TN Counselling

A counsellor can only lead you to water, we can’t make you drink.

Maybe your partner wants to you change and you want them to be happy.
Maybe your friend is in Counselling and they seem to be getting something out of it.
Maybe you wish something about you was different, because you can see how that might make your life easier.

(These are all reasons I’ve heard from clients as to why they’ve come)

Ok, but are you ready to make changes?
Are YOU ready to look at things differently?
Do you WANT to change?

You have to be the one to do the work, no one else can do it for you. That’s why it’s work. But it makes it so much more worthwhile when you do. I promise.

One the most common things I hear is ‘I don’t know how I feel’.

Sometimes we need a little help. Seeing a prompt, a picture, some new words can help jog your mind and gut.

If you don’t know how you feel, that’s ok. Maybe you don’t have the words. Maybe you were never taught what these words mean.

We can figure this out together.
We can sit through it together.

Do you want to know what it's like to have counselling? Here is a glimpse into what it would be like to work with me. What you can expect, and what NOT to expect.

I have space for you, please get in touch.

How do I work as a counsellor? — TN Counselling What is it like to come to counselling? I approach each relationship openly, curious and kind. Where I studied counselling holds the therapeutic relationship in the highest regard and believes that respect, empathy and genuineness are crucial to achieving a productive, healthy relationship. This i

Although you may come to Counselling to talk about a specific person or relationship, that doesn’t mean we blame others for how we feel.

Yes, we are impacted by others. Yes, we have feelings as a result of others actions and words. However, learning to separate what is ours and what belongs to another, is a skill that takes practice.

By working together, in a non-judgmental way, we can look at what your feelings truly are, which will allow you to accept them, hold them, understand them, and eventually change them, if that’s what you want.

If we spend all of our energy blaming others, we miss what WE ourselves feel. By taking responsibility and understanding ourselves, it becomes easier to move through our feelings.

How long is a piece of string?
There is no formula, no set amount of time. Sorry. Thats probably not the answer you were looking for. Especially since it’s not free.

I would suggest thinking about it as an investment in yourself. That will last. Once you’ve learned something, worked hard to explore and changed the way you think about something, it’s extremely hard to go back to how you were.

So give yourself the time, the space, no restrictions. Be open to not knowing what it might take. I know that’s a big ask. I know. But, if you find yourself wondering if you can just do a few sessions, maybe that’s saying you’re not ready?

I would caution that it might almost be hurtful to do a few sessions, open everything up, then stop without taking the care to safely put yourself back together.

Counselling is not a quick fix. It’s not a dump and go. It’s a place to build a relationship, which takes time, and then in the safety of that relationship, explore.

I’ve just spent the day learning about more creative ways to work with you.

I played with buttons, clay, looked at how images can evoke feelings, and explored different ways to find feelings.

I’m always learning, always looking for new perspectives, different ideas and ways to see you.

Thanks to for a great day and beautiful place to connect.

Love the TN card supporting our local community!

Also…I offer a special price for TN card members ❤️

Home | The TN card Join our growing community supporting local in Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

We go do physical exercise to maintain and keep our physical bodies healthy. What if you could do the same for your mind and emotions?

Counselling takes practice and commitment, if you’re looking to make change. Just like if you want to make a physical change to your body, practice and commitment will help you get there.

Like physical exercise and stretching, talking about your experiences and exploring feelings and ideas can expand your mind!

Am I making any sense?!

Really interesting story. Can things, relationships, people, who are ‘broken’, be put back together?
I think so. But they’ll be different.

Is that ok?

How do we adjust our expectations?

Manage our feelings?

Toy R Us - This American Life A teenage whiz kid invents a new toy for Milton Bradley.

What is integrative counselling? What even IS counselling?

What is integrative counselling? — TN Counselling Working to create a tool box of methods, techniques and practices Integration means to seamlessly combine all the counselling theories and methods into a unique, authentic and congruent style of counselling. By mixing all of the theories, I can treat each client as they present in that moment, wit

“It’s okay to not be okay.” It’s one of the most famous lines in mental health campaigning. But for lots of us who are struggling, it doesn’t always feel like it’s okay.

In a recent poll we found that 56% of respondents experiencing mental ill health still feel ashamed.

And feeling shame stops people getting the help and support they need.

As part of the anti-stigma alliance, we want to change this.

People from all over the UK have written about when they feel it hasn’t been 'okay to not be okay'. Head to our website to find out more about the campaign and download your own social media posts (remember to tag us if you do post!) 👇

https://bit.ly/if-its-okay

This is a great article about common therapy myths and ideas.
I’m not here to blame your parents.
Therapy is a collaborative effort.
It doesn’t have to be expensive.
You won’t be lying on a couch.

What stereotypes come to mind when you think of therapy?

No, it’s not all your mother’s fault! And 10 other myths about going to therapy, busted From talking about s*x to making you lie down: top practitioners on what’s true and what’s not

Can you measure Counselling?

Can you measure counselling? — TN Counselling Looking at CORE10 Measuring the outcome of a course of counselling is extremely complicated, varied, and personal process. Through my research I have learned that it is important first to have a clear goal when administering an outcome measure survey to understand how it can benefit the counsellor

Can’t imagine Counselling?
What does it feel like? What can you expect?
What’s the space like? What do I look like?

This is what you see from your chair in my room.
Maybe knowing what to expect might make it more approachable.

Becoming aware of ourselves is extremely powerful.
Do you know how you respond to others?
How do you manage endings?
What is it like for you when someone else is angry?
Can you name a habit or a pattern you perpetuate?

The more you know about yourself, the more you can change it, love it, let it go, grieve it, improve it, increase it!

However, if we focus on how we were, or how we will be, we will never how we are, which is the first step in getting to where we want to be.

Counselling is a place to see who you are, now. I reflect your words and behaviors back to you. Gently. Safely. I ask about them. I notice the patterns, the sticking points. Then we work them out together.

I love catching a glimpse of the swan family that lives around Tonbridge. Seeing these young ones in true transition is beautiful.

What are your thoughts on blue Monday?

What therapists want you to know about Blue Monday Today marks Blue Monday, but is it a real thing, and how can we cheer up if we are feeling low? Therapists explain

The festive season can be a joyful time, but sometimes it’s difficult to admit you don’t feel great when everyone around you seems so excited.

Here’s a few tips to help you look after yourself if you struggle with your mental health around the holidays:

🗣️ Talk about your feelings in stressful or lonely moments.
💚 Don’t take on more than you can cope with, focus on the things you’re good at.
🏃 Keep exercising, it can boost your self-esteem and help you to concentrate, sleep and feel better.
🥂 Enjoy a tipple if you want to, but be aware of your limits.
🧘 Take time to rest, recuperate and reflect on the year.

If things are getting too much for you, Samaritans are available to speak to all year round. Their free helpline number is 116 123 (UK, open 24/7).

🔗 For more tips and information, visit: https://bit.ly/3NsQR1x

Welcome December! Christmas is approaching, and the end of the year is in sight. 🎄

We hope you had a fabulous November and are looking forward to the festive season.

In December's newsletter, we tell you about two fantastic new support groups beginning in January and let you know about our Solace Cafés opening times over Christmas.

Read December's newsletter here 👉 bit.ly/WKMDecemberNewsletter

Do you want to be the first to hear about new groups, fundraising opportunities or training? Then sign up for future newsletters here 👉 bit.ly/WKMsignup

It's that time of year when we're all inundated with shopping offers, but before jumping online please consider all our amazing local independents. Shopping locally means supporting local people, our local communities and helping the planet. Many also have special prices just for Black Friday too.

To make shopping local even more rewarding, we're taking 50% off the cost of our memberships today, which means you can enjoy a whole year of TN membership for £1.04 a month! 10% will also go to West Kent Mind.

To take advantage, visit thetncard.com/our-memberships and enter promo code FRIDAY50 at checkout. Offer ends midnight tomorrow, Saturday 25th November.

Would you like to improve your mental wellbeing and physical health? Do you want to meet like-minded individuals?

Then our new physical activity group, Changing Pace, which is kindly supported by Sport England, might be just what you're looking for.

Changing Pace is a fun, friendly group that adapts the Couch to 5k approach to running, aiming to reach 5k by the end of the course. Whether you're an experienced runner or an absolute beginner, we'd love for you to attend.

The group aims to support your physical and mental wellbeing by being outside in the fresh air. We know that getting active can positively impact your physical health, but it can also have a massive effect on your mental health too. It can reduce your risk of depression by up to 30%, lift your mood and improve your self-esteem. Running is a great way to raise endorphins in a social setting.

Each course will run for nine weeks, and the first group will meet on Monday, 8 January, at 9.30am, outside the Tonbridge Swimming Pool on Castle Street.

For more information and to register your interest, please head to our website:

westkentmind.org.uk/changing-pace

We can't wait to help you begin your running journey. 👟

Can you help with some important research about Trauma in Infertility? | Fertility Network This survey is open to those who have been diagnosed with infertility, are undergoing, or have had treatment within the last 5 years across the UK and Ireland and we want you to have your say.

Updated guidelines on menopause from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) are under consultation.

The draft NICE guidance says that talking therapy should be recommended to help manage problematic symptoms.

Read our full response here ➡️ https://orlo.uk/0p35p

What is person-centred counselling❓

Read more here ➡️ https://orlo.uk/oM1xA

This is one of my favorite views in Tonbridge. Undercover of the bridge, but a view of the path ahead. I’m sure we would all make different meanings and metaphors out of this same view.

What do you see?

** We're experiencing a really high level of interest in supported self-help at the moment. If you sign up, please bear with us and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.**

Times are tough. Waiting lists are long.

But we have some good news.

We’re offering a free 6-week mental health support course.

And you don't need a GP referral to sign up.

Our one-to-one guided self-help service can support you with:

🔹 Anxiety and panic attacks
🔹 Coping with grief and loss
🔹 Loneliness and feeling lonely
🔹 Low self esteem
🔹 Low mood and depression
🔹 Managing anger
🔹 Managing stress
🔹 Understanding menopause

Find out more and sign up here ➡️ https://bit.ly/3tNUBUd

Not sure what counselling is? It’s many things, but it is not a place to get advice. It’s not a place to be given ‘the answer’.

Sometimes that’s all we want, is for someone to just tell us how to solve our problem.

Unfortunately, nothing is ever that simple. I find any solution is more powerful when it comes from you. Only you know what’s best for you and what you truly want or need.

Therefore, in counselling, we will spend time exploring what you feel and where those feelings lead you. You will be surprised to find that you always have the ‘answer’ within you. Even if it’s scary, sad, or feels impossible…❤️

The TN card is such a great network of local businesses of all sizes, services and offerings! I’ve been a member since the beginning and it has helped me visit and support more places and people than I ever would have.

I am now proud to be on the other side and offer members a benefit: 10% discounted rate on counselling sessions.

Support local, please.

Give the gift of local 🫶 With offers and treats at over 800 local businesses, from shops and restaurants to theatres, beauty, healthcare and more, the TN card makes the perfect gift this Christmas.

So we are excited to announce that gift cards will soon be available to purchase on the TN card website, ready for gifting this Christmas.

Gift vouchers will be available for 6 or 12 month digital membership, or a 12 month printed membership card. A one off payment rather than a subscription, the gift card can be redeemed by your loved one on a date to suit them.

To make your gift extra special, we will also have the option of ordering a special gift presentation folder, containing a gift card and booklet explaining all about the TN card and our love for local, where to use our membership card and how to get set up.

More details coming soon.