Owen Shiels Therapy

04/06/2026

I wrote an article for Mens Counselling Service about what it's like to feel stuck between wanting to change and fearing that change is unsafe, and how therapy can help integrate those competing parts into a system that allows genuine choice.

Have you ever caught yourself saying something like this? It comes up constantly in my work with people of all ages, stages and circumstances — usually something like this:

25/01/2026

Here’s a simple overview of how therapy with me can support you.

Understanding what you're struggling with:
Together we'll explore what you’re experiencing, with curiosity and care. I'll support you to make sense of your inner world and explore how your struggles shows up in your life and relationships.

How your struggles developed:
We'll explore where your difficulties come from, helping you understand yourself with more clarity and compassion. This understanding helps us recognise what you need to support change and move forward differently.

Helping you make the changes you want:
Building on that understanding, I support you towards the changes you want by exploring what works best for you. I support you to experiment with new ways of thinking, feeling, and relating, learn how to regulate yourself, and find approaches that feel safe and manageable.

If you want to find out more you can see my Counselling Directory profile here:
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/owen-shiels

24/01/2026

Overthinking and self-doubt often go hand in hand. 😓

We get stuck replaying “what ifs” and prioritising everyone else’s opinions—forgetting that our own thoughts, feelings, and wants matter too.

Change doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from small, frequent choices: noticing your fear, holding it with compassion, and reminding yourself that you are valid. 💛

✨ You don’t need all the answers. Start by being kind to yourself today.

16/01/2026

16/01/2026

Hi, I'm Owen Shiels a BACP registered psychotherapeutic counsellor.

You can find out more about my work here:
https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/counsellors/owen-shiels

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/counselling/owen-shiels-alnwick/1612312

https://menscounsellingservice.com/directory/owen-shiels/

If you’re stuck in your head, people-pleasing, or holding it all together while feeling overwhelmed inside, counselling can help. We'll explore what’s driving it, make sense of unhelpful patterns, and help you feel steadier and more grounded.

10/01/2026

We try to stay safe by overthinking every choice, chasing the ‘right’ decision. The real safety? Knowing you’ll be okay no matter what happens.

30/12/2025

Validating emotions is one of the most misunderstood ideas around.

Validation doesn’t mean saying someone’s reaction is fair, accurate, or justified by the situation.
It means recognising that the feeling itself is real.

You can understand why someone feels angry, hurt, jealous, or afraid — without agreeing with what they believe or how they act on it.

In fact, when people feel dismissed or corrected too quickly, emotions usually intensify. When they feel seen, the nervous system settles. That’s when curiosity and reflection become possible.

This applies to how we respond to others and how we respond to ourselves.
You don’t have to argue with your feelings to grow.
You can acknowledge them — and still decide what to do next.

Two things can be true at once:
- The feeling is valid.
- And it might not be telling the whole story.

That’s not weakness.
That’s emotional maturity.

15/12/2025

Hello everyone,

I’m a BACP-registered psychotherapeutic counsellor offering face-to-face sessions in Alnwick as well as online counselling across the UK.

I work primarily with adults experiencing:
• anxiety and persistent overthinking
• low mood or emotional exhaustion
• difficulties with self-esteem
• relationship patterns that feel stuck

My approach is relational, offering a safe, confidential space to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours, understand underlying patterns, and develop greater emotional regulation and self-awareness. Sessions are collaborative and paced carefully, with an emphasis on safety and trust.

If you’ve been considering counselling but feel unsure about where to begin, you’re welcome to:
• ask a question here
• send me a private message
• or view my profile for further information

I’m happy to answer any questions.

Thank you for reading.

15/12/2025

These five stages are based on Christine Lister-Ford’s model of therapy.

Everyone’s journey is different — some people spend longer in the Alliance Building stage, while others move through it quickly, and that’s completely okay. Some only reach Insight & Awareness, and that can be enough.

Therapy isn’t linear — we often move back and forth between stages. But each stage builds on the one before, so nothing meaningful happens if stages are skipped.

Curious? Reach out when you’re ready - Your pace, your path, your therapy. 💛