Divorce can feel deeply disorientating, even when it is the right decision. This blog explores why separation can affect your sense of identity, direction and emotional stability in ways that are often unexpected.

Life can sometimes feel muted or flat, even when everything appears fine on the surface. This blog explores why that happens and what it might mean when you feel disconnected from your life.

Having space in life can feel more unsettling than expected, even when it is something you have chosen. This blog explores why stepping away from structure can create unease, and what it means to find yourself in an in-between phase.

There are times when stepping back from what we feel we should be doing can feel unexpectedly unsettling. This blog explores why periods of uncertainty can arise, and what it means to find yourself in between one stage of life and the next.

Redundancy can affect more than income. It can shake your confidence, sense of direction and identity, leaving you feeling uncertain about what comes next. This blog explores the emotional impact of unexpected work loss and the in-between space it can create.

Why does midlife make you question who you are? This blog explores identity shifts, changing roles and the quiet reckoning that often emerges in the middle years.

When work ends, the loss of structure can feel more unsettling than expected. This blog explores why retirement can bring uncertainty, identity shifts and emotional discomfort, even when it was planned or chosen.

Two wedding rings on a dark background, symbolising the end of a marriage and the reshaping of the future. Introduction Divorce is often described as a legal process, but the emotional journey that follows is far more complex. It is a profound life transition - one that touches identity, home, relationships, and the very sense of stability we rely on. Even when a separation feels like the right decision, it can still bring deep feelings of loss. You may grieve not only the re

A pair of worn work shoes on a wardrobe shelf besides a neatly hung white shirt and an empty hanger - symbolising the end of a working routine and the start of retirement. Introduction Retirement is often described as a reward - a well-earned rest after years of hard work. Yet for many people, it brings a mix of emotions that can feel surprising and sometimes unsettling. Beneath the surface of congratulations and celebrations, there can be uncertainty, loss, and even grief. W

An empty nest Introduction I was recently reading The New Neighbours by Claire Douglas, and one line stopped me in my tracks: “Our house, which had once felt so poky and overcrowded, will seem as empty as a beach out of season.” The image stayed with me. I could almost see it - the wide expanse of sand, the echo of waves, the emptiness where laughter once was. It made me think of the stillness that follows a full house once children have left home. What was once noisy, chaoti

Introduction I first came across the term liminal spaces a few years ago through a friend. At the time, I wasn’t quite sure what it meant, but it stayed with me. It was one of those phrases that felt both strange and familiar, as though I had been living it without having a name for it. When I later began reading more, I realised how much the concept resonated with the work I do in counselling - and how often people find themselves caught in the middle of these in-between pla

Introduction In my previous career in regulatory compliance, I became familiar with something called the regulatory sandbox. The regulator created this as a safe and controlled environment where businesses could test new ideas, products, and approaches without the usual risks of launching them straight into the real world. It was a place designed for experimentation - for trying things out, seeing what worked, and learning from what didn’t, all without the high stakes of imme

Introduction When life takes an unexpected turn, our first response is often to focus on what has been lost. It might be a job that ended, a relationship that changed, or a version of the future that no longer feels possible. These losses are real and deserve to be grieved. But something else often happens too. Something quieter. Beneath the pain, there can be a slow and subtle shift. An invitation, not always welcome at first, to start reassessing who we are and how we want

Introduction Navigating life transitions - whether it's the end of a relationship, a career shift, or a journey of childlessness - can be profoundly challenging. These moments bring unique forms of grief that are often overlooked, yet they offer a powerful opportunity for transformation. Self-care, in this context, goes beyond pampering or simple relaxation. It becomes a vital practice to help you reconnect with your values, reimagine your identity, and build resilience. Toda

Introduction Milestone birthdays go beyond marking another year; they invite us to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. Ages like 18, 30, 40, and 50 stand as significant turning points—moments when we ask, “Am I where I thought I’d be?” From the excitement of adulthood at 18 to the deeper contemplations of midlife at 50, these birthdays can stir both anxiety and opportunity. They serve as powerful reminders to reconnect with our values and intentions. This guide explores how mile

Introduction: The Challenge of Putting Yourself First In my last blog, I wrote about the importance of taking breaks as a counsellor, why I do it, and the benefits it has on my work with clients. But it got me thinking about how often I see clients struggle with putting their own needs first - or even putting them in the mix at all. Many people feel like taking time for themselves is a luxury they can’t afford. Have you ever felt guilty for taking a break? Self-care is import

Introduction: Nature as a Mirror for Life’s Journey When I was setting up my private practice, I spent a lot of time crafting the look and feel of my branding. It wasn’t just a creative exercise; I wanted something that carried deeper meaning. Eventually, I settled on the theme of Autumn, a season I’ve always viewed as a powerful metaphor for loss and change. It beautifully resonated not only with what I had witnessed in my clients’ journeys but also with my own life experien

Introduction I have just finished watching "I Am: Céline Dion" and I am deeply moved by the incredible journey of this legendary singer grappling with a serious and chronic illness. This powerful portrayal highlights not only her struggle with health but the overwhelming nature of unexpected life transitions and the collateral loss that come with such a diagnosis. Céline Dion was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological disorder characterised by severe

Introduction Last month, Newsweek published an article titled “Taylor Swift Is Not a Good Role Model.” Her alleged crime? Being unmarried and childless at the age of 34. The opinion piece, written by a man, acknowledges and even admires Swift’s musical talents and business acumen but questions whether her personal life choices are ones “we” want the sisters and daughters of our society to emulate. Despite his assurance that his concerns are rooted in sound reasoning, I believ