Donna Wood Counselling

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This is an excellent article on grief. Although the advice is for grieving children, this article is for everyone. We're all hurt children inside when we experience a loss. Do contact me if you need counselling support.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/julia-samuel-help-children-cope-grief-ms22wc9hn

How to help children to cope with grief Be as honest as possibleOur instinct is to protect children, and that’s OK, but if they know that something is going on, what they make up can be more frighte

https://inews.co.uk/opinion/daughter-diagnosed-with-adhd-liberating-1697602?ico=related_stories

I was scared when my daughter was diagnosed with ADHD but it has been immensely liberating I assumed my relatives would also be uncomfortable with a 'label' but it has been a vindication for them

I've been watching Joe Wicks programme Facing My Childhood. A clear message from this is that it is good to talk.

Figure quoted: 6 children in every school class has a parent affected by mental health, which in turn is very likely to affect them.

I counsel adults - those children grow up and can still remain impacted by their childhood, even though their parents may have been doing the best they could at the time. This impact can manifest as increased anxiety, depression, stress etc.

I like to offer a safe space where we can really have a look at all this and more together and improve mental wellbeing. Contact me by text or email me to arrange a free iniitial chat on Zoom or phone. I would be happy to talk with you.

[email protected]
Text to: 07938498114

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/joe-wicks-documentary-parents-mental-illness_uk_62826615e4b003ed2964b774

7 Things We Learned From Joe Wicks: Facing My Childhood "I worry about what impact parents’ mental health is having on kids."

I'm Alice, I'm Autistic: It would be good for many people to see this clip, especially those not aware that masking autistic women are finding life a challenge and mask at great cost to themselves. Many women have been missed but, in my counselling experience with clients, it is not just women who mask.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWm8XJmhfJo

I am Alice. I'm Autistic

Love this ❤️

https://www.theguardian.com/discover-better-with-capita/2021/aug/06/i-now-understand-who-i-am-how-an-adhd-diagnosis-changed-an-hr-managers-life

‘I now understand who I am’: how an ADHD diagnosis changed an HR manager’s life Capita’s head of career frameworks Sarah Grundy was 40 when she was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – the support she has received from her employer and colleagues has inspired her to empower others with disabilities

I take part in regular training with the Aspire Autism Consultancy. Very much enjoyed this course - the practical combined with the theoretical which enables me to provide informed counselling to those with autism and ADHD or couples where this may be proving challenging for the relationship.

So easy to not put in place the changes we would like/need to make. Haven't posted on this page for a long while but I would like to! Message from this book is to tack a new habit onto a well-established one like clean your teeth and then new habit. The new habit is not try to run a marathon but take a few steps ..... so the habit becomes established.

Very glad to see this programme and understand more about Crohn's. I believe that counselling can be helpful in working out the balance of fighting spirit and nurturing self that is right for you as an individual.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000njmn/strictly-amy-crohns-and-me

Strictly Amy: Crohn’s and Me Dancer Amy Dowden opens up about her battle with Crohn’s disease.

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/alice-thomson-my-family-and-other-dyslexics-08c8fgclx

Long way to go but good to see fewer people feeling the need to hide labels - rather the opposite, celebrating creativity, innovation etc that diversity brings.

Alice Thomson: My family and other dyslexics I love a bit of neurodiversity. All our family have it and I grew up surrounded by dyslexia, dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD and Asperger’s. My mother taught adults and children with learning

Mental Health Awareness Week. Time to look out for your own mental health and for that of others.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57013126?xtor=ES-211-[43961_PANUK_NLT_19_ENG_ThePursuitOfLove_RET_O35]-20210510-[bbcnews_mentalhealthweekhowtotellifsomeonestrugglesmentalhealthawarenessweek2021_mentalhealth]

Mental health: Can you tell if someone is struggling? Coronavirus has affected many people in different ways - how would you react if someone needed support?

WHO OR WHAT IS ANDYSMANCLUB?

This will give you a little insight.

Drop it a like and share so we can reach more men who may need our groups 👌🏽

Masking 'often come at a heavy cost, including physical exhaustion and extreme anxiety.'

Women on the autistic spectrum still remain under-diagnosed or may be even unaware that they are on the spectrum, perhaps until someone else in the family receives a diagnosis. They may have an awareness of much of life seeming difficult and be consciously or unconsciously masking/camouflaging to some extent to their own detriment - it takes tremendous effort and involves not being themselves.

I have a special interest in counselling autistic clients, male and female, and attend monthly training on ways that I can best support them, together with an understanding of all the positives that neuro-diversity brings. Please get in touch if you might like to book a single appointment where you can see whether counselling might help you. I would be happy to support you in your exploration of whether formal diagnosis would be helpful for you or not.

https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/costs-camouflaging-autism/

The costs of camouflaging autism Many girls hide their autism, sometimes evading diagnosis well into adulthood. These efforts can help women on the spectrum socially and professionally, but they can also do serious harm.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/2021/01/31/male-infertility-no-joke-laughs-neednt-taboo/

Infertility has increased greatly in the last 40 years. I have counselled women who wished to find support while airing all their feelings about miscarriage, infertility issues etc in a safe, confidential, understanding space.

Evident in this programme is how few men feel they can talk about male infertility - a shame that they somehow feel they cannot do this, it might not feel 'manly'. If this is something that concerns you, please do watch this groundbreaking programme. I would be very happy to make an appointment where you could explore if counselling might help you. When people successfully end counselling they have often changed their view on what being 'strong' is. Is it keeping everything to yourself or getting some support when you need it?

Please find the programme on BBC iPlayer.

Rhod Gilbert: Stand Up to Infertility, review: Male infertility is no joke, but laughs needn’t be taboo Comedian Rhod Gilbert uses humour to break down the boundaries surrounding male infertility in a BBC documentary

Boost your mental health by listening to a podcast.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/54483803?xtor=ES-211-[36595_PANUK_SOT_41_CDY_CreativeDiversity_RET]-20201016-[bbcsport_joewickspodcastguestsonhowtheykeepahelathymind_mentalhealth]

Celebs share mental health thoughts with Joe Wicks Mark Cavendish, Fearne Cotton, James Bay and Gordon Ramsay share how they try to maintain a healthy mind.

Covid - There are costs to mental health. It helps to talk.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-54418913?xtor=ES-211-[36595_PANUK_SOT_41_CDY_CreativeDiversity_RET]-20201016-[bbcnews_howlockdownhasaffectedmentalhealtgh_factual]

Coronavirus: How lockdown has affected mental health The BBC's Unusual Times podcast has been asking people how the pandemic has affected mental health.

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-anxiety-tips/

Every Mind Matters | One You Feeling stressed, anxious, low or struggling to sleep? Every Mind Matters and One You can help with expert advice and practical tips. Start the fightback to a healthier you today.

I'm half way through reading this important book on understanding the experiences of girls and women with autism, so that I can offer clients better support in the interpretation and understanding of their lives, so far, and work together on consideration of how they would like their future to be. Quote from this book: 'I have plans that are based on who I am, rather than who i think I ought to be.' (accessed from National Autistic Society literature).

I am currently on the chapter: Discovering Autism as an Adult. Very glad to see that, despite challenges, many women participating in this book's research had reached a position where they could appreciate their uniqueness and experience pride in being autistic.

Women and Girls with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Understanding Life Experiences from Early Childhood to Old Age The difference that being female makes to the diagnosis, life and experiences of a person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has largely gone unresearched and unreported until recently. ...

Just finished reading this book as part of informing myself more so I can help my clients. Written by a woman with Asperger's syndrome for other women on the autistic spectrum.

Some of the advice in this book:

Put emphasis on the can - not the can't.

It's not about what others think - it's about you and working towards your best self.

It's important to spend time with people where you can be yourself.

Life is not about being someone else's perfect

Know you

Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome Aspergirls: Empowering Females with Asperger Syndrome

Working with Autism

Just completed more training on working with autism.

Some of the points from this training:

Establishing a good working relationship and rapport first is so important

An integrative approach can be most beneficial - therapy to suit the client

Counsellor and client need to find ways of working out emotions together and find what works for each person - if this does not happen the client is going to experience frustration with therapy

Clients have often experienced a lot of judgement - good therapy offers acceptance of a client for who they are - without exhausting masking the client can be really present in therapy

Silences can be really difficult - it's good to talk about how they might be useful but good to say if they aren't

Just completed this course. I think people are feeling the emotional toll that Covid 19 is placing upon us to varying degrees.
Anyone with pre-existing anxiety, stress or depression may be finding it particularly difficult. The message is to access support - don't wait - as talking to someone can really help you.

There are many signs that you are others may be experiencing distress. Please look out for things like:
Anxiety, demotivation, fear, guilt, anger, sadness, poor concentration, reduced confidence, arguing more, poor sleep, low energy, tense body ............

COVID-19: Psychological First Aid Training Course - FutureLearn Get psychological first aid training online and learn how to help people cope with the emotional toll of COVID-19, with Public Health England's free online course.

Love this video. We can all do with some of this right now - giving and receiving.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoiIYlww8M4

The Pig of Happiness An original animated film by Edward Monkton. Watching it is likely to make you a happier person. Sharing it with your friends is likely to make them happier ...

COVID-19: PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT, WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH
MAUDSLEY LEARNING AND THE TAVISTOCK AND PORTMAN NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

I've just completed this course on the impact that Covid 19 has had on our lives. Given that we are relational beings, it is no wonder that anxiety and stress may be heightened at a time where support has not been accessible or perhaps we felt that we should be strong and not need it - I'm sure many NHS staff and key workers have felt that they should just get on with it. If you would like to discuss possible counselling we can speak on the phone, WhatsApp video or Zoom.

Please see my website: [email protected]
or look at my profile on the BACP website

Talking therapy for anxiety, depression, stress and more....
Gradually what you feel you have 'just' talked about can make significant changes.

Donna Wood Counselling - working online to support you.

Image: Little by little, a little becomes a lot" #quotes #frase ... Found on Google from pinterest.co.uk

As a relational therapist I would like to encourage you to have a look at this Helpful NHS advice.

We all need connections so build them up however you can, while following government guidelines. I am personally grateful that I can maintain connection during the Covid 19 lockdown via video, telephone, messaging etc. I am also professionally encouraged to experience how well on line counselling is progressing with previous face to face clients and with new clients that I'm meeting for the first time. People are taking the opportunity that the time and reflective space that lockdown has given them to start to take care of their mental health and relationships.

https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips/

Every Mind Matters | One You Feeling stressed, anxious, low or struggling to sleep? Every Mind Matters and One You can help with expert advice and practical tips. Start the fightback to a healthier you today.

A silver lining to the Coronavirus - kindness and community spirit is increasing. Lockdown can be hard because we are relational beings. That's why the working relationship is so important in counselling therapy.

Some Ideas found in the link below will help your own mental health while helping others also:
Call a friend that you haven’t spoken to for a while
Tell a family member how much you love and appreciate them
Contact someone you haven’t seen in a while and arrange a phone catch up

https://www.mhwshow.co.uk/mental-health-awareness-week-how-to-spread-kindness-in-your-own-way/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Mental Health Awareness Week: How to Spread Kindness in Your Own Way - Mental Health & Wellbeing Show Mental Health Awareness Week: How to Spread Kindness in Your Own Way Posted on April 15, 2020 by Trudy Williams The organisers of the upcoming Mental Health Awareness Week have revealed a new theme for the week based on current events. The new focus is on “Kindness” as the theme for 18th to 24th...

I'm counselling on line only right now and finding the experience rewarding and interesting. I would definitely now continue to offer this option even when clinics reopen.

I've been spending some time freed up by the Coronavirus lockdown on completing courses/training relevant to my personal counselling interests and those of clients. One of my interests is counselling those who know they are, or wonder if they may be, on the autistic spectrum and are finding life in a world dominated by the neurotypical challenging. Also counselling those in relationships with partners on the spectrum either individually or as part of relationship counselling.