At the start of a new year, many people find themselves thinking about how they want to look after themselves moving forward. Not in a big, dramatic way - but in a way that feels steady, supportive, and realistic.   An option many of my clients find helpful is block booking Cardiff therapy sessions, and I wanted to share a little about why this can be a beneficial choice for some people (as long as it’s affordable and feels right for you).   Therapy as a commitment to yoursel

In small and medium-sized businesses, leaders often wear many hats; you can be responsible for growth, finances, operations, people - and often, the emotional temperature of the workplace too. When an employee begins to struggle, it can feel difficult to know what to do next. Do you have a conversation? Suggest time off? Refer them somewhere? But if so, where? For many SMEs, the challenge isn’t a lack of care. It’s a lack of clarity. And that’s where having a trusted external

As the clocks change and the days grow shorter, many people begin to notice a shift in their mood, energy, and motivation. The darker evenings, colder weather, and reduced sunlight can all have an impact on how we feel — and for some, this time of year can feel particularly heavy or isolating. As a Cardiff counsellor, I often see clients around this time of year who are finding it harder to maintain their usual balance. Whether it’s struggling with low energy, changes in slee

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

A local guide from a Cardiff counsellor Exploring the Journey: An Illustration Depicting the Nuanced Paths of Counselling and Psychotherapy. If you’ve been searching online for Cardiff therapy , you’ve probably seen phrases like “counselling in Cardiff” , “therapy in Cardiff”  and “Cardiff psychotherapy”  used almost interchangeably. It can feel confusing—especially when you’re already trying to decide whether professional support is right for you. Below, I’ll clarify the key

Exploring the Experience of Therapy in Cardiff If you’ve been considering  therapy in Cardiff  but feel unsure about what it involves, you’re not alone. Many people look for support but hesitate to ask for help. They are unsure about what  therapy  is and if it is right for them. In this post, I want to explore what therapy means. I will discuss how it can help and what it’s like to be “in therapy.” As a  therapist  in Cardiff, I help people from all backgrounds. They come to

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Why People Seek Counselling in Cardiff Life in a busy city like Cardiff can be exciting—but also overwhelming. Whether you’re juggling work demands, experiencing burnout, managing relationship struggles, or navigating a loss, it’s completely human to need support. As a Cardiff counsellor , I regularly support people who are: Struggling with anxiety or low mood Dealing with grief or significant life changes Feeling stressed or disconnected in their work or relationships Looki

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

Staying Resilient During COVID-19: Tips from a Cardiff Counsellor The coronavirus pandemic has affected all of us in ways we couldn’t have predicted. When news of the virus first reached us in early 2020, it was hard to understand what it would mean for our everyday lives. Now, a year on, the impact has been undeniable—and often painful. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, job insecurity, missed plans, or simply a disconnection from the people and routines we relied on, eve

I’ve spent the last few days considering a response to the recent death of George Floyd and the civil unrest that has understandably followed. Shamefully, his death in such circumstances was not unprecedented, but for a black man to die so violently and neglectfully in the hands of authority is unpalatable, and unacceptable in 2020. Initially I felt afraid of writing the wrong words or questioned what I could offer as a white woman. But on further reflection, I think that i

Reaching the decision to start therapy isn’t always easy. You might have been thinking about counselling in Cardiff  for weeks, months—or even years. Often, the question isn’t whether therapy can help, but when is the right time to begin? The truth is, many people find that their issues come and go, or feel manageable—until they don’t. For some, it’s only at the point of crisis or burnout  that they seek support. But therapy isn’t just for crisis—it’s also a space to grow, ga

Understanding CBT: A Closer Look at Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Cognitive Behavioural Therapy—often known as CBT —is one of the most recognised forms of talk therapy, particularly due to its use within NHS mental health services. But despite its popularity, CBT can sometimes be misunderstood or even dismissed as a “quick fix.” As a Cardiff therapist  working integratively, I’d like to offer some clarity on what CBT is (and isn’t), how it can help, and how it fits into a fle

Christmas is well and truly here—and for many, it feels impossible to ignore. Even those we might consider to have “good mental health” can find the festive season stressful, overwhelming, or deeply disappointing. As a Cardiff therapist , I see how Christmas can stir up difficult emotions—especially for those navigating grief, anxiety, financial stress, or strained relationships. If you're feeling low or struggling this season, you are not alone—and you are not doing Christma

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

Let’s start with something simple but often overlooked: don’t be afraid of the term “mental health.”  We all have it—and just like our physical health, it can fluctuate from day to day. For your employees, those shifts are influenced not only by personal issues but also by the culture, workload, and environment of the workplace. As a Cardiff therapist  working with professionals across a variety of industries, I’ve seen how much of an impact work can have on our wellbeing. A

Like many of us, this past year has brought challenges—not the dramatic, mountain-climbing kind, but the everyday struggles that wear away at our wellbeing. As a Cardiff therapist , I’ve experienced these ups and downs alongside clients and in my own life: keeping up with professional development, tending to my own wellbeing, and trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance. One mindset shift that has really helped me—and that I often explore in therapy in Cardiff —is the i

I’m writing this blog after finally recovering from a stubborn four-week cold. It’s that time of year when everyone seems to be sniffling. But how can we allow ourselves to slow down, accept that we’re unwell, and recover—while still managing our daily lives? As a Cardiff therapist , I often support clients through difficult seasons—whether emotional or physical. Winter can be particularly hard on our mood, energy, and immunity. Here are some practical ways to look after your