Valerie Hesketh Mental Health Counseling

Valerie Hesketh Mental Health Counseling “Helping people is my passion. I genuinely enjoy helping my clients develop life-changing habits to help them cope with any of life’s various obstacles."

08/01/2026

✨ Wisdom Wednesday ✨

“I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Dr. Maya Angelou

In a world that often moves quickly, kindness leaves a lasting impression. Long after conversations fade and accomplishments are forgotten, the way we treat one another remains.

Dr. Maya Angelou reminds us that empathy, compassion, and genuine human connection are among the most powerful gifts we can offer. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can have the greatest impact.

As you move through this week, consider how you make others feel.

Who made a lasting impact on your life through kindness? ✨💛

05/10/2026

Dementia Awareness Week May 18-24, 2026

If I get dementia, I’d like my family to hang this wish list up on the wall where I live. I want them to remember these things.
1. Every time you enter the room announce yourself. “Hi dad - it’s ………...”
NEVER ask- Do you know who I am??? That causes anxiety.
2. If I get dementia, I want my friends and family to embrace my reality. 🌸
3. If I think my spouse is still alive, or if I think we’re visiting my parents for dinner, let me believe those things. I’ll be much happier for it.❤️
4. If I get dementia, don’t argue with me about what is true for me versus what is true for you.👍🏽❤️👍🏽
5. If I get dementia, and I am not sure who you are, do not take it personally. My timeline is confusing to me.👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
6. If I get dementia, and can no longer use utensils, do not start feeding me. Instead, switch me to a finger-food diet, and see if I can still feed myself.❤️🥰❤️🥰
7. If I get dementia, and I am sad or anxious, hold my hand and listen. Do not tell me that my feelings are unfounded.
8. If I get dementia, I don’t want to be treated like a child. Talk to me like the adult that I am. ❤️
9. If I get dementia, I still want to enjoy the things that I’ve always enjoyed. Help me find a way to exercise, read, and visit with friends. ❤️
10. If I get dementia, ask me to tell you a story from my past.
11. If I get dementia, and I become agitated, take the time to figure out what is bothering me. ❤️
12. If I get dementia, treat me the way that you would want to be treated. ❤️
13. If I get dementia, make sure that there are plenty of snacks for me in the house. Even now if I don’t eat I get angry, and if I have dementia, I may have trouble explaining what I need.❤️
14. If I get dementia, don’t talk about me as if I’m not in the room.👍🏽
15. If I get dementia, don’t feel guilty if you cannot care for me 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s not your fault, and you’ve done your best. Find someone who can help you, or choose a great new place for me to live.👍🏽
16. If I get dementia, and I live in a dementia care community, please visit me often.❤️
17. If I get dementia, don’t act frustrated if I mix up names, events, or places. Take a deep breath. It’s not my fault.👍🏽
18. If I get dementia, make sure I always have my favorite music playing within earshot.❤️❤️❤️
19. If I get dementia, and I like to pick up items and carry them around, help me return those items to their original place.👍🏽
20. If I get dementia, don’t exclude me from parties and family gatherings.❤️
21. If I get dementia, know that I still like receiving hugs or handshakes.❤️🥰❤️
22. If I get dementia, remember that I am still the person you know and love.”🌼❤️

In Honor of someone you know or knew who has dementia. In Honor of those I know and love who are fighting Dementia/Alzheimer’s.

Someone once said if you take care of someone with dementia you lose them more and more everyday. When they get the diagnosis, when they go through different stages, when they need treatment and when they pass away.

This is called "the longest goodbye ". As the brain slowly dies, they change physically and eventually forget who their loved ones are. They could end up lying in bed, not moving and not eating or drinking.

There will be people who will scroll past this post because Dementia has not touched them. They may not know what it's like to have a loved one who has battled or is still battling dementia.

To raise awareness of this cruel disease, I would invite my friends to put this on their page today.

Hold your finger on the post to copy and paste to your timeline.
A special thank you to anyone willing to put this on their timeline for Dementia Awareness Week.💔

This. You ARE enough.
05/03/2026

This. You ARE enough.

Mindfulness. Jon Kabat-Zinn.
04/30/2026

Mindfulness. Jon Kabat-Zinn.

02/22/2026

Please be safe. Get your supplies today and hunker down for this incoming blizzard in New England. Sunday through Tuesday morning. Check on family members and friends. 🙏🏻🌨️🥶❄️

02/22/2026

Right Fuel: Story of the Day

"I refuse to fuel my heart with hate. We are headed somewhere magic, but we will need love to get there. And so I fill my heart with all of you."

*** PSA ***NHSP is asking anyone who may have into to reach out.
01/14/2026

*** PSA ***

NHSP is asking anyone who may have into to reach out.

Happy Thanksgiving 2025 🙏🦃
11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving 2025 🙏🦃

Family Grace: Story of the Day

"Dear god (or universe, or life, or earth), thank you for this food, and this day, thank you for friends who are family, and family who are friends, and the love we share, amen."

This story by Ellen Rockne, with art by Matthew Andreas, is available as an ornament here: https://conta.cc/4oD1Oxr

Want little bits of goodness in your email inbox? Click here to learn more about Story of the Day and to get a sweet treat: https://conta.cc/3zTZcYs

As yet another woman I know has been sexually assaulted, I felt it important to provide additional resources should they...
09/24/2025

As yet another woman I know has been sexually assaulted, I felt it important to provide additional resources should they be needed by anyone. I encourage anyone who has been assaulted, sexually or otherwise, to reach out for support, even if you are not certain you are ready to file a police report. Please stay safe, everyone.

Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-871-7741

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine https://www.sarssm.org/

Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault https://www.mecasa.org/

Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine provides free, confidential supportive services to people impacted by sexual violence, child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and trafficking through advocacy, education and emergency services.

Address

849 Main Street, Suite 100
Sanford, ME
04073

Opening Hours

Tuesday 11am - 7pm
Wednesday 11am - 7pm
Thursday 11am - 7pm
Friday 11am - 7pm

Telephone

+12073588546

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