Coping at Christmas
Mental Health Abby Atkinson-Smith Mental Health Abby Atkinson-Smith

Coping at Christmas

Coping at Christmas

For some, Christmas and the festive period is a time of joy, but for others, and perhaps for you, this time of year can be a great challenge.

Feelings of loneliness, sadness, grief, anxiety, and anger are emotions I hear clients grappling with during this season, as well as fear and disappointment.

Not everyone’s circumstances are such that the festivities can pass by without a scratch, and if this is something you experience…

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Crisis Contacts for Those in England and Wales
Children's Mental Health, Mental Health Abby Atkinson-Smith Children's Mental Health, Mental Health Abby Atkinson-Smith

Crisis Contacts for Those in England and Wales

Crisis Contacts for Those in England and Wales

If you are in a major crisis and considering serious self-harm or suicide, are in need other urgent support, or feel unsafe and need help, it is vital to get immediate support by calling your GP, calling 999, or going to your nearest A&E department if you can safely get there.

More organisations can be found below…

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A Gentle Approach to Understanding and Managing Anxiety & Low Mood
Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health Abby Atkinson-Smith Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health Abby Atkinson-Smith

A Gentle Approach to Understanding and Managing Anxiety & Low Mood

A Gentle Approach to Understanding and Managing Anxiety & Low Mood

As a person-centred counsellor, I often sit with people feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or low mood.

It’s not just “in your head” - it affects your whole body, thoughts, and sense of self.

💕 Anxiety can feel like racing thoughts, tightness in the chest, or a constant state of "what if?".

💕 Low mood or depression often feels like a heaviness, numbness, or exhaustion from just getting through the day.

What I want you to know is this…

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Signs of Depression in Children
Depression, Children's Mental Health, Top Tips Abby Atkinson-Smith Depression, Children's Mental Health, Top Tips Abby Atkinson-Smith

Signs of Depression in Children


Signs of Depression in Children

As with many mental health issues, depression is on the rise among UK children. To help support parents and caregivers, I thought it might be helpful to offer some supportive and compassionate advice.

Firstly, what is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low self-esteem. It often affects a person's daily activities, relationships, and overall quality of life.

Common symptoms of depression in children might include…

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World Autism Awareness Day
Counselling, Coaching, Neurodivergence Abby Atkinson-Smith Counselling, Coaching, Neurodivergence Abby Atkinson-Smith

World Autism Awareness Day


World Autism Awareness Day

It’s World Autism Awareness Day! As a counsellor and coach, I am driven to support every person who comes to me, and feel particularly motivated to make a positive impact in the lives of my neurodivergent clients. Why? Because throughout my career, I have learned that there just isn’t enough good quality and inclusive support out there for Autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent people. Whether it’s down to funding, long waiting lists, or training that is not accessible enough - to me, it doesn't matter - put simply, I don’t think it’s good enough.

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How to Build Resilience
Counselling, Coaching, Resilience Abby Atkinson-Smith Counselling, Coaching, Resilience Abby Atkinson-Smith

How to Build Resilience


How to Build Resilience

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks, challenges, and stress. It’s not about avoiding difficulties, more about developing the tools to thrive through them. It is very normal to need to rebuild resilience after challenging events, or to need to build it as an adult if you did not have the opportunity to develop resilience during childhood and adolescence.

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What Is Positive Mental Health Coaching and How Can It Help You?
Coaching Abby Atkinson-Smith Coaching Abby Atkinson-Smith

What Is Positive Mental Health Coaching and How Can It Help You?

Positive Mental Health Coaching focuses on helping you develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts, emotions, and overall mental state. It’s all about empowering you to recognise your strengths, embrace self-compassion, and take proactive steps towards improving your mental wellbeing. Unlike therapy, which often focuses on resolving past issues, coaching is future-focused – it’s about setting goals, building resilience, and creating the life you want moving forward.

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What Is Person Centred Counselling and How Can It Help You?
Counselling Abby Atkinson-Smith Counselling Abby Atkinson-Smith

What Is Person Centred Counselling and How Can It Help You?

Person-centred counselling is all about you – your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It’s based on the belief that every person has the potential for personal growth and healing, given the right support. As a person-centred counsellor, my role is not to tell you what to do or fix you, but to create a safe, non-judgemental space where you can explore whatever’s on your mind.

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