Counselling & Shiatsu

Category: Mental health

  • Menopause, ADHD, AuADHD, Autism and Counselling – Exeter, Devon

    I am a late diagnosed ADHD woman. It became clear that I was ADHD when I realised both my sons were.

    I always knew I was different, I just isn’t know how….sound familiar?

    I am also experiencing the Perimenopause period of life, I am very close to being officially Menopausal. (This is classed as 12 months since your last period – I’m counting the months!)

    I am going through it with the hormonal changes….boy it’s been tough at times.

    It is obvious that my ADHD symptoms are more pronounced now, and cause me more challenges. Sound familiar?

    I have been supporting women for well over a decade with Shiatsu and now also offering Counselling.

    Throughout the female life hormones play such a massive role.

    They can impact ADHD, AuADHD and Autism pretty dramatically, most noticeably in puberty and Menopause.

    Woman who are ADHD, AuADHD or Autistic can be missed diagnosed, or misunderstood, quite easily.

    Often late diagnosed woman have managed, and masked their symptoms, brilliantly.

    But often there is a belief that there is something wrong, that they have mental health issues, that they need to do something to change themselves.

    The Perimenopausal/ Menopausal period can be super tough. Some women stop being able to function, or work.

    Both with Counselling and Shiatsu I can offer support in this challenging time.

    Helping client’s understand what might be happening for them and reflecting and processing on their life and experiences.

    I work in a cosy cabin, at home, in Exwick, Exeter.

    If you aren’t near Exeter or don’t want to travel I offer online appointments.

    Do get in touch, through the contact me page.

  • ADHD and Counselling, Exeter, Devon

    I am banging on about this a lot at the moment……that’s because I think it’s super important.

    Yes there is a lot of talk about ADHD, it seems lots of people are being diagnosed…..ACTUALLY there is more understanding of what ADHD looks like now so more peole relate to it…AND…this country has been very slow on diagnosing in the past.

    There are lots of people offering ADHD coaching out there….excellent, dont get me wrong, this is a brilliant service.

    The ADHD brain struggles with structure and planning so why not look for eternal support with this.

    However a lot of people with ADHD have experienced a lack of understanding or support. Particularly those who were diagnosed later in life. Counselling can really help.

    On top of life’s traumas and struggles people with ADHD often arrive at counselling with a belief there is something wrong with, or at least, different about them.

    People with ADHD often feel they aren’t worth much, they have often received a lot of negative comments which have been internalised.

    They may also experience Rejection Sensitivity Disorder, feeling anything, and everything, that comes their way so deeply and painfully.

    Counselling can be a space to unpack and understand some of the challenges living with ADHD can bring. 

    Counselling may even put a new slant or perspective on life. Also lets not forget that we can celebrate and appreciate the positive aspects of ADHD.

    Not the bluest, or clearest sky….but a reminder that ADHDers are known for their blue sky thinking

    Also counselling with me is a safe space that is non judgemental and most importantly deeply accepting.

    Many people with ADHD have received the message that they should be, or could be, acting differently. We should all be recognised for we are.

    I am going to shout out about how important I think counselling is for ADHDers. Actually for anyone who feels different, or is neurodiverse.

    Whether it’s counselling with me, or someone else who resonates better, I say give it a try.

    I offer counselling from home in Exwick, Exeter and online.

    Do email me at amycounsellingexeter@gmail.com or head to the contact me page if you feel you’d like to.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • Counselling & Shiatsu, Exeter Devon

    I offer supportive and welcoming Counselling and Shiatsu in Exwick, Exeter, Devon.

    A warm, welcoming and nurturing treatment space, fitting well with how I am as a therapist.

    I offer an open and non judgmental space.

    A well held therapeutic space where healing and transformation can take place.

    A space clients can explore and question their present reality and health….looking to take control for themselves, to makes change and feel shifts.

    Although new to Counselling I am an experienced therapist….having practiced Shiatsu for over a decade, so I understand my trade well.

    Here’s the space set up for Counselling:

    Here it is for Shiatsu:

    Appointments across the week, day and evenings.

    I am always happy to answer any questions or queries.

    Do feel free to get in touch through my contact me page.

    I offer a 30 minute, free, call for Counselling.

    This is to understand your goals and ensure I can meet your needs as a therapist.

  • 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 Support, Exeter Devon

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    Shiatsu Support, Exeter Devon
    My treatment space 😊 #physicalsupport #emotionalsupport #mentalsupport #shiatsuforall
  • 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

  • Hello Monday- Autumn is here!

    Hello Monday- Autumn is here!

    We’ve woken up to a misty, cool air morning here in Exeter, Devon. Autumn is definitely here and I am looking forward to seeing what patterns occur in my Shiatsu treatments this week.

    There are particular Meridians – lines of energy- that relate to each season. When the seasons change often the focus of my treatments changes too.

    Autumn is the time that relates to the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians. This is the time to let go and move on.

    Both these Meridians are related to the element of Metal. They are around the emotional issues of grief and personal boundaries, along with clarity of mind.

    To get going this week – and to get going with Autumn – below is a stretch for the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians. To begin to get into the feel and idea of the Autumn energy.

    As with all stretching go gently, listen to your body, don’t push it and warm up and warm down.

    Great Shiatsu stretch for Autumn

    These two Meridians also enjoy cardiovascular exercise- so get out in the fresh air for a walk. Doesn’t have to be long or fast, choose your pace, listen to your body.

    You may also want to do some cleaning and organising (you are not obliged to!) Getting things organised or scrubbing your cupboards is in time with the Metal element and these Meridians.

    Have a good week whatever you are getting up to. I’m always here for advice on individual exercises and recommendation.

    Xx

  • Shiatsu in the Shiatsu Shed – Exeter, Devon

    I have finally had some photos taken of me giving Shiatsu in The Shiatsu Shed –  the space where I practice.

    Lumbar support work – for back ache and boosting vital energy
    Working the occipital ridge with client in side position- to ease tension in the head
    Working the upper and middle back – to help with back ache, tension and flow of energy
    Loosening tension in the neck and head with client in the seated position

    You can see more photos of me giving Shiatsu treatments on this page Photos of Shiatsu