Notes from the Journey

Grief and Identity Counselling in Littlehampton | Online Support Exploring how grief affects identity after loss and how counselling can help.  Grief is often described as missing someone, but for many people, it is also the experience of losing yourself. After a significant loss, clients often ask quietly but urgently: “I don’t recognise who I am anymore...is this normal?”   As a counsellor and psychotherapist, I support people navigating grief, loss, and life transitions. I work in a gentle, creative and trauma-informed way, shaping sessions around what you need. At first, this is often about creating space for you to share your loss, to witness your grief, and to gradually start reflecting on your life. A lot of this work is often around understanding who you were before the loss or change, who you are afterward, and who you would like to be.   In this blog: How Grief Affects Identity Why the New Year Can Intensify Grief Common Identity Questions After Loss D...

Struggling with grief at Christmas? Compassionate counselling support near Littlehampton for grief, loss and life transitions. Christmas is often described as a time of joy, connection and celebration. Yet for many people living with grief, loss and life transitions, the festive season can feel painfully isolating. When the world seems determined to celebrate, grief can feel louder, heavier and more visible. As a counsellor supporting people near Littlehampton and online across the UK, I see every year how Christmas can intensify grief, with feelings of sadness, longing and disconnection.  I have also noticed that it does not seem to matter whether the loss is recent or many years old. I am here to help you understand why grief can feel so overwhelming at Christmas, and to remind you that you don’t need to do life alone. At a glance: Why does grief feel so intense at Christmas?  Ways to understand grief at Christmas  5 ways to support someone who is grieving this Christm...

  November has a way of feeling both heavy and hopeful. The darker evenings and the shift in seasons can bring up feelings of loss, reflection, and sometimes a quiet longing for comfort. At the same time, it’s the start of a new month; a chance to pause, take a breath, and set gentle intentions for yourself. Pause for reflection: Take five minutes each morning to check in with yourself. Notice what you’re feeling without judgment. A simple journal prompt like “What do I need today?” can be surprisingly grounding. Create a small ritual: Whether it’s lighting a candle, stepping outside for a mindful walk, or simply making your favourite tea, small rituals can anchor you in the present. Move gently: Your body holds grief too. Stretching, walking in nature, or mindful movement can help release tension and bring a sense of calm. Set micro-intentions: Instead of big goals, focus on one small, achievable action each day; something that nurtures you and your well-being. Grief doesn’t foll...

It’s been a while since I last shared a blog post - since August 2023 - in fact! Life, work, and personal reflection have kept me away, but I’ve been quietly learning, growing, and preparing to share more with you.  I’m excited to be back and to offer posts that focus on grief, loss, and life transitions. and gentle ways to support yourself, especially as we step into the reflective season of November.  I’ll be exploring themes like Stress Awareness Week , Self-Care Week , and Remembrance Sunday , along with practical tips, reflections, and creative approaches to emotional well-being. Thank you for being here. I’m looking forward to reconnecting and sharing content that supports you at your pace, in your way. ✨ If you’d like support in the meantime, you can book a free 15-minute consultation here: www.jrosecounselling.com Jennifer Rose Counselling & Psychotherapy 

    Does therapy work? So far, we have looked at what therapy is and had a brief rundown of the types of therapy and some of the ways you can access it.   This week, we ask the question: Does therapy actually work?   I’m Jennifer Rose, a UK counsellor, psychotherapist and Mental Health Recovery worker.   My blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptom or medical condition. For week three of my blogging adventure, I am continuing to answer some of the questions I had when I first discovered the world of therapy. But first, I want to ask - do you have a favourite book? It was Book Lovers Day on the 9 th of August, and while I was a student counsellor and psychotherapist, my go-to book was Mick Cooper’s ‘Essential Research Findings in Counselling and Ps...