Rowan Shingler Counselling

26/08/2026

Practice Room Sublet – Thursday Evenings & Fridays – Norwich NR2

A warm, spacious and beautifully furnished therapy room available to sublet Thursday evenings from 6.30pm and all day Friday in the heart of Norwich NR2, Exchange Street.

This large, intimate room is ideal for counsellors, psychotherapists, coaches or wellbeing practitioners seeking a calm, welcoming space for client work. Thoughtfully designed with comfortable seating, soft lighting, plants, and a peaceful atmosphere that supports deep therapeutic work.

£125 per month
Includes:
• Private, self‑contained room
• Comfortable seating for 1:1 or small‑group work
• Access to waiting area
• Central Norwich location with excellent transport links
• Secure, professional building

Perfect for practitioners looking to grow their caseload in a highly sought‑after city‑centre location.

To enquire or arrange a viewing, please get in touch.

14/08/2026

I am proud to announce my involvement in The Skin, A Therapeutic Enquiry Group.

The name the skin, refers to the group's commitment to respond only to what happens within the group for the duration of the group, as if surrounded by a skin.

This group may appeal to people interested in counselling, or act as CPD for trainee and qualified counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists.

What is the Skin?

In the skin, as we call it, we commit to enquire into our subjective experiences within a disciplined contract (see below). We strive to follow the contract by speaking honestly and to the best of our memory of what has occurred, without resorting to personal myths, beliefs or explanations, or anything that cannot be witnessed by every member of the group. As our experiencing is shared with others, our unique perspective of the same words and actions, and the assumptions made about what these mean, are revealed.
Witnessing ourselves and others within the shared environment enables us to gain insight into therapeutic processes.
Device by Anthony Storey, psychologist and counselling educator in the 80s and '90s, this group work formed the backbone of Gillian and Jill's 3-year counselling training.
The group is held monthly on Wednesdays from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Term dates below.

Gillian Bartlam was joined by Jill Brooks in 2024 to support this unique monthly therapeutic enquiry group. We are delighted to welcome Rowan Shingler to help with admin and who has offered his comfortable space for our venue from Autumn 2026.

Term Dates:

Autumn 2026. (£80)
September 16th.
October 14th.
November 11th
December 9th.

Spring 2027 (£60)
January 13th.
February 17th (Half term)
March 17th

Summer 2027 (£80)
April 14th.
May 12th
June 16th.
July 14th.

Payment is  expected in advance for each term. Contact Gillian for individual arrangements.
[email protected]

For more information visit:
https://www.rowanshinglercounselling.com/therapeutic-enquiry-group

11/08/2026

Most of us spend huge parts of our day on autopilot — repeating old emotional patterns, reacting before we realise what’s happening, and slipping into familiar roles that once kept us safe. These automatic responses come from younger parts of the self and from implicit memory, the body’s stored emotional learning.

Mindfulness isn’t about being calm all the time. It’s about building focused awareness so you can notice when an old pattern is taking over. When you pause, even for a moment, you give your nervous system a chance to shift out of survival mode and into choice. This is how you begin to respond differently instead of repeating what your past taught you.

With practice, mindfulness helps you recognise protector parts, soothe younger wounded parts, and create new pathways for emotional regulation. It’s not about perfection — it’s about noticing yourself with compassion.

If you’re stuck in old patterns or want to feel more present and grounded, I offer trauma‑informed counselling in Norwich to help you understand your inner world and build a more intentional way of living.

Counselling in Norwich | Mindfulness | Trauma‑Informed Therapy











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06/08/2026

16/07/2026

Many of us learned early on to split off or deny younger, wounded parts of ourselves because their needs felt too big, too painful, or too unsafe to express. To survive, the mind creates protector parts — the critic, the perfectionist, the avoider, the pleaser — all working hard to keep those vulnerable parts hidden.

But the cost of this is real. When younger parts stay exiled, we lose access to softness, joy, creativity, and connection. Protector parts become overworked and rigid. Anxiety increases. Relationships feel harder. And our nervous system stays stuck in patterns shaped by implicit memory, not present‑day reality.

Inner child work isn’t about “going backwards.” It’s about meeting the parts of you that never got what they needed — safety, attunement, gentleness, boundaries, joy — and offering it now. As these younger parts feel seen, protector parts can relax, and your system becomes more integrated, grounded and whole.

If you’re noticing old wounds resurfacing or protector parts taking over, you’re not alone. I offer trauma‑informed counselling in Norwich to help you reconnect with your younger self, soften protective patterns, and build a more compassionate inner world.

Counselling in Norwich | Inner Child Healing | Trauma‑Informed Therapy

14/07/2026

It is estimated humans have anywhere between 6,000 to 60,000 thoughts a day.
This can feel overwhelming especially if we get stuck on negative and repetitive thoughts.

But we are not our thoughts. Our brains are thought creating machines!

The mindful practice of just observing our thoughts without judging them or being swept away in them is proven to reduce stress and anxiety.

The daily practice of paying attention to the stream of thoughts and feelings that we experience starts to enables us to stand back from them and see their patterns.

Therapy also provides a space where you can practice slowing down, noticing and unpicking thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgemental way.
To book a consultation visit my website www.rowanshinglercounselling.com or email [email protected]

09/07/2026

Anxiety often rises before we even realise what’s happening. That’s because the nervous system reacts faster than the thinking mind. The Anxiety Regulation Cycle helps you interrupt that spiral by slowing everything down and bringing you back into the present moment.

Noticing the first signs of anxiety, pausing your breath, grounding your body, and gently questioning the anxious story are powerful ways to shift from automatic survival mode into a more intentional, regulated state. These steps don’t “fix” anxiety — they help your system feel safer so you can respond rather than react.

If anxiety is affecting your daily life, relationships or sense of control, you’re not alone. I offer trauma‑informed counselling in Norwich to help you understand your nervous system, work with triggers, and build tools that genuinely support you.

Counselling in Norwich | Anxiety Support | Nervous System Regulation

07/07/2026

Healthy boundaries aren’t about pushing people away — they’re about creating the conditions where you can stay connected without losing yourself. Boundaries protect your emotional energy, your nervous system, and your sense of self. And they look different for everyone.

Whether it’s physical, emotional, mental, relationship, digital, or spiritual boundaries, each one helps you honour your needs and stay grounded in what feels safe and sustainable. When boundaries are unclear, anxiety, resentment and overwhelm tend to grow. When they’re clear, relationships become more respectful, balanced and secure.

If you struggle to set boundaries or feel guilty for having them, you’re not alone. I offer trauma‑informed counselling in Norwich to help you understand your limits, communicate them confidently, and build relationships that support your wellbeing.

Counselling in Norwich | Healthy Boundaries | Trauma‑Informed Support

02/07/2026

Anxiety isn’t just “in your head” — it’s a whole‑body experience shaped by your nervous system, hormones and implicit memory. Small daily habits can make a meaningful difference because they support the systems that regulate stress, energy and emotional balance.

Getting sunlight helps regulate cortisol. Hydration prevents physical sensations that mimic anxiety. Quality sleep allows your brain to process emotions. And reducing caffeine gives your nervous system space to settle rather than spike. These aren’t cures — they’re gentle, supportive foundations that help your body feel safer and more regulated.

If anxiety is affecting your day‑to‑day life, you’re not alone. I offer trauma‑informed counselling in Norwich to help you understand your anxiety, work with your nervous system and build tools that genuinely support you.

Counselling in Norwich | Anxiety Support | Nervous System Regulation

30/06/2026

Emotional flooding isn’t a sign that you’re “overreacting” — it’s your nervous system becoming overwhelmed and shifting into survival mode. When intensity rises, the thinking part of the brain goes offline, making it hard to stay present, communicate clearly or feel grounded. This is a body‑based response, not a character flaw.

Flooding often happens during conflict, criticism or overstimulation because your system is trying to protect you using old survival pathways stored in implicit memory. Stepping away to regulate isn’t avoidance — it’s how you help your body return to safety so you can reconnect with clarity and compassion.

If emotional overwhelm is affecting your relationships or day‑to‑day life, you’re not alone. I offer trauma‑informed counselling in Norwich to help you understand your nervous system, work with triggers and build emotional safety from the inside out.

Counselling in Norwich | Trauma Therapy | Nervous System Regulation