame.

But what no one knew was the truth behind my actions.
My firstborn had a terrifying, near-fatal start in this world. In the months that followed, I carried PTSD and postnatal depression quietly — too frightened to speak, too ashamed to be seen.

Trauma runs deep. It doesn’t always look like pain on the outside, but it shapes everything — especially how we protect the ones we love. I clung to my baby because my world no longer felt safe.

Back then, I was shamed for holding on too tightly.
Now, I understand: my instinct was love. Fierce. Protective. Real.

I no longer carry that shame.

If this is your story too — please know, you are not alone. Your instinct to protect was never wrong. 💛

There could be so many different reasons behind this choice, writes advice columnist Eleanor Gordon-Smith. Maybe what you really mean is you feel hurt to be left out

11/10/2025

Hi, I’m Beth 👋

I’m a counsellor in training with a degree in Early Childhood Studies. Before joining Alder Barn Therapy, I worked in primary schools supporting children with additional needs on a 1:1 basis.

As a mum myself, I understand how worrying it can be when your child doesn’t seem quite themselves. I also know that for many children and young people, sitting and talking in a room can feel off-putting or restrictive.

That’s why I offer Therapeutic Interventions – sessions designed to support children and young people in a space where they feel comfortable. Although I use my counselling skills, these sessions aren’t formal counselling. Instead, they offer an opportunity for each child to explore and express their feelings through an activity of their choice, while building confidence and social skills.

Each week, they have an hour that’s just for them – a non-judgemental, safe and confidential space where they can simply be themselves.

When I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and our dog. I also enjoy baking, seeing live music, and discovering new places with my children.

I’m based at Alder Barn Therapy on Friday mornings and currently have space for new clients.

To find out more about Therapeutic Interventions, visit www.alderbarntherapy.co.uk
or email me at beth@alderbarntherapy.co.uk.

10/10/2025

Hi, my name is Phoebe and I am a qualified counsellor. For the past four years, I have been Therapeutic Interventions Lead at Alder Barn Therapy, where I work with children and young people. Over the years, I have supported children in care, neurodivergent children and young people and families of professional sportspeople.

Animals have always been a huge part of my life. Before becoming a counsellor, I studied Animal Science at university and worked in veterinary practices and animal sanctuaries, as well as running my own business as a dog trainer and behaviourist. The knowledge and experience this provided allowed me to bring together my two passions and offer Animal Assisted Therapy.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time at the beach or in woodland. When the weather takes a turn, I prefer to have some fun training my dog and cooking or baking.

I work at Alder Barn Therapy on Mondays and Tuesday afternoons/evenings where I offer Therapeutic Interventions, Counselling and Animal Assisted Therapy. For more information on these services, please head to
👉🏼https://www.alderbarntherapy.co.uk/
or contact me directly 📧 phoebe@alderbarntherapy.co.uk

10/10/2025

Two things that matter deeply to me: Arsenal, and supporting people who are struggling with their mental health.

As a counsellor for 30 years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside many people through some of the toughest times in their lives. But one client group has taught me something particularly profound — professional athletes.

When you’re in the public eye, expected to perform at the highest level, it can look like you’ve got it all. But behind that image, the pressures can be immense. The fear of failure. The constant judgment. The loss of identity when the spotlight fades. And far too often, the silence.

Words hurt. And yet, so many are quick to criticise without ever considering what someone might be carrying.

It felt important to say something today — not just because it’s World Mental Health Day, but because today we also say goodbye to Ricky Hatton, someone who’s been open about his own battles and resilience. His journey has shone a light on what it means to struggle, to fight - literally, in and out of the ring. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

Let’s remember: everyone has mental health. Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep listening. And let’s be kind.

09/10/2025

Do you have a child or young person who isn’t functioning in school, college or work as well as they could be?

At Alder Barn Therapy, we offer a range of services to support people with their individual needs. Therapeutic Interventions is just one of these services. It is for children and young people (up to the age of 25) who may be struggling with anxiety, low mood, lack of confidence and school avoidance.

In these sessions, children and young people will work on their goals with the support of a counsellor or counsellor in training. Together they will be engaging in activities such as, art, animal assisted learning, dog behaviour and training, horse care, photography and gardening.

We have been running these sessions for the past 4 years and it has been particularly successful with neurodivergent children and young people, or anyone who struggles sitting in a room and talking.

These sessions are run by our counsellor Phoebe on a Monday and counsellor in training, Beth on a Friday. For more information on Beth and Phoebe, please see our other Facebook posts introducing the both of them.
For more information on this services, or to get in touch, please head to https://www.alderbarntherapy.co.uk/.

03/10/2025

Phoebe is one of our valued therapists. ❤️
She’s the lead of our Therapeutic Interventions programme and helps many people. 🐴🐶🎨🌳

She now has a private practice in Bridgwater too. 🏡
If you are a young person 18 - 30 years old, and you’re struggling with being understood and what you want to do in life, then I can’t recommend Phoebe enough.

You can contact her by emailing,
📧 info@phoebewitherscounselling.co.uk or through her website,
💻 https://phoebewitherscounselling.co.uk

02/10/2025

Bruce getting one of his 5 a day!

02/10/2025