Category: Anxiety support

  • Counselling and Your Space, Exeter, Devon

    Counselling and Your Space, Exeter, Devon

    I love a sunny morning, especially in Clematis flowering season. 

    I created a space in the garden especially to make the most of these things.

    The morning sun drops into this one corner of the garden, just at morning coffee time.

    So I planted a clematis and cobbled together a seating area.

    I crave space, and peace and quiet and take great joy in the sun’s warmth and natural beauty.

    I treasure my morning coffee time so much!

    I feel I envisioned and created a special therapeutic space.

    I had a good sense of the therapeutic space I wanted to offer…

    I trained in Shiatsu…..I mean the body is soooo important to personal growth and development, to letting go of the past and processing pain and trauma….

    I was working so much with emotions, in Shiatsu, it felt really important to bring counselling into my practice.

    So I trained in Counselling. I have always been drawn to being a counsellor and so it felt the perfect fit.

    I hope I hold a space, like my little corner of the garden, that is quiet and peaceful, and safe and private.

    My counselling is client led, helping a client to explore areas they want to explore……what doesn’t feel right to them…..the painful experiences they’ve been through…..the driver who cut them up on the way!……anything.

    If you are drawn to the idea of having counselling with me please do get in touch – through the contact me page.

    I offer a 30 minute chat to hear what goals or hopes you have for counselling, to ensure I can meet your needs.

    I offer counselling to adults and young people from the age of 13. DBS checked.

  • Counselling and Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Counselling and Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    After some rain over night the sun is in full force here…..

    I am off on holiday/ recharge now…..so lovely to be able to breathe, knowing no alarm will be set for a while!…

    Also to be wearing sandals….I love first wear of the year day 😅😅 hence the photo.

    Spring seems to be in full force and a even a little warmth has arrived….I hope this bring some ease and happiness to your household….

    I have spaces to take on counselling clients…..and offer a free 30 minute appointment to make sure I can meet your needs.

    I offer reassuring and affirming therapy.

    I am deeply committed to supporting anyone who comes through my door.

    I am neurodivergent aware. 

    I understand the challenges that people with ADHD, ASD, Dyspraxia, Dyslexia and Sensory Processing issues….the list goes on.

    I have lived experience of ADHD and parenting neurodivergent kids.

    If you feel drawn to work with me then do get in touch. Head to the contact me page.

    Maybe I’ll see you after my holiday….

    Xx

  • Counselling Neurodivergent Teens, Exeter, Devon

    Counselling Neurodivergent Teens, Exeter, Devon

    Wow…..the teen years! Gosh they can be hard, complex, confusing….sometimes help is needed to navigate them….

    Personally watching my ADHD teen going through these years is tough.

    The hormones running amok, exacerbating the ADHD and sensory processing issues.

    The expectations and pressures of life getting more serious, harder to understand and harder to meet.

    His teen brain, still developing, trying to process what is going on, reacting often in a impulsive, child-like way.

    Mental health has also become an issue, anxiety, depression, then sleep issues.

    It has been shown that hormones heavily affect neuro diverse teenagers. It seems to exacerbate the challenges that my ADHD son faces.

    For a lot of teenagers and young people, neurodivergent or not, the challenges seem to go on and on…

    They can impact daily life….getting in the way of fun and joy….dampening everything down…

    Plus…..on top of all the personal feelings and changes there is a widening understanding of how the world and life is, and maybe, as an adult…..

    The start of thinking about adult responsibilities, expectations…plans, careers….the world with its politics and troubles….

    An understandably tricky time, for all teens, and neuro-diversity bringing its own challenges.

    I have applied for a DBS….(should be back soon)….and then I can welcome teens and young people into my counselling practice.

    All teens and young people, ND or not. From the age of 13.

    *Affirming and open approach

    *Listening and validating

    *Supportive and understanding

    *Neurodivergent aware

    *Creating a space just for them….

    It’s great for teens to be listened to and  heard by others, not their parents….a different perspective with no expectations.

    If you have concerns regarding your teens emotional resilience or mental health then maybe counselling could help…

    I offer a 30 minute, free, appointment. To have a chat and check I can meet the needs of the teen or young person.

    Get in touch on the get in touch page or email: amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com

  • Autumn Celebrations

    October is flying by!…..I have a week off from Shiatsu and Counselling coming up. Half term shenanigans with the family will commence!

    I also have a (big) birthday coming up 😁🎂😁 Party prep in full mode and excitement building. I feel really ready to celebrate, with cake and dancing.

    It’s all happening at the same time (always seems to be the way, right?) I have my counselling graduation in the same week 🎓😃

    Lots going on right now….but mostly though I want to be hibernating 🤣

    Feels like the energy has changed and we’re heading towards the time for quiet, reflection and rest.

    I like this about the winter months and try, although life continues at a pace, to retreat, cosy up and lie fallow.

    I find that Shiatsu and Counselling sessions change with the seasons a little as well.

    In both Counselling and Shiatsu this is a great time to review where we think we are and practise listening to what our bodies need.

    Our bodies can tune into the seasonal changes. If we can trust them they can help us fall into relaxation, help us switch our minds off, or at least slow them down.

    In the meanwhile I imagine October is going to be over before I know it!…..BUT in between the busy times and the fun I plan some slumbering, some snoozing and some relaxation…..

    I have a few spaces available next week for Shiatsu and w/c 4th.

    I am always happy to talk Counselling and Shiatsu – so do contact me with any questions or queries.

    Xx

  • Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Good Monday Morning! How is your week shaping up?

    I am ready to get into a week of Shiatsu treatments, in my special treatment space – know fondly as the Shiatsu Shed!

    Shiatsu works on many levels so I get to work with a lot of different clients…..those with pain and physical concerns, those with stress and anxiety, those with fatigue and sadness.

    I love that Shiatsu meets the client where and how they would like to be met.

    Along with being a physically satisfying experience it can be nurturing, supportive and transformational.

    I have watched my clients take control of their situation – be it a bad back, chronic fatigue or a bad life situation – and start to make steps towards a healthier space.

    I am looking forward to another week or being in the privilege place of supporting and facilitating people’s journeys.

  • Shiatsu Awareness Month

    Shiatsu Awareness Month

    February is the Shiatsu Society’s Shaitsu Awareness Month and I’m jumping on board! Anything to promote this unique and sometimes life-changing therapy.

    I an offering £10 taster sessions, with some left on Monday 14th. These sessions are plenty long enough to get an idea of what Shiatsu involves – and probably long enough to even get a bit of relaxation in!

    Obviously I think Shiatsu is a special form of therapy, connecting in so many ways, physically (obviously) but also mental, emotionally and spiritually.

    I love the way that Shiatsu can listen to a body, hearing it’s story, listening to how it holds itself and the reasons why.

    Shiatsu gently asks what bits the body feels ok about letting go of, what bits are ready to be worked on, what it feels like to be moved and worked. How it might feel to hold itself differently.

    If you’ve been thinking about trying Shiatsu can you free yourself up on Monday 14th February?

    If you’d like more information on Shiatsu have a look at the Shiatsu Society website or get in touch.

    Xx

  • Shiatsu, Anxiety and Feeling Off Balance

    Shiatsu, Anxiety and Feeling Off Balance

    2020 has been a year to test us all. So many changes and uncertainties – and it doesn’t look like it’s going to ease up any time soon.

    It’s not a surprise that many people are feeling off balance, stressed and anxious. The pandemic has affected everyone’s personal life in some way, be it concern for one’s self or a family member’s health, financial difficulties, work uncertainties or excessive work and stress.

    A lot of my work is supporting people through tough times – helping them manage symptoms of anxiety, along with stress and depression at times.

    Shiatsu is a naturally supportive therapy and I’ve created a safe and secure environment. It’s a space where clients can connect to their feelings and concerns without any pressure or expectation.

    Here is the story of one of my recent clients Shiatsu journey.

    The client was feeling anxious a lot of the time and suffering with panic attacks. This in turn was negetively affecting their appetite, with lack of nutrition the mental distress became worse and the cycle continued.

    The client arrived for their first session of Shiatsu in a heightened level of anxiety.

    I worked on balancing the energy in the body, supporting a good flow throughout. I worked on calming and supporting the central nervous system and settling the mind.

    After the first session the client’s anxiety levels were more manageable. Although they still had some panic attacks they were much less frequent.

    I continued to support the flow of energy in the body, along with boosting their energy levels and settling the mind and nervous system.

    After two sessions the client’s anxiety was completely manageable. Then after a couple more sessions the panic attacks eased completely.

    I also focused on the client’s digestive system which now works more smoothly and appetite levels have become consistent. I suggested probiotics to support the gut. With weight gain and better digestion the client feels calmer and in control of their situation.

    Throughout the process we looked at gentle exercises and life-style changes that would support a calmer mind and body. For instance I suggested walking barefoot outside, a great grounding exercise, bringing energy and attention away from the mind.

    At the moment I am offering normal Shiatsu sessions with at least 45 minutes hands-on work. I have extra measures in place, following government guidance, to ensure my practice is Covid safe.

    Right now I’m also offering face to face appointments with no hands-on work – a Shiatsu support session. These sessions are for exploring a client’s anxiety and why they feel off balance. They involve discussion and then suggestions of exercises and lifestyle changes that may help alleviate symptoms.

    If you are feeling nervous about getting close to others then a face to face support session may work for you.

    If you are self-isolating, or want to stay at home, but still need support then I am offering video Shiatsu support sessions. These, again, involve a discussion and then suggestions of self-shiatsu that may help, along with suggested exercises and lifestyle changes.

    I am able to create individual videos for clients, showing exercises and Shiatsu points that may help them specifically.

    I take great pleasure in watching clients begin to be back in control of their emotions and their situation. Then there are more possibilities and options open to the client and change can take place

    If you would like to know more about how Shiatsu maybe able to support you then get in touch. 07791 070837 amyhinkswright@yahoo.co.uk