I am sure that many of you, like me, received a lot of pictures like this in the last 24 hours, on social media, messenger, whatsapp and many more.  But for many people this is a very lonely time of the year.  If you are suffering with any kind of issues then maybe it is time to make some changes and see how 2020 can be different from other year.  I have extensive experience working with all age groups and different issues.  I offer a safe place for you to explore your feelings and explore the changes that you want to make.  Contact me for more information.

Another year is coming to a close.  I am sure that many people will have their list of New Year's Resolutions ready.  But change can be tough.  Our brains can be programmed to repeat habits previously made.  It is up to us to make changes for a different life.  

Remember - if you always do what you have always done you will always get what you have always got.

Whilst change can be challenging it can also be rewarding.  

So if you need a bit of support to achieved your resolutions and make 2020 the year of change for you then contact me to see how we can work together to make the changes you want to make.

I am back after 1 year off to increase my already extensive training and very excited to get started again.  I have a brand new office in the centre of Velez Malaga for face 2 face clients that live in the area and also will work online via skype.  I am very excited to get started again in 2020.  So if you have not had the greatest 2019 and looking to make changes in 2020 why not contact me and arrange an appointment.  I am very flexible with hours and will always try to work to suit the client.  
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Kestrel counselling has spread it wings and moved into an office in the centre of Fuengirola.  For my skype clients the area has much more reliable and faster wifi so giving a much better connection.  For face to face clients it is in a centre of massage and other therapies and for me has a very peaceful feel to the place.  I am really loving the space and I am very excited for this next chapter in the life of the business.

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Mental illness is an illness the same as chicken pox, the flu and all the other illnesses that our bodies sometimes get. I feel the difference with mental illness is our attitudes.  I have suffered from anorexia and bulimia, needing professional help and support to aid my recovery.  I felt very alone and ashamed.  I now see that it was an illness and I am proud that I help others overcome mental illnesses, just as my local doctor helps me when I have a physical illness.
If some of life's challenges are getting too much then don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help.  

I always watch the London Marathon, normally with tears in my eyes as I hear the stories from the people that are running and the reasons that they are running.

However, this year more tears than normal, having watched the incredible TV programme by the BBC (and still available on iplayer) Mind over Marathon.  The programme followed the journey of 10 ordinary people who have experienced mental health issues in their journey to complete the London Marathon.  They spoke openly about their problems. Watching the follow up programme as they actually competed in the Marathon was even more emotional for.

One of this years sponsored charities was Heads Together, a charity that looks to promote open discussion about mental health issues.  The patrons are the Duke and Duchess of York and Prince Harry.  Getting people to talk about mental health issue is a first step to it being seen as part of life and not something to be hidden behind closed doors.

For me the hardest part is having the courage to admit that you need help.  I battled with bulimia, anorexia and binge eating for years before admitting that I could not control this alone.  Asking for help was difficult but the relief that I got having taken this step was huge.  Suddenly I was not alone.  Many years down the line and my weight is not an issue and I am very comfortable with myself.  My self esteem has sored.

If you are feeling that life is overwhelming you, then please reach out and ask for help. It could be the hardest but best thing you ever did.

For more information about our services please contact me.

For me this was not the best article to start my week.  I feel like the minute the budget gets tight, mental health is the first to suffer.  This week an article in the Irish Times reports suspension of Children's Mental Health Services.  I always feel sad to read this and hope that they will re-consider and re-prioritise as I believe that Children and Young People with Mental health issues cannot effectively learn.

Staff Shortage Suspends Children's Mental Health Service

Exercise has been shown to help improve our mental health.  My own personal experience is that I can cope with like much better when I run - not for miles every day - but getting the heart pumping each morning is the greatest way to start the day.  

One reason that we hear alot is that 'I haven't got time'.  In our busy lives it can be very diffcult to find the time to exercise reguarly.  Part of our programme is looking at your life and working out how to make exercise a 'normal' part of your life.

When exercise is added to the life it can help to have a target.  So I was thrilled to see this initiative from the British Heart Foundation which was launched today (the same day as the Telegraph published an article stating that 20 million Brits are putting their health at risk by not exercising and being overweight). The target is to run a marathon - in a month - taking as much time as you need as long as the 26,2 miles over the month of May.  If you are ready to take that first step this is the link to sign up.

My Marathon Information

Get up and go for it.  If you are one of millions that are struggling to lose weight and need a little more help then feel free to contact me for more information about our weight loss programmes.

What price do you put on your health?

I was very happy to read this article as we raise awareness for mental health issues and reduce the stigma attached to mental health issues.  I still find clients that do not want to friends to know that they are having counselling as they are concerned what they would think.  The reality is that according to the Mind Website 1 in 4 people will have a mental health issue each year.  

BBC article announcing more funding for Time to Change campaign
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If you are currently suffering with mental health issues, the first huge step is asking for help.  This step can be very difficult to take for many people.  However, given that 25% of the population suffer from mental health issues, it is very common and this first step is the step on the journey to recovery.

I have worked with client of every age from 5 to 65.  Contact me for more information.

I was not surprised to read this letter in the Guardian as I maybe could have written it many years ago.

Letter in the Guardian

It you are struggling or your feel that your child may be struggling then we can help to ease the journey through exams.