If you're still showing up, still meeting your responsibilities, still managing to get through the day, it can be hard to recognise that you might be burning out. Burnout doesn't always look like a dramatic collapse. Sometimes it looks like someone who's functioning perfectly well on the outside whilst feeling increasingly disconnected, exhausted, or empty on the inside. I'm Jodie James, a BACP-registered counsellor based in North Manchester. I work with people navigating str

If you find yourself thinking "it wasn't that bad" or "others had it worse," even when part of you knows something harmful happened, you're not alone. These phrases and the doubt that comes with them, can show up repeatedly after experiences that were confusing, frightening or left you feeling unsafe. Sometimes it appears the moment you begin to name what happened. Other times it arrives months or years later, just as you're starting to make sense of things. This article is f

Life can feel relentlessly busy and emotionally demanding. Many people are juggling work pressures, family responsibilities, financial concerns, health worries, and the quiet expectation to keep going no matter how they feel. It’s easy to put your own needs to one side, telling yourself that others have it worse or that you should be able to cope. Over time, this can lead to feelings of anxiety, low mood, stress, exhaustion, or a sense of being disconnected from yourself or t

Understanding imposter syndrome

Infidelity, encompassing both emotional and sexual betrayals, profoundly affects individuals' mental well-being. The breach of trust can...

The beginning of a new year provides an excellent opportunity to reflect on our habits and embrace healthier choices. For many, January...

Anxiety can often seem like a constant state of distressing symptoms that, for some, can feel out of control. However, it need not...

Counselling remains an essential yet sometimes misunderstood element of modern mental health care. Despite increasing awareness and...

Embarking on counselling can be a transformative experience. Knowing what to expect in your first session can ease any apprehension and...

In recent years, the intersection of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and domestic violence has attracted substantial attention from researchers, psychologists, and mental health professionals across the globe. This comprehensive article will explore the complexities of how the two are connected, shedding light on the relationship between these two distressing circumstances. Unmasking Domestic Violence Often lurking beneath the surface, domestic violence remains a pervas

Bereavement, the period of mourning following the loss of a loved one, marks a deeply personal and emotionally complex experience. As we...

Loss and grief are integral parts of the human condition, with almost everyone experiencing this disconcerting cycle of emotions at some...

When we say 'I do', we rarely imagine that the winding road of marriage may eventually lead us to a 'we don't'. Yet, life often unfolds...

The enduring consequences of trauma and abuse can have lasting effects, leading to severe damage to one's self-esteem and confidence....

Separation can leave one in a realm of emotional turmoil and overwhelming uncertainty. Whether amicable or acrimonious, the dissolution...

Emerging from the trauma of an abusive relationship can be a monumental struggle but one that can lead to personal growth and...

Trauma can cast a long and pernicious shadow, affecting our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. We understand the deep pain it...

Breaking up or going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging life experiences. You might feel as if a part of you is lost,...

In an age of digital connectedness, an ironic reality is taking shape—more and more individuals grapple with feelings of isolation and...

Grieving is a deeply personal journey. When faced with loss, it's easy to overlook the significance of tending to our own needs whilst...