Claire Palmer Counselling Norwich

18/07/2026

Whenever I see Sunflowers I am reminded of this film. I know it as The Sin Eater. But in most circles it is called The Order. Heath Ledger plays Alex.

[Alex opens the window to the morning sun and wakes Mara, bringing her a bouquet of sunflowers]
Alex Bernier: I hope you like sunflowers
Mara: I love sunflowers. You know that.
Alex Bernier: Why? Why do you love sunflowers?
Mara: Because I always thought that when God was making beautiful things, He messed up with sunflowers.
Alex Bernier: How?
Mara: Well, 'cause they look like - I don't know. They look like crooked teeth around a mouth that's too big, kind of.
Alex Bernier: Yeah.
Mara: But... just when He was about to start over, He realized that's what made them beautiful. They were a brilliant mistake.
Alex Bernier: Like you and me.

14/07/2026

Many neurodivergent adults struggle to find words for big, complex feelings. For some of us, questions like “How do you feel?” can feel impossible to answer — not because we do not feel deeply, but because the words are not always there.

In this episode of The Weighted Blanket, I’m joined by Claire Palmer, a creative counsellor based in Norwich who specialises in working with neurodivergent adults.

We talk about why traditional talking therapy does not always work for ADHD, autistic and AuDHD adults — and how creativity, imagination and play can help people access emotions that words cannot reach.

Claire shares how she uses creative counselling tools including sand trays, Disney figures, art materials and visual prompts to help clients explore feelings, family dynamics, trauma, masking, boundaries and self-trust in a safer, less pressurised way.

We also explore alexithymia, intergenerational trauma, epigenetics, inner child work, neurodivergent shame, emotional language, masking, and why therapy needs to respect each person’s pace, nervous system and communication style.

This conversation is for neurodivergent adults, parents, therapists, counsellors, educators and anyone who has ever felt misunderstood because they could not explain what was happening inside.

If you have ever felt like words were not enough, this episode is for you.

Guest:
Claire Palmer — Creative Counsellor, Norwich

Many neurodivergent adults struggle to find words for big, complex ...

10/07/2026

In November I will be starting a qualification in young person's counselling. Currently I am trained to work with over 18s, once qualified and placement completed I would be able to work with over 9s.

It has been many years since I did any training in children's development and things change all the time. I am excited to be learning again.

26/06/2026

Look what has just arrived!

I am excited to spend some time with my own inner child, communicating and reflecting.

I assisted Pauline, (the creator of these beautiful cards, and other resources on PACT Ltd.), to demonstrate these for her training video. So I am happy to be able to spend time with my own psychotherapist looking at them deeper.

My clients will all be familiar with the other PACT cards I have available so I am looking forward to adding these into my tool kit.

Such moving and thought-provoking images.

www.pact-resources.co.uk

24/06/2026

Come and join my inner child and I!

I have ALOT of tiktok videos .

I realise that not everyone wants to enjoy the asmr/hyperfixation/dopamine rich videos so I began a new page to devote to all the mini things and unboxing resources for my sand tray.

Join me as I embrace my inner child and open all the mini things for my sand tray collection

22/06/2026

Hot weather reminder ⚠️

With more hot days ahead, please share this. Not everyone knows how medication can impact our body’s ability to keep cool.

Check the information leaflet on your medication for side effects and risks.

If you’re on antidepressants or antipsychotics your body may not regulate heat as well. If you take lithium, be sure to monitor your fluid levels and know the signs of lithium toxicity.

Try and stay cool in the heat by hydrating and finding shade.

If you have concerns, speak to a GP or pharmacist. They can advise you more on your own medication.

Mind shared the above on their page.

21/06/2026

Father’s Day can mean many different things to different people.

Today, I want to acknowledge and appreciate the people who step into a fathering role through love, care, guidance and consistency.

To the dads, stepdads, foster dads, grandads, bonus dads, father figures, and the women who have carried both parental roles when life asked them to... Thank you.

Being a father figure isn't defined by biology. It's found in the everyday moments of showing up, offering support, creating safety, and helping someone feel valued.

I also recognise that Father's Day can bring mixed emotions. For some, it may be a day of celebration. For others, it may bring grief, loss, distance, or complicated memories.

Whatever today means for you, be gentle with yourself.

Claire

21/06/2026

Come and organise my fidget collection with me!

19/06/2026

POV: your attention finally cooperates and your PDA takes a day off.

What started as "I'll just sort one shelf..." turned into a 2-day hyperfocus mission to completely reorganise my sand tray resource cupboard.

At some point I'd accumulated everything from Ryan's World figures to dolls for career symbolism, and the cupboard had become so overstuffed that finding anything (let alone making it accessible for clients) was a challenge.

Yesterday I pulled everything out. Halfway through I deeply regretted my life choices as the room disappeared under a mountain of tiny people, animals, objects and chaos.

Today, in 30°C heat, fuelled by coffee and the fact I only had one 9am client, I leaned into the overwhelm and created a new system.

Now everything has a home, baskets are labelled by category, and clients can actually rummage and explore instead of facing a resource cupboard version of Jumanji.

The dopamine hit from an organised cupboard? Immaculate.



Www.clairepalmercounselling.com

18/06/2026

Another look at PACT Ltd Roles Played in Anger cards, focusing on the healthy options available.