https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/home daily 1.0 2020-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1591784637836-LSZDR9D2QK8GZH51KIMI/IMG_20200609_232830_939.jpg Home - Contact us to arrange your free consultation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1592939166090-3TE1UBVZ3JE6X7CJU95O/How+to+do+counselling+online%3A+a+coronavirus+primer Home - 'How to do counselling online: a coronavirus primer' course This badge has been issued for participating in the activities in the free non-accredited 'How to do counselling online: a coronavirus primer' course. This free course supported demonstration of the following key learning outcomes: Understanding of the range of technology-based counselling types Awareness of key technological, legal, ethical and clinical considerations for safe and effective online counselling Sound knowledge and critical understanding of key concepts relevant to online counselling Reflected on the meaning of their own opinions, experiences and practices in relationship to digital communication technologies in terms of online counselling practice https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/tiger-ukulele-4675 daily 0.75 2021-08-01 https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/about daily 0.75 2020-06-19 https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/nikkis-bio daily 0.75 2020-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1592053993314-8IHE33WTKV7WHNKQ3O5H/NH+ID+photo.jpg Nikki's Bio - Nikki’s Bio Are you feeling alone, depressed or anxious due to the Corona virus pandemic or life in general? Or Are you suffering from work-related stress due to the pandemic or other uncontrollable factors? If so don't struggle in silence, reach out and take the first step into counselling as I can and will support you through & beyond this turbulent time. When working with you, I will use which ever counselling model that is most appropriate to your individual needs. This is because everyone experiences life and difficulties in completely different ways, therefore, needing bespoke therapy. I will work with you to explore your thoughts, feelings and relationships with others. We will look to examine any unresolved issues that may stem from your past and prevent you from moving forward in a healthy and positive way. Within the realms of CBT counselling, we will work within the here and now to understand, accept and explore your thoughts, feelings and negative behaviours that maybe impeding upon your life. Within this form of counselling you will learn the skills to enable you to deal with any problems that may arise in the future using the CBT approach. I am passionate about mental health and well-being and know that during this current turbulent and uncertain time, we need to look out for each other and talk about your worries, stresses and anxieties. Therefore, I am here for you, you have made the courageous step in contacting a counsellor for help. So please, do not suffer in silence, contact me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1592055730316-WQ6VT2IAEP0OXNAKBVRH/Screenshot_20200611-085733_Instagram.jpg Nikki's Bio - Nikki’s special interests: My special interests are working with people who are presenting with work-related stress. I particulary work with teachers, key workers and single mums. Over the years I have also worked with adults and vulnerable children who have presented with a wide variety of personal issues including: Anxiety and Depression Grief and Bereavement Relationship issues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1594750902357-Z4V0AFTUZI990H7F1ESJ/BACP+Logo+-+382449.png Nikki's Bio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1596722352269-H91EVVYGT98K2IL7I2U4/Psychology+today+logo.png Nikki's Bio https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/links daily 0.75 2020-06-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1592076729239-VIGDCNPJW9ER8WRVE28C/image-asset.jpeg Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1592076991809-10LB3U4X4MT9QG7GQBTC/image-asset.jpeg Information https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1592076506765-9WXR7834ZI333XMK963J/image-asset.jpeg Information https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/faqs daily 0.75 2025-10-31 https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/counselling-explained daily 0.75 2020-08-06 https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/domestic-narcissistic-abuse-explained daily 0.75 2020-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1596727386745-SO2ALVL5LOG4096QH2YS/Screenshot_20200806-162139_WhatsApp.jpg Domestic & Narcissistic Abuse explained https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1596727468258-2FFL6ELBC555V1MROM0U/Screenshot_20200806-162109_WhatsApp.jpg Domestic & Narcissistic Abuse explained https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/workrelated-stress daily 0.75 2020-08-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1596809520310-NGWKR2RANJ2A4Q87Z7TT/image-asset.jpeg Work-Related Stress - Work-Related Stress What is it? In today’s society it is believed that work-related stress is an escalating problem that accounts for the longest stretches of absenteeism not only in the UK but equally around the world. It affects not only the health and well-being of employees, but also the productivity of the organisation too. Work-related stress can be described as when the demands of the individual’s job role e.g. pressure or employee expectations exceeds the individual’s capacity and capability to cope within that situation. It can also be caused by continued change, a threat of job security/ potential redundancy, conflict and lack of communication between the individual’s employers and co-workers. Therefore, the perception of stress and stressful situations is unique to different people. Whether a person experiences work-related stress depends on the job, the person’s psychological make-up, and other factors (such as personal life and general health). Unfortunately, work related stress is described as an unbearable burden whereby, the individuals feel they must keep their heads down and carry on with the job even though they are struggling immensely in their role/work situation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1596809406843-BHD6JQIZU1T53CRWPBQZ/Screenshot_20200807-064251_Chrome.jpg Work-Related Stress - What causes work-related stress? When stress is triggered as a result of work pressures it can be due to a number of reasons such as: Long hours, heavy workload Changes within the organisation Tight deadlines, changes to duties Job insecurity, lack of autonomy Boring work Insufficient skills for the job Over-supervision Inadequate working environment Lack of proper resources / equipment Few promotional opportunities Harassment / Bullying / Discrimination Poor relationships with colleagues or bosses Crisis incidents, such as an armed hold-up or workplace death. Unfortunately, within today’s economic climate, individuals are pressurised to feel ‘grateful’ for having a job and the added pressures of working life get accepted rather than questioned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1596809364606-KZG9I4CPY9AJWF7LMAYR/Screenshot_20200807-061708_Chrome.jpg Work-Related Stress - What are the signs of stress? When an individual experiences acute stress their brain releases chemicals that tell the body that it is in danger, activating the flight or fight response, known as the body’s survival mechanism when faced with danger. During the fight or flight response the individual will experience an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, dry mouth and sweating. If you are experiencing or have had a long term exposure to stress, and the high levels of hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline that are activated within your body, can lead to increased vulnerability to illnesses, such as depression, obesity, heart disease, etc What are the symptoms of stress. Work related stress can show itself into various symptoms which can include: Insomnia leading to tiredness, sleep disturbances Irritability or outbursts of anger Low mood (anxiety & depression) Consuming too much caffeine or alcohol Low productivity accompanied by feelings of low achievement Regular absence and a higher sickness rate Being accident-prone Being cynical and defensive, finding fault Difficulty concentrating, lack of motivation Headaches, backache, muscle tension Indigestion, weight loss or gain – change in eating habits, Decreased level of exercise Increased use of alcohol or other drugs Shortness of breath, regular or lingering colds https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/narcissistatwork daily 0.75 2021-03-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1616329370179-0O9VHQN0SOYPONXJXN26/narcissist+in+the+workplace+mirror.jpg Narcissistic Co-worker explained - Stage One: Idealize Initially the narcissist at work will test and evaluate your worth to them as they want to see if you will give 150% to your role, if you do, they know they can and will control you. CONTROL is what defines the narcissist’s abuse. From the start they will claim that they are supporting you, mentoring you and even nurturing you to help you to settle into your new role. However, they are merely sitting and waiting for you to produce that ‘great idea’ that they can claim as their own. The narcissist co-worker thrives on praise and have a bottomless pit of need for admiration. However, alternatively if you are of a strong nature and boundaries (exceptionally productive in work but leave work on time) and refuse to pick up some of their work or say ‘no’ to them. You may find they will leave you alone or they will begin to spread malicious lies and rumours about you in order to attempt to drive you out of the organisation. Therefore, leaving room for a more amenable character to be employed in your place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1616329655389-VURF4OVJ3PSD1KWQN5QC/unsplash-image-4rWjKzxilGI.jpg Narcissistic Co-worker explained - Stage Two: Devalue This stage is about destroying you once the narcissist has indeed determined your worth to them. The will either use their ‘flying monkeys’ to spread malicious rumours and lies about you, will sabotage your work or can even steal work from you in an attempt to discredit and destroy you professionally. The ultimate goal here is for you to leave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1616329542864-ZT0XCAL2772JHEOKMXVE/unsplash-image-UHSjj-7jPYQ.jpg Narcissistic Co-worker explained Stage Three : The Discard Within the stage the narcissist has achieved what they set out to do, you have ultimately been ‘framed and shamed’ by the lies, that the narcissist has tarnished you with. You career within this organisation is OVER! https://www.hopeandharmonycounsellingservices.co.uk/child-therapy daily 0.75 2021-08-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1627830409810-943U1N5BZ7HG582RBP9T/unsplash-image-KQCXf_zvdaU.jpg Child Therapy - Childhood Anxiety What is Childhood Anxiety? All children and young people feel worried or fear something sometimes, and this is a normal part of growing up. It’s a feeling that is experienced as a combination of physical sensations, thoughts and feelings. Anxiety becomes a problem when the individual feels stuck or ‘controlled by it’, this then can become overwhelming, distressing and a unmanageable experience for the child causing them to feel and become isolated from their loved ones, friends and society in general. Symptoms of anxiety Anxiety tends to affect a child /young person’s body, thoughts and feelings resulting in them behaving differently, including turning to certain coping behaviours to try to avoid or manage their anxiety. Physical symptoms: panic attacks, a racing heart, breathing very quickly, sweating or shaking shallow or quick breathing, or feeling unable to breathe feeling sick, dry mouth sweating more than usual and/or getting very hot tense muscles or wobbly legs Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), changes in bladder or bowel habits Thoughts & feelings: preoccupied by upsetting, scary or negative thoughts nervous, on edge, panicky or frightened overwhelmed or out of control full of dread or an impending sense of doom alert to noises, smells or sights worrying, unable to cope with daily things like school, friendships and being in groups or social situations worrying so much that it is difficult to concentrate and/or sleep Coping behaviours: withdrawing or isolating themselves – (not wanting to go to school, be in social or group situations) not wanting to be away from parents or try new things repeating certain behaviours, actions or rituals (often called ‘obsessive compulsive behaviours’) eating more or less than usual self-harming https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1627830701577-ZC7WB4G44G9NHK962JSN/unsplash-image-2fCkkbNV4XI.jpg Child Therapy - Childhood Depression What is childhood depression? If your child is feeling depressed, their sadness and low feelings become increasingly overwhelming, persisting over a longer period of time and making day-to-day life difficult. As a parent this can be an incredibly worrying time for you and your child but, with the right support your child can come out of depression and feel okay again! As a parent, knowing the difference between your child having a generally low mood and that of feeling depressed is important when offering the right support to them. It is useful to know that if your child is experiencing a low mood, they may feel sad, tearful, angry, worried, have less confidence and tired. However, after a few days they start to pick up and feel better as they have begun to make small changes in their life or routine etc. Symptoms of depression If your child or young person is depressed, their sadness and general unhappiness does not change or go away with time as it’s very difficult to shift the situation without professional support and assistance. While every young person is different, and these feelings are often expressed differently at different ages, your child may be feeling depressed if they are consistently: withdrawal from social situations or avoiding friends concentration difficulties and/or losing interest in things no desire to do things feeling irritable or angry feeling tearful, miserable, lonely, hopeless, empty, numb no interest in self-care activities being very self-critical, or feeling less confident sleeping and/or eating more/less than normal feeling tired or not having any energy self-harm or suicidal ideation If you believe your child is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean they are experiencing depression. However, it is important that you discuss your concerns with your GP straight away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1627827115422-S66YJODL2GIR49F18LLR/unsplash-image-Qc0kNcRR61M.jpg Child Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1627827264537-P79RTY3K1N6D803ABGC8/unsplash-image-1TfFiHeZZ3Q.jpg Child Therapy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5edfda2492ac36593853a0d3/1627827342068-LEG47ZK06SL0XZ62RVE3/unsplash-image-NPmR0RblyhQ.jpg Child Therapy