ESJ counselling

ESJ counselling Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from ESJ counselling, Mental Health Service, West Street, Bridgwater.

Counselling for adults, children and young people in Bridgwater with a special interest in supporting younger minds

WhatsApp: 07552 356745
[email protected]
www.esjcounselling.co.uk

Back to school can bring big feelingsFor some children, going back to school today will have felt exciting. For others, ...
07/09/2026

Back to school can bring big feelings

For some children, going back to school today will have felt exciting. For others, it may have brought worry, nerves or even a few tears.

You might notice them:
• Asking lots of questions about tomorrow
• Feeling tired or irritable
• Complaining of tummy aches
• Becoming more clingy
• Saying they don’t want to go back

A little patience, reassurance and someone safe to talk to can make a big difference.

One day at a time.

Summer with Emotions 6: “A gentle September reset”September can feel like a fresh start… but it can also feel overwhelmi...
01/09/2026

Summer with Emotions 6: “A gentle September reset”

September can feel like a fresh start… but it can also feel overwhelming.

After a busy summer, children (and parents!) may need time to settle back into routines.

A gentle reset might look like:

- Earlier bedtimes gradually
- Calm mornings
- Time to talk about feelings
- Celebrating small steps
- Remembering that adjustment takes time

Every child settles differently. Some jump straight in, while others need longer to feel comfortable.

There is no “right” way to adjust.

Confidence comes after..Your child doesn’t have to feel confident before they go back to school.- They can feel nervous ...
30/08/2026

Confidence comes after..

Your child doesn’t have to feel confident before they go back to school.

- They can feel nervous and still go.

- They can have a wobbly morning and still have a good day.

- They can worry about something and discover they can cope.

- They can struggle and still be making progress.

- They can need support and still be becoming more independent.

We sometimes think children need to feel confident before they can face something difficult.

But often…

Confidence comes after.

- After trying.

- After experiencing the worry.

- After discovering that the thing they feared was manageable.

- After realising: “I did it.”

So if your child is feeling anxious about returning to school, the goal doesn’t have to be making sure they feel zero anxiety.

It can be helping them feel supported enough to take the next small step.

One step at a time. 💛

Don’t wait for the confidence, it will come.

POV: Your child is anxious.And your instinct might be to make the anxiety disappear.But you don’t always have to fix it....
27/08/2026

POV: Your child is anxious.

And your instinct might be to make the anxiety disappear.

But you don’t always have to fix it.

Instead of:

❌ “There’s nothing to worry about.”

Try:

✅ “I can see this feels really worrying.”

Instead of:

❌ “You’ll be fine.”

Try:

✅ “Let’s work out what might help.”

Instead of:

❌ “You’ve done this before!”

Try:

✅ “It’s okay to feel nervous, even when something isn’t new.”

Instead of:

❌ “Stop worrying.”

Try:

✅ “I’m here. We can take this one step at a time.”

We naturally want to protect our children from uncomfortable feelings.

But children also need opportunities to learn:

“I can feel worried and still cope.”

“I can feel nervous and still do it.”

“I don’t have to get rid of my anxiety before I can move forward.”

Sometimes the most helpful thing we can give an anxious child isn’t an answer.

It’s the feeling that they don’t have to face the feeling alone.

Summer with Emotions 5: “Back-to-school worries”The summer holidays can feel like a lovely break… but for some children,...
25/08/2026

Summer with Emotions 5: “Back-to-school worries”

The summer holidays can feel like a lovely break… but for some children, September can already feel like a big thing on the horizon.

New classrooms. New teachers. New expectations.

Worries might show up as:

• tummy aches
• irritability
• wanting lots of reassurance
• difficulty sleeping
• avoiding conversations about school

Try creating small opportunities to talk:

“What are you looking forward to?”
“Is there anything you’re wondering about?”
“What might help you feel more prepared?”

Big changes feel easier when children know they don’t have to face them alone.

24/08/2026

Just some great advice from Spider-Man himself. Thank you Tom, you’re doing so much to help fight stigma around mental health and seeking support. To anyone looking for someone to share the load with, we’re here if you need to talk to someone.

We have Side by Side which is our online peer support community available 24/7

Call our support line- 0300 102 1234 (open weekdays 9-6pm)

Or email us at [email protected] for mental health information and signposting

Summer with Emotions 4: “When holidays feel worrying”Not every child feels excited about holidays.For some children, new...
18/08/2026

Summer with Emotions 4: “When holidays feel worrying”

Not every child feels excited about holidays.

For some children, new places, unfamiliar foods, busy airports, changes in routine or sleeping somewhere different can feel overwhelming.

Anxiety often grows when children feel like they have to hide their worries.

Try:

“It makes sense that this feels a bit scary.”
“I’m here with you.”
“We can take it one step at a time.”

We don’t need to remove every worry, we can help children learn that they can cope with them.

You’ve just gotta sit with it for a while.
13/08/2026

You’ve just gotta sit with it for a while.

Summer with Emotions 3: “Connection when routines change”The summer holidays often mean routines look different.Later ni...
11/08/2026

Summer with Emotions 3: “Connection when routines change”

The summer holidays often mean routines look different.

Later nights. Different meals. Days out. More time together.

For some children, this feels exciting. For others, change can feel unsettling.

Small moments of connection can help children feel secure:

💛 A bedtime chat
💛 Sitting together for breakfast
💛 A quick cuddle before the day starts
💛 Letting them know what’s happening next

Children don’t need a perfect routine, they need a sense of safety and connection.

Address

West Street
Bridgwater
TA67EU

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 8pm
Tuesday 9am - 8pm
Wednesday 9am - 8pm
Thursday 9am - 8pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when ESJ counselling posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to ESJ counselling:

Shortcuts

Share

Category