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.
Which Path to Take? By Julia W.
One of my passions is architecture. I also love walking, which I use intentionally as a form of self-care and improving my mental health. The impressive footpath network across the UK is not only one of our greatest resources and attractions, it is also largely free...
Men and Counselling: Why Don’t More Men Reach Out?
Despite growing awareness around mental health, men remain significantly less likely to access counselling and psychological support. Research consistently shows that men are more likely to delay seeking help, often only reaching out when difficulties have reached a...
Steve Giles – a Counsellor’s Story
Sometimes the most powerful thing a person can do is ask for help and then, one day, offer it to someone else. Steve knows that journey better than most. After years of living with undiagnosed depression, navigating the breakdown of a marriage, the loss of a close...
What is CBT and how can it help?
You might not see the pattern right away. You get a thought, like "I can't handle this" or "I'm going to mess it up." That thought makes you feel something, like stress, anxiety, or sadness. After that, you start acting differently without even realising it. You might...
One Year On: How Our Bromley Site Is Changing Lives
A year ago, we took a leap of faith. We opened the doors to our new Bromley site with a simple but powerful belief: that more people in our community deserved access to quality counselling support. Twelve months later, we can say with real confidence that it was the...
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week: Together in a Changing World
A Story Many Mothers Share When Sarah became a mother, everything around her changed—but no one really spoke about how deeply it could affect her. She had prepared for the practical side of motherhood: the sleepless nights, the feeding schedules, the constant demands....
Preventing Burn Out
As a counsellor, I have quickly discovered my role isn’t confined just to the counselling room or contained into ‘my working hours’. It follows me into my training days, my supervision sessions, and into my everyday life. I imagine this is the same for many different...
Small daily habits that protect your mental wellbeing
Stress has become a common part of modern life. Work pressures, financial concerns, family responsibilities and constant digital connectivity can leave many people feeling overwhelmed. During Stress Awareness Month, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on how we manage...
The Quiet Stuff Men Don’t Talk About (But Should)
The Quiet Stuff Men Don’t Talk About (But Should) I’ve been thinking lately about how men deal with their mental health. It’s not the easiest thing to talk about. Most of us grew up hearing things like ‘man up’ or ‘you’ll be okay,’ and that sort of message stays with...
International Women’s Day: Sue’s Story of Purpose
This International Women’s Day, we’re reflecting on how one woman’s compassion and determination grew into a community of support that continues to change lives. For Sue Doughty, our founder and CEO, the journey began with a deeply personal experience. At just 18, she...
Springtime by Sarah P.
Moving Into Spring: Being Where You Are As the days grow longer and signs of spring begin to appear, many people notice a shift — both around them and within themselves. Spring is often linked with renewal and fresh starts. There’s more light in the evenings, the days...
When Today Feels Heavy: Six Gentle Ways to Take Care of Yourself
For many people, days like today can bring a mix of emotions. While some are celebrating, others may be feeling loneliness, grief, anxiety, or pressure to “feel happy” when they simply don’t. If that’s you, take a breath. You’re not failing. You’re human. And most...
Welcoming Francis Duku as our very first ambassador!
We are proud to announce the appointment of our first Ambassador, Francis Duku, as part of our ongoing commitment to supporting men’s mental health and encouraging more men to seek help. Each week, we support over 250 clients through counselling, yet only around 20...
Reiki
When my son was 3, we went a way for a short break to France and in the middle of the night on a Sunday he woke up with terrible earache. I phoned down to the front desk to request a doctor but they said they wouldn’t be able to reach one until the morning. So, all...
Breaking the Stigma: Our Ambassador Programme for 2026
We are excited to announce our very first Ambassador as part of our Ambassador Programme for 2026. This initiative is focused on addressing a serious issue in men’s mental health: the barriers that stop many men from accessing counselling. Currently, only 20% of...
Why men are still missing from the therapy room
At Westmeria Counselling Services, only around 20 percent of our clients are men. This figure often surprises people, yet it closely reflects what is happening across the UK. Nationally, just one in three therapy referrals are men. Despite growing awareness of mental...
“The Wounds We Tend The Gold We Find” by Jaden C
Healing isn’t linear. And from what I’ve learnt so far, it doesn’t get easier. It just hurts differently, in a different place, you heal one wound and find a new one. Sometimes wishing you found the one you currently tend to before the previous one you healed. But...
My Counselling Journey by Sheel U
I have always been curious about human behaviour. I dipped my toes in to the counselling study waters years ago, by enrolling in an introductory counselling course at my local adult education centre. Becoming a counsellor was never part of the plan, but the subject...
Parallel Spaces: Exploring the Synergy Between Counselling and Interior Design
By Isabelle H Changing careers can feel like stepping into a brand-new world with no blueprint or plan, something I have always relied upon with my background in Interior Design. So, when I decided to take my first steps into counselling, it seemed on the surface like...
How music can play a part in the counselling room by Laura C
My first love, long before counselling, was music. My life has always been full of playlists, and wherever I am, there is always music playing if I can help it, and my degree was in Popular & World Music. I was therefore thrilled to uncover the role that music can...