Counselling for Families

Counselling for Families Counselling for Couples, Parents & Carers, Teenagers and ages 9 to Adult in Cheltenham and Online.

Parents and Carers sometimes have little time to think of themselves whilst caring for special needs children or a disabled, sick and dependant relative. Counselling is an opportunity for you to think and gain clarity and say the things you can't tell someone else and be really listened to and deeply understood. So often the cared for person is being well looked after by professionals, but you may feel you need someone to talk to.

The Coloured Card System: three colours, no lengthy explanation needed.🟢 Green — I'm regulated and open. I can talk, lis...
10/09/2026

The Coloured Card System: three colours, no lengthy explanation needed.

🟢 Green — I'm regulated and open. I can talk, listen, problem-solve.
🟠 Amber — I'm getting overwhelmed. I can stay connected, but I need things slower and simpler.
🔴 Red — I'm dysregulated. I need to stop and regulate before continuing.

Save this post for your next hard conversation!

Download the free guide here:https://www.juliewalescounselling.co.uk/_webedit/uploaded-files/All%20Files/coloured_card_system.pdf

I used to go quiet under stress — learnt from my mother. My husband learnt something completely different from his upbri...
08/09/2026

I used to go quiet under stress — learnt from my mother. My husband learnt something completely different from his upbringing.

To me, his silence felt like he'd checked out. To him, pulling back was how he kept us both safe.

Neither of us was wrong. We just didn't have a shared language for what was actually happening.

That's exactly what I unpack — colour by colour — in my ebook, Connected & Understood.

Find the ebook here... https://www.juliewalescounselling.co.uk/e-book/

When your nervous system is overwhelmed, finding the right words gets harder, not easier — especially for many autistic ...
03/09/2026

When your nervous system is overwhelmed, finding the right words gets harder, not easier — especially for many autistic and ADHD partners.

"Just talk it through" assumes both people have full access to calm, articulate language in the moment. Often, they simply don't.

That's why I use a visual system instead of words in the hardest moments — and it's completely free to download.

Grab your free Coloured Card System printable:
https://www.juliewalescounselling.co.uk/_webedit/uploaded-files/All%20Files/coloured_card_system.pdf

37 years married. Two neurodivergent kids, now grown adults. Here's what I've learned: my husband and I have never proce...
01/09/2026

37 years married. Two neurodivergent kids, now grown adults. Here's what I've learned: my husband and I have never processed stress the same way — and we never will.
We didn't grow up with the same rules for big feelings. Neither of us chose our patterns; they were simply what we absorbed long before we met.

Today I'm sharing the one tool that changed how we handle hard conversations in our neurodiverse marriage: the Coloured Card System. 🟢🟠🔴

Read the full story on the blog: https://www.juliewalescounselling.co.uk/my-blogs/the-coloured-card-system-a-simple-way-to-say-i’m-struggling-without-a-single-word/

Are you and your partner on the same team… but it doesn’t always feel that way? 💙Many neurodiverse couples come to couns...
27/08/2026

Are you and your partner on the same team… but it doesn’t always feel that way? 💙

Many neurodiverse couples come to counselling feeling like they are constantly misunderstanding each other.

One partner may think:

"I’m helping by finding a solution."

The other may feel:

"I just needed you to understand how I felt."

A communication mismatch does not mean a lack of love.

Often, couples are simply trying to connect using different approaches.

Neurodiverse couples counselling and coaching can help you explore:

✨ communication differences

✨ emotional needs

✨ conflict patterns

✨ how each person experiences connection

✨ practical strategies that work for your relationship

The goal is not to decide who is right or wrong. It is to help both partners feel heard, understood and valued.

“Would you like me to listen, or would you like help finding a solution?”This simple question can transform communicatio...
25/08/2026

“Would you like me to listen, or would you like help finding a solution?”

This simple question can transform communication in neurodiverse relationships.

Sometimes one partner is looking for answers…

…but the other partner is simply looking to feel understood.

A solution can wait.

Connection comes first. 💙

Contact Julie to book in your first counselling session, on 📱07412 651 894 or ✉️ [email protected].

Many couples focus on fixing the relationship when things feel difficult.But sometimes the first step is creating more s...
20/08/2026

Many couples focus on fixing the relationship when things feel difficult.

But sometimes the first step is creating more safety, calm and capacity individually.

When your nervous system is constantly overwhelmed, it can be harder to:

✨ listen

✨ regulate emotions

✨ communicate clearly

✨ stay connected during conflict

Looking after yourself is not stepping away from your relationship.

It can actually help you show up more fully within it.

Small things matter:

🌱 taking breaks before difficult conversations

🌱 recognising your own needs

🌱 making time for connection

🌱 learning how your partner experiences the world differently

Connection starts with understanding.

Self-care is not selfish. It is a way of protecting your capacity. 💙When you are constantly managing stress, misundersta...
18/08/2026

Self-care is not selfish. It is a way of protecting your capacity. 💙

When you are constantly managing stress, misunderstandings, conflict or emotional exhaustion, your nervous system can become overwhelmed.

Self-care is not just about bubble baths or taking time out.

It can be:

✨ noticing your needs

✨ creating moments of calm

✨ setting boundaries

✨ reconnecting with yourself

✨ giving your brain and body space to recover

When we have more capacity within ourselves, we are often better able to cope with challenges and communicate more effectively.

For partners in neurodiverse relationships, self-care can be especially important. Because caring for yourself is also an investment in your relationship.

Are you feeling misunderstood in your relationship?That's why Julie created her free eBook:📘 Connected & UnderstoodA 10-...
13/08/2026

Are you feeling misunderstood in your relationship?

That's why Julie created her free eBook:

📘 Connected & Understood

A 10-chapter mini-guide for neurodiverse couples

Inside you’ll explore:

✨ communication differences

✨ emotional needs

✨ conflict patterns

✨ how different nervous systems respond

✨ ways to rebuild connection

Contact Julie at [email protected] to access your copy!

An autistic partner may show love through:💙 practical support💙 loyalty💙 problem-solving💙 helping to fix thingsA neurotyp...
11/08/2026

An autistic partner may show love through:

💙 practical support

💙 loyalty

💙 problem-solving

💙 helping to fix things

A neurotypical partner may be longing for:

💙 emotional reassurance

💙 feeling heard

💙 validation

💙 connection

Neither person is wrong.

They may simply be speaking different emotional languages.

Address

Cheltenham Mediation & Therapy Rooms, 10 Bath Street, Glos GL50 3QH
Cheltenham
GL501YE

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 2pm - 7pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+447412651894

Website

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