Just like that, in the blink of an eye, it's gone from time to twos to time for school.

Change is like an old friend who comes to visit, sometimes unexpectedly at other times supposedly more invited. like the inevitable transition to a new school year, can stir up emotions.

For the adventure-seekers among us, the arrival of change is like the thrill of a rollercoaster ride, exciting. Yet, others might prefer the comfort of their well-worn routines, finding a sense of safety in the predictable.

Let's wrap ourselves up in kindness and extend the same to others during these times.

It's perfectly alright to take a deep breath and admit that feeling a little jittery is part of the process. After all, this learning journey, whether it's the first step or a leap into a higher grade, is a significant milestone for kids, big and small.

You've likely had endless conversations about what to expect, and much will seem familiar. But, remember, each journey is as unique as the individual undertaking it. Children may react differently - emotionally, developmentally, socially - and that's not just okay, it's expected.

We've got this and the 4 C's are a game changer.

Get Chatting 
Let's dive into the world of emotions! By sparking open and cosy talks about their feelings, you'll crack the code to their worries. Kids may sense something's off, like having trouble sleeping, but lack the words to spill the tea. That's where you swoop in!

Time to Chill 
Time is gold! Not just for prepping for unexpected changes but also for unwinding after school. Providing a helping hand and guiding kids to live in the moment can work wonders. Be there to suggest a fun activity based on their day, without overwhelming them as soon as they step through the door.

Be a Cheerleader 
Isn't it a fact that we all crave our own cheer squad? Giving kids a high-five for their wins isn't just sweet, it's super important - it pumps them up and pushes them ahead. So, when was the last time you hit the brakes to appreciate not just the finish line, but the wild journey they've tackled to reach it?

Catch them 
Catch those rollercoaster emotions! Emotions can be a wild ride, right? We've all been there, feeling like we're lost in an emotional maze. So, isn't it our superhero duty to be the cosy blanket for these emotions when they go haywire? To remind them that, like a storm, this chaos will blow over. Isn't that the heart of it all?

I know there's truth in these steps because of the work I do with my children and young people. In sessions, we often have a game of Jenga to help us on our way. 
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If you would like to know more about therapy with me, please do reach out 

We all have those days when the world feels like a whirlwind.

When our minds are spinning and we'd do anything for a moment of peace. The last thing on your list is probably tidying up the house. It might even feel like an exercise in futility - after all, the mess always seems to find its way back, doesn't it? Just when you've finally got everything in its place, the shoes scatter themselves across the floor, as if they're allergic to the shoe cupboard. On days like these, it's not easy to muster up the energy, and it's only natural to want to conserve what little you have.

Ever found yourself creating a list of reasons why not to tackle a daunting task, all while feeling drained and out of sync? When our mojo seems to have packed its bags and left, reeling it back in can feel like an uphill battle. It's easy to dwell on the mountain of reasons not to start, but have you ever stopped to ponder how accomplished you'd feel once it's done? I hear you, and that's where the beauty of the "10-minute rule" comes into play. It's a simple pact you make with yourself to stick it out for just 10 minutes. Funny enough, you often find that the task at hand isn't half as monstrous as it initially seemed.
You know those days when you're all geared up for a solid workout, but the thought of idle chit-chat has you second guessing? Isn't it a challenge when you're raring to break a sweat but the thought of exchanging weekend stories feels like lifting a weight too heavy? So, how do you balance the love for the burn with the struggle of chatter? Isn't it intriguing how we can pair something we're excited about with something that seems like a hurdle? 

Could you pop your earphones, get yourself going. The power of pairing. Have you ever felt like you don't recognize yourself when you enter and leave the gym?. Like you're ready to conquer the world after hitting a personal best on the treadmill? Suddenly, you're game for that chat you've been dreading. Funny how that works, isn't it? It's like we tap into this hidden pool of resources we didn't know we had. But isn't it fascinating how we only find it after we've pushed ourselves?

Are you almost sitting perched on the edge of a task, feeling as if it’s a mountain too steep to climb at this very moment? Think you might just give it a miss? Why not try this instead: pull up a chair, pour a cup of tea, and have a heart-to-heart with a friend. This friend could be real, or it could be that supportive voice in your own head. Have a chat about the task - what's stopping you? Is there a way to make it more manageable? Perhaps the final outcome isn't quite what you had in your mind’s eye, and that's absolutely fine. It's not a failure, just a different result.

The 10 minute rule, the power of pairing and pulling up a chair are my top tips for working towards becoming more motivated.

​ We can work together to make motivation feel manageable on your low days.

Sound familiar?

That family gathering where the usual rivalry between cousins starts to sizzle, everyone vying for the 'golden child' label. It's all part of the show, harmless family fun, with hopefully no hard feelings.
So what makes someone the 'favourite'?

Perhaps you've been in the limelight, admired for your knack for fixing things or your meticulous attention to detail. But have you ever paused to consider why you've become the family's handyman? Is it your relentless quest for flawlessness, your insistence on everything being just so?

Celebrations, they're typically a reward for a job well done. But have you ever really wanted a breather from being the first one everyone turns to? Maybe today, you're not in the mood to be the problem-solver?

Do you find yourself holding back?

It might have something to do with expectations others have formed about you. Have you taken risks in the past only to be criticized, so now you're hesitant to put yourself out there?

Ever think about why you do the things you do? Let's dive in together, and peel back the layers. It's like an expedition into ourselves, sifting through years of habits and patterns. Wondering who spoon-fed them to us? And what's the toll they've taken on us? Let these questions simmer in your mind, see what bubbles up. Remember that knowledge is power, especially when it's knowledge about ourselves.
Perfectionism can mean that the good stuff is kept at a distance. It can feel exhausting hiding under a mask. A mask that never really fit. 

It's a strange sort of addiction, isn't it? Craving validation, constantly seeking approval. There's so much about us that others don't see. Those hidden aspects might just a great fit for that job we've been eyeing up. We claim that our need for perfection stems from the expectations of our spouse, friend, family, or boss. But truth be told, it's us. We're the ones who continually raise the bar, piling on the pressure.

I can help you start to let go of your mask of perfection.  It is a mask I wore for many years, I feel so much freer without it.