“Having boundaries” is something we hear talked about a lot; in therapy, on social media, and in conversations about wellbeing. Yet for many people, boundaries can feel confusing, uncomfortable, or even selfish.

When we hear the term “eating disorder,” we often think of extreme cases. But the truth is, many people who would not meet diagnostic criteria still struggle quietly with food; through restriction, overeating, guilt, obsession, or emotional eating.

As we move into a new year, there’s often a lot of pressure to make big changes. New routines, new habits, new versions of ourselves. While intention can be helpful, this kind of pressure can also feel overwhelming; especially if you’re already tired, stressed, or emotionally stretched. Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to mean a complete overhaul. In fact, it’s often the smallest, most compassionate changes that make the biggest difference over time. Here are th

“Tell me about your childhood” is probably one of the most well-known clichés associated with therapy. It can sound predictable, even slightly dismissive - especially if you’re coming to therapy to talk about something happening now.   But there’s a reason this question is asked so often. Not because therapists are stuck in the past, and not because childhood is about blaming parents, but because fundamentally our early experiences shape how we learn to relate to ourselves, t

Grief is something every one of us will experience, yet it remains one of the hardest and most misunderstood emotions to navigate. It isn’t limited to bereavement — we can grieve many kinds of losses: relationships, health, identity, a stage of life, or even the person we once were. As a Cardiff counsellor, I often meet clients who believe they should be “over it” by now, or who feel guilty that they are still struggling. But grief doesn’t follow a timetable. It isn’t somethi

As the school holidays come to an end and the pace of life begins to settle, many of us find ourselves slipping back into routines. Whether your summer was filled with travel, family commitments, long workdays, or simply a much-needed rest, this time of year often feels like a return to normality . Routines can be grounding. They give us a sense of structure, stability, and predictability — all of which can help reduce stress and anxiety. But routines can also highlight where

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Helpful Tips to Manage Stress and Anxiety By Marie Finan – Cardiff Counsellor It’s natural to experience periods of emotional or mental strain—especially in today’s fast-paced, unpredictable world. Whether you’ve been navigating a particularly tough patch or are simply starting to notice the signs of burnout, it’s important to remember: your mental health matters . As a Cardiff counsellor , I often work with people who’ve spent months (or years) carrying stress silently, beli

Recently, I had a therapy session with a client where we identified that the next focus would be on self-esteem . Ahead of the session, I created a short tip sheet to help support the conversation—and since then, I’ve found myself sharing it with many more people. As a Cardiff counsellor , I often see how deeply self-esteem can affect our emotional wellbeing. While not every mental health challenge stems from low self-worth, there’s often a strong connection between how we fe