Category: Depression

  • 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

  • Welcoming Counselling, Exeter, Devon

    Welcoming Counselling, Exeter, Devon

    I am now bringing counselling – person centered approach – into my existing therapeutic practice.

    It’s exciting times and I am so happy to be adding this therapy to be…

    My approach is supportive…..affirming…
    …accepting…..deeply respectful…
    …challenging with sensitivity….

    I offer connection and intuition….a seriously secure therapeutic relationship….

    So do get in touch if you are drawn to working with me….

    I offer a 30 minute free chat….to make sure I can meet your needs…and hear any goals you may have….

    Contact me through the contsct me page – to arrange the free appointment…

    I have spaces opening up after Easter

  • 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 and Counselling- Exeter, Devon

    Shiatsu and Counselling- Exeter, Devon

    So this photo is me walking to my course – 4 weeks to go till the end of year one. Feels like yesterday that I was starting out…..

    I have learnt so much, about another therapeutic way to support people, about myself.

    It has informed and deepened my Shiatsu practice. My Shiatsu has informed and supported my way of being whilst learning.

    I am looking forward to next year when I begin my practise hours but not looking forward to my last essay and prepping for my competencing to practice test.

    Here’s to new things – new challenges – shifts and changes – endings and beginnings

    Xx

  • Warming Winter Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    Warming Winter Shiatsu, Exeter, Devon

    The cold weather is upon us. The body is working harder to keep the circulation and energy following and to keep warm.

    It can be that this season shows up the imbalances in our bodies, more aches and pains, more breathless, more tired for instance.

    Shiatsu is all about ‘the flow,’ looking to balance the energy and open the Meridians (lines of energy) across the body. This relieves symptoms and releases tension, allow the body to work a little less hard.

    The space where I work is a very nursing, cosy and warm space that supports the body on this weather.

    You may find me, between sessions, making the most of the space. The electric blanket is on warming my clients (and me) through!

    If you’re looking for ways to support yourself and your body a good way to start is to consider the kidneys. The burners of the body, if they are working the rest may well work too!

    So keep your midriff warm. Drink warming fluids, ginger and turmeric for instance. Try out some Kidney Qi Gong execises. Listen to your body, rest, sleep, reflect and meditate. And of course Shiatsu is he ultimate reboost so have some treatments to warm up and rebalance.

    Xx

  • Trying Shiatsu for the first time

    It can be hard to describe Shiatsu to someone who has not had it before.

    Shiatsu isn’t like the type of massage that most people think of. There are no oils and Shiatsu is given through clothes and on a futon mat on the floor.

    I’ve heard it described as Acupuncture without the needles. Shiatsu does use the same Meridians (lines of energy) and pressure points as Acupunture. However a Shiatsu treatment uses massage techniques to work the whole meridian and pressure points.

    Reflexology and Zero Balancing have a similar feel to Shiatsu. They are different, obviously, but there is a gentle subtleness in all these treatments that can create powerful results.

    Someone once said Shiatsu is like Reflexology for the whole body. And another said it’s energy work, like Reiki, but different!

    The major comment I get after someone has had a Shiatsu for the first time is how satisfying it is. It is a joy to have physical work done on one’s body, including stretches and rotations on tight, stiff joints.

    Every Shiatsu practitioner is different. I offer a very supportive and welcoming practice. I work a lot with the emotional aspects of physical issues and support people looking to make change in their lives.

    My Shiatsu can be quite physical, when appropriate. I enjoy working the neck and shoulders and easing the tension and stress people are holding.

    I offer 1 hour appointments which include at least 45 minutes hands-on work. There is a quick consultation at the beginning of the session and a little time at the end for coming round from the treatment.

    I am always happy to talk Shiatsu and some clients like to discuss the treatment in advance.

    However the only way you’ll really know what it is like is to try it out – so why not give it a go?!

  • 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