Welcome to the Westmeria Counselling blog, where our counsellors and expert contributors share valuable insights about the challenges that matter most, from managing anxiety to coping with loss.
Each month, we publish thoughtful articles designed to offer guidance and practical tools for emotional well-being. Whether you’re currently in counselling or looking for ways to support your mental health, we hope you find these blogs helpful and reassuring.
“There’s nothing rare, strange or shameful about our mental health”
[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text] I've been so eager to write a blog for mental health awareness week because this subject is so close to my heart, yet I must admit I wondered where on earth to start. Like so many people, I have experienced times when...
Loneliness: is social media to blame?
[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text] I’m not sure how many of you were watching Sky News last week but there were a number of segments on children and teenagers and the impact of social media. They headed the story with the fact that last year over 4,000...
Counsellors Blog: How you can support somebody in managing and recovering from depression
[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]With statistics highlighting One in Four people in the UK each year will experience a mental health problem, there is a possibility that person may be someone close to you. With that thought in mind how can we give...
Your stories: Why I’m running the Brighton Marathon for Westmeria
[vc_row][vc_column][mk_divider][vc_column_text] "I am 44, married and have 3 fabulous teenage boys. I have lived in the local area for nearly 20 years after moving from Bexleyheath in the late nineties. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I took up running in parallel...
Brew Monday, Blooming Monday… it’s not all Blue Monday
[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]‘Blue Monday’, the 3rd Monday of January, the day that’s statistically supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. It’s all based on the idea that today is the day where we experience a combination of terrible...
Emotions Quote
[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="``We have to start letting go of seeing our emotions as our weakness``" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:28|text_align:center"...
Wellness Tip: Veggie Filo Pie
[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]We all know that healthy eating is good for us, but looking after ourselves and staying healthy can be a challenge to say the least. The truth is though, food doesn't just effect us physically, it also has an effect on...
Connect with your creativity – distract a busy/anxious mind
[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Sometimes doing something that makes yourself feel good is the best way to distract painful thoughts and emotions. You don’t have to wait until you feel overwhelmed by painful emotions to do something creative. It’s...
5 Super Ways To Boost Your Mood
[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text] Some days, no matter how hard you try, you may feel in a bad mood, or just low about your life. It happens to all of us. Get to know what your body is telling you, accept it – its ok to feel down and its ok to feel...
Sometimes just getting out of bed is a huge achievement
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="*photography of Allison Schmitt from articles.baltimoresun.com" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:11|text_align:left"...
What will you learn about yourself on our counselling intro course?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Westmeria Counselling is not just a counselling service, it's also a counselling college. But if the word ‘college’ conjures up images of stuffy lecture halls and bad canteen food, then you might have a pleasant surprise. Qualifying...
Omega-3 intake – Its Role in Improving Mental Health
Omega-3s play an important role in the brain, providing:- DHA, which helps us to think better, and EPA which decreases inflammation and anxiety, helping us to feel better. Research shows that improving levels of Omega-3 oils in the diet can play a part in the...
Sue talks to us about the Counselling College
Why was Westmeria College formed? After successfully building up the counselling service since 2003 and taking students for placements in the service, we decided to try and make a difference in another area. So, we began our training school in 2014. This enabled us to...
Marathon Inspired Healthy Eating- Our Veggie Chilli Recipe
April's around the corner, which for the Westmeria team means one thing- Marathon Month! With two of our supporters running, it's only fair that we ditch the Easter chocolate and pass around the office our favourite healthy recipes. Here's Ellie's favourite veggie...
Self-compassion and self-care: Ellie’s story
By Ellie As a volunteer counsellor, life can be rather hectic. Between attending university, completing assignments, seeing clients and holding down a job, there never seems to be enough space in the day for 'me time'. Looking after ourselves is fundamental to our...
Looking for fitness inspiration? Read about Karen’s marathon training
Hey Guys, I am running the London Marathon in April 2016. Training has begun and I am enjoying pounding the pavements and looking forward to the challenge. Take a read of my experience so far and please don't forget to...
Westmeria’s ‘Random Acts of Kindness’ Challenge
February 17th celebrates Random Acts of Kindness day, where we're encouraged to bring a little bit of positivity into eachothers lives with kindness. Why kindness? Scientifically? Because it’s good for your health. Economically? Because it’s free. Practically?...
Marie’s Marathon Journey…so far
In July 2015 Sue (CEO Westmeria Counselling Services) mentioned to me that we had a place for a runner in the London Marathon next April. At the time I thought that sounds great I will go and support whoever is running the 26.2 miles. As the days passed I started to...
5 Common Myths in Counselling
Working for a counselling charity is a diverse job- one moment I might be answering the phone, the next minute I’m planning a fundraising day, or by the evening I might be networking at a charity event. It’s fair to say that through this diversity I’ve had the...
Training School
Are you interested in helping others? Learning about yourself? Your personal development? Personal development learning to use counselling skills? We offer several courses to help you achieve these goals, take a look at our college page for more...