Lockwood Studios

20/06/2026

Come on down to the last weekend of SAOS we even have a birthday boy

19/06/2026

19/06/2026

With Men’s Mental Health Week and Father’s Day falling around the same time, I wanted to acknowledge how often dads put themselves last.

Many of the fathers I speak to (in my personal and work life) are juggling work, family responsibilities, finances, relationships and the constant pressure to keep everything going. From the outside they seem to be coping well, but underneath this may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed, exhausted, trapped or simply not quite themselves.

The problem is that many men don't feel comfortable asking for support or voicing their difficulties. Often they think they should just get on with it or if they do consider seeking help, worry that this means facing long waiting lists or committing to months of counselling when they're unsure if this will work for them.

That's one of the reasons I created my Wellbeing MOTs.

They're designed to be a simple, no-pressure opportunity to check in on your emotional wellbeing. Think of it like an MOT for your mental and emotional health. We take a look at what's going well, what's feeling difficult, and what support or strategies might help. For many people, one conversation is enough to provide some clarity and direction.

There's no expectation of ongoing sessions and no big commitment up front - just a chance to talk things through in a safe, confidential space.

If you've been meaning to prioritise your own wellbeing, or you know someone who might benefit from a conversation, I'd be happy to help.

Because looking after yourself isn't selfish. It's one of the best things you can do for the people you care about too.

To find out more visit www.lockwoodtherapyandwellbeing.co.uk

15/06/2026

The most important part of counsellor/therapist training happens outside the classroom.

As more people choose counselling and psychotherapy as a career, finding the right training course has become increasingly important.

One thing I always encourage prospective trainees to look for is a course that places real value on personal therapy.

The most powerful learning often doesn't happen in the classroom; it happens when you're sitting in the client's chair.

Through personal therapy, you can explore your emotions, understand your patterns, recognise blind spots, examine relationships, and gain a deeper understanding of yourself. These experiences help build the self-awareness that is essential for effective therapeutic work.

It's often through this process that trainees gain the confidence and insight needed to move from being the client to becoming the therapist.

If your course requires personal therapy, or you're considering starting your own therapeutic journey before training begins, I'd love to support you.

As a qualified counsellor, BACP-accredited practitioner, former counselling lecturer, and someone who has sat in both the client and therapist chairs, I have a particular passion for working with trainee counsellors.

Feel free to message me for to arrange a conversation.



Photo by Jeremy Vessey on Unsplash

15/06/2026

13/06/2026