Wonky Minds counselling and psychotherapy

29/08/2026

Yesterday was International Makaton Awareness day. Makaton can be an invaluable tool when working with children or adults in therapy. It enables people to communicate when words feel to big or overwhelming as well as if the do not talk. It can also be used as a game with children which can help 'break the ice.' I really enjoy using Makaton and will continue to use it in my therapeutic practice in the future.

28/08/2026

Well it's bank holiday weekend and as usual for England the weather looks fantastic! 😒
On a serious note many families get together on bank holiday but if this is something that causes you stress/ anxiety due to family conflict please know that you are allowed to put your feelings first and protect yourself by not attending or adapting plans.
If family conflict is something you and your family would like to work on feel free to reach out as I am able to work with both couples and families (have a peek at my website for further details).

27/08/2026

Masking and therapy
Masking is something that many neurodivergent people do either consciously or unconsciously. It is often something that begins as a conscious process but over time becomes internalised so it is an automatic mechanism. It is a way to blend into society and be less vulnerable. Masking takes up a lot of energy and is one of the reasons that neurodivergent people become very tired by the end of the day.
As a therapist it is very important to be aware of this mechanism and work with it in the therapy room. This is because it can impact on the clients view of themselves and how we can work with that. I would like to state that it will never be my goal to encourage unmasking unless that is something a client wishes to do. I am aware that I may never meet the clients true self but am happy to work with the masked self.
If you are someone that masks please know that I will work with you to ensure you feel safe within the therapy room and am more than happy to work at a pace that feels good for you.

26/08/2026

So following on from my post about utilising music for mental health I'd like to invite you all to recommend songs for a playlist I will be creating. So what are your favourite songs that support your mental health? (it doesn't matter what genre they are, all are welcome!)

25/08/2026

Grief can be a difficult subject but this is even more true when the grief does not concern the loss of a relative or friend. Disenfranchised grief is when grief is felt over something or someone society deems unusual. This can be the loss of a pet, a job or 'losing' someone due to distance or entrance into the prison system. As a counsellor who works with grief I am more than happy to work with any form of grief, no matter how unusual it may seem. Do not suffer in silence, you deserve support as much as anyone else.

24/08/2026

We love music in my household and utilise music to aid mental health. Using the right music for your mood can significantly help. For example, choosing calming or classical music can slow your heart rate and reduce blood pressure whereas listening to music you enjoy releases dopamine which elevates your mood. Some people choose rock music to energise them and music can take you back to a favourite memory. What music do you use to support your mental health?

21/08/2026

Just had a networking drink with SoulScience by Emma where we discussed future collaboration opportunities. For me, networking with other local services is vital to improve multidisciplinary working as well as getting to know what’s out there so you can refer clients. If anyone is in the Doncaster area and would like to discuss what I do or look to collaborate please get in touch 😊

20/08/2026

It’s a rainy day here in Yorkshire and it’s made me think about how nature and the rain fills up my cup. Just as the rain nurtures the earth self care nurtures us. When it rains I really feel a sense of possibility and new growth. This is what we can feel when we practice self care and open up our minds to new things. Whether it’s exercise, crafting or some ‘me time’ self care can help open up the space for us to discover ourselves and our potential. What sparks the sense of possibility in your life?

19/08/2026

So I've just watched "The great ADHD myth?" and as someone who works with students who have ADHD I feel that this show has not told the whole story. As they say there are varying levels of ADHD and whilst some students may be able to cope without medication, others definitely need it to help them function.
The one aspect I do agree with is the need to look at the education system as the use of medication is based around the expectation to fit into society's norms and ideals. The education system now puts so much pressure on students there is little wiggle room for 'behaviours' that may previously have been dealt with and supported through the use of sports or outlets such as art and music.
I hope that this show does not deter people who are genuinely struggling from seeking a diagnosis. You can get a diagnosis without getting medication and you can put into place other coping strategies if that is what you choose to do.
I work to support people who have received a diagnosis or are struggling to put coping mechanisms into their daily lives. Please reach out if you need support around this topic or other forms of neurodivergence.

18/08/2026

My first blog post 😀

During my training, one of my placements was counselling people who were embarking on their IVF journey. This meant that when I began my own journey I had some idea of what to expect. However, nothing can prepare you for...