Gemma Pattison Counselling & Psychotherapy

29/07/2026

Burnout is more than simply feeling tired. It can leave you feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed, disconnected, and struggling to cope with everyday tasks.

Some signs of burnout include:
- Constant exhaustion, even after resting.
- Feeling overwhelmed or emotionally numb.
- Loss of motivation or enjoyment.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Increased irritability, anxiety, or feeling detached.

If any of this feels familiar, it may be your mind and body asking for something you’ve been putting off - rest, support, and compassion.

You don’t have to keep pushing through on your own. Taking a break isn’t giving up, it’s giving yourself the chance to recover.

Remember:
- Rest is productive.
- Boundaries protect your wellbeing.
- Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

If you’re struggling with burnout, know that support is available. You deserve to feel like yourself again and not struggle.

22/07/2026

A brilliant training/away day today with the schools team I work with aside from my private practice. So lovely to meet up with them and have time together.

The focus of the day was trauma, and it was a powerful reminder of how important it is to look beyond behaviours and understand the experiences that shape them.

One of the activities involved collecting natural objects from within the park to represent our reflections around trauma. This little jar is a reminder that every person’s story is made up of many different experiences, some of them are visible and some hidden and that curiosity, compassion and connection matters.

I’m really excited to be on a two day Trauma-Informed training course in September with the team, which will continue to build understanding, confidence and compassionate practice in my work. 🤍

11/07/2026

It’s the weekend! ☀️

Bright blue skies & warm sunshine means a day in the garden for us met with an England match later tonight.

Weekends can look different for everyone. For some, they’re full of plans and social events. For others, they’re a chance to slow down, rest, and recharge.

Whatever your weekend looks like, remember that self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. Taking even a small amount of time to do something that nourishes your mind and body can make a real difference.

What are your plans for the weekend?? 🤍

09/07/2026

A letter from my younger self. 🤍

I was given this letter I wrote to my Nana and Grandad when I was little this morning.

“I love you more than anything… I love you millions.”

At the time, I was writing about having a nosey at the shops in Benidorm, the place to this day I love so fondly, with the two people I love so dearly. Yet I didn’t know that one day I’d be reading these words without them here.

Grief has a way of bringing us back to the simplest memories, the ordinary moments that become extraordinary because they’re no longer possible.

As a counsellor, I often hear people worry that they’re “not moving on” because years later they still miss someone deeply. But perhaps grief isn’t something we’re meant to get over. Perhaps it’s love that no longer has a physical place to go.

Finding this letter reminded me that the relationship doesn’t end, it just changes. The love, the memories, the impact they had on who we are, they remain.

If you’re grieving someone today, know this:

Your love didn’t end when their life did. Your grief is not a sign of weakness. It’s a reflection of a bond that mattered and it beautifully reinforces the message that grief is rooted in love.

Have you ever found something like a letter, a card, a drawing that brought you unexpectedly close to someone you’ve lost? 🤍

08/07/2026

Have you ever wished you could say the things left unsaid?

The Empty Chair Exercise is a gentle therapeutic technique often used in counselling to help explore unresolved feelings, difficult relationships, grief, or inner conflict. It doesn’t require the other person to be present, instead, it creates a safe space to express emotions, gain insight, and find a sense of closure.

This exercise isn’t about getting the “right” answers. It’s about giving your thoughts and feelings the opportunity to be heard.

If you’re curious about how approaches like this can support your emotional wellbeing, I’m here to help. 🤍

07/07/2026

Resharing this from last year!

If you’re finding life hard right now, remember that surviving is enough. You don’t have to have all the answers today. Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is take the next small step.

Be kind to yourself. Healing happens one day, one conversation, and one step at a time. 🤍

06/07/2026

So many of us put everyone else’s needs first and leave ourselves at the bottom of the list. But the truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Self care doesn’t have to mean expensive spa days or taking hours out of your day to fit it in.

Sometimes it’s:
- Saying no without guilt.
- Taking a few deep breaths.
- Resting when you’re tired.
- Asking for help when you need it.
- Doing something that brings you joy.

Looking after yourself allows you to show up more fully for the people and things that matter most.

What do you need right now? 🤍

05/07/2026

Our anxious minds are very good at preparing us for things going wrong, but they rarely invite us to imagine things going right.

How often do you ask yourself - “What if it goes wrong?”

Today, challenge and ask yourself:

- What if it goes right?
- What if I can cope?
- What if I succeed?
- What if this is the beginning of something positive?

A small shift in perspective can create space for hope and having courage to try, is simply being open to the possibility that things could turn out better than you expect. 🤍

02/07/2026

A new month and a fresh chapter for YOU!

The first half of the year may not have gone exactly as planned, but there are still six beautiful months ahead to grow, heal, and create new memories.

This month, choose kindness towards yourself, protect your peace, and focus on the small steps that help to move you forward. 🤍

29/06/2026

Hello,

I’m pleased to share that I now have a profile on Psychology Today. It’s a space where you can learn more about me, my approach to counselling, and the support I offer.

If you’re thinking about starting therapy or simply exploring your options, you can now find more information and get in touch with me through Psychology Today. 🤍

Gemma Louise Pattison, Counsellor, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6, 01782 493920, Hello, I'm Gemma and it's lovely to meet you! I am a Counsellor and Psychotherapist with many years of experience supporting children, adolescents, and adults across a variety of settings. Working with people from all walks of lif...