JACQUELINE GREEN COUNSELLING

ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Jacqueline.

Originally from Wales, and now living on the East coast of Scotland, I am an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist working with young people and adults.

I offer counselling and clinical supervision online and outside in nature.

Counselling with me is a deeply personal experience which focusses on growing and healing from difficult experiences and encouraging transformative change. I usually find myself working with young people and adults who are going through, or have gone through big life changes and it's rocked their sense of self. I help people to reconnect to themselves, accept this new way of life, and build confidence and trust in yourself as you go.

Although I work with all emotional challenges and life experiences, some specialities I work within include; adolescent experiences, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, perinatal, and family breakdown.

I am currently training in working somatically with trauma in therapeutic practice. This will allow me to integrate body-based approaches to support people in processing and resolving trauma.

I am a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).

As well as accredited qualifications with young people and adults, I have 15+ years experience in the mental health field, working in schools, the NHS, the third sector and within private practice.

I am fully insured, an ICO controller, and I engage in regular supervision and training.

Lately, showing up for myself has looked like small, intentional shifts. Some quiet, some clumsy, all part of a seasonal way of living.

I’m saying no to the mindless snacking that leaves me feeling disconnected.

I’m having earlier bedtimes, not perfectly, but consistently enough to feel the difference.

I’m letting my hobbies ebb and flow — dropping the pressure to dive in 100% and instead enjoying the moments I do go for a run or write in my journal.

I’m tinting my own eyebrows at home and sometimes painting my nails, not because it’s revolutionary, but because these small self-tending rituals remind me that I’m worth the care.

I’m spending real, unfiltered time with people I love: slow, 1:1 conversations with friends and family that don’t always make it to my calendar but always fill me up.

I finally picked up a book I’ve been circling for months and I’m reading it without the pressure to finish quickly or extract wisdom from every page.

I’m planning ahead for the goals that matter and at the same time, holding space for how I feel on the actual day. Do I still want that coffee meet-up? Does that run still feel supportive? Can I swap it for silence? No rigidity here!

Spending more time in nature. Right now, that means the beach. Not a forest bathe, mountain retreat or a perfect hike, but toes in the sand, and a slow exhale that only the sea seems to pull from me. It is summer after all! And add to this - lunch outside, anytime I can! Podcast on, iced coffee and fresh air!

Replenishment is a biggie. Whether that nutritious meals a soothing face mask, lots of water or vitamins&minerals.

And taking time off - lots of different versions of annual leave. Some for time by myself, some days with my family, and some with friends….because all are important!

This season, showing up for myself isn’t flashy. It’s rhythmic. It’s reflective.
It’s a quiet return to the present- again and again.

What small and imperfect ways are you showing up for yourself at the moment?

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #healing #walkandtalktherapy #innerpeace #personaldevelopment #selfcare #selfworth #selfvalue

“Should I be feeling like this?”
“Is this worthy of therapy?”
“How does everyone else seem to manage?”

These are the questions I hear every single week in the therapy room.

You’re not in crisis.
You’re functioning. Managing. Showing up.
But the cost of holding it all is starting to show…..quietly.

I work with people who are self-aware, thoughtful, and ready to understand why life feels heavier than it should, and how they can start to feel like themselves again.

Therapy is where we unravel that stuckness.
Not to fix you, but to help you find you again.

You don’t have to justify how you feel.
You just have to be curious enough to explore it.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #therapy #counselling #healing #selfworth

It wasn’t about escape.
It was about space.
To feel. To think. To come back to herself.

Sometimes we don’t need a new life.
We just need time away from the noise
to remember what’s ours, and what isn’t.

Whether that’s a view from 30,000ft or 10 quiet minutes in the car. Or anything in between.
The work is the same.

I see this in therapy all the time:
Women don’t need rescuing.
They need room to choose.

This freedom is everything.
And that’s something I’m deeply passionate about making space for in therapy….

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #healing #innerpeace #personaldevelopment #authenticity #integrity

You feel trapped, but it’s not that you want to leave…. You don’t want to run away and never come back.
You just feel… tired. And stuck. And it’s chlostrophobic.

Exhausted by a life that looks fine on the outside, but quietly erodes you on the inside.

Maybe you’re the one who works part-time, so you feel like you can’t ask for more help at home.
Maybe he earns more, so you don’t feel like the money is really “yours.”
Then you don’t book the help you need and you find yourself asking for permission more than you care to admit.
You don’t make the changes you’re craving because you don’t know how.
Because it feels like there’s no room.

No room to rest.
No room to ask.
No room to even imagine what it would look like if things shifted.
And while we are on it, you don’t feel you should have to ‘ask’ so there’s another layer of anger….

You think:
“It’s not worth the argument.”
“It’s easier to just do it myself.”
“I haven’t got the energy to explain what I need”.

And that quiet resignation?
It’s not laziness.
It’s survival.

You’ve been carrying too much for too long, and there’s never been a safe place to lay it down. To be understood. Really understood.

But here’s the truth:
Society is not set up for whole families like this. It’s not catching up very quickly and women are feeling trapped, with no autonomy over their life. No agency. No freedom from the daily grind. And with little support to change things it just becomes another responsibility that she would have to hold.

With the unraveling of anger and resentment, it causes destruction inside our lives.

I see this in the counselling room every week.
If this sounds like you - know you’re not alone and when you can, I hope you can find someone to talk to ❤️

I became the therapist I needed years ago.

I spent a long time navigating life’s biggest transitions mostly in my own head. Figuring it out quietly, independently, and often with no roadmap.

Through the various life transitions, I’ve shifted my identity as I started over again.
Always growing into a newer version of myself.
It taught me resilience, yes, but also how easy it is to become over-reliant on self-protection, on doing it all alone.

Therapy helped me start doing things differently.
To build relationships where I could be fully seen.
To speak what I needed, not just think it.
To trust that vulnerability wouldn’t cost me connection, it could deepen it.

Now, that’s the work I hold space for:
Not just coping, but relating.
Not just surviving change, but learning how to belong in the life you’re creating.

And like I said in my last post - not only my clients form and change in our sessions, I continue to do so too.

#eastlothiancounselling #eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothian #counselling

Therapy isn’t a one way street.

Bearing witness to grief, to trauma, to bravery, to deep unravelling, it doesn’t just stay with the client.
It stays with me, too.

This work shapes how I see people.
How I hold space.
How I love.

It doesn’t harden me though.
It softens me: over and over again.

I am deeply grateful to all of my past and present clients - for trusting me and allowing me in to support you.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #eaatlothian

This reel is a lighthearted take on a moment that many therapists will recognise: listening with care on the outside, while internally staying curious about where the session might lead.

Therapy doesn’t always follow a clear path or reach a defining moment in every session. Sometimes the work is in staying with what’s here, returning to themes that matter, making sense of experiences slowly, and allowing safety and trust to grow over time.

As a therapist, I don’t assume what’s ready to shift or surface. Sometimes people don’t need to air every thought and feeling and detail.
I hold space with patience and care, knowing that insight and change come in many forms, not always in the big, obvious ways, but often through small recognitions, new language, or simply the experience of being heard differently as we go over a familiar theme.

This reel is a playful way of showing that side of therapy. While I’m present and engaged, I’m also holding the deeper process, wondering where we are in your story, what’s being communicated beyond words, and how we can keep working together in a way that feels respectful to your pace and capacity.

Therapy isn’t about pushing for answers.
It’s about walking alongside with trust in what will come when it’s ready.
And when safe and ready, that’s where we open up a new way of communicating - with with offerings of what this experience may mean and where we go from here.
Therapy is a fascinating journey.

Wherever you are in your counselling journey, just know that it’s exactly where you need to be ❤️

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #therapy #counselling #eastlothian

Friday’s here!!!!
Time to put down the heavy thoughts and pick up some silliness!
As a therapist, I know how important it is to find joy in the little things (like buying yourself flowers, spinning a vase and smiling as the neighbour sees 🤪)

So go ahead, be playful, be silly, and let yourself breathe into the weekend. You deserve it! 🌼😄✨

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #therapistthoughts #counselling #eastlothian

Not everything needs to be fixed.
Not everything has to make sense right away.

Sometimes what we need most when going through a big life change is someone who won’t rush us through the pain, but who can stay with us in it.

I’m Jacqueline Green, therapist in Dunbar (East Lothian), and I work with people navigating the quiet unraveling that transitions can bring.

If you’re in that in-between space; where nothing feels solid, and you’re not sure who you are anymore then I want to say that you’re not broken. You’re human.

You don’t have to navigate it alone.
Reach out if you’re ready to be met right where you are. I have two spaces opening up for summer ☺️

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #healing #walkandtalktherapy #onlinetherapy #lifetransitions #feelingstuck #identity

That’s right - Your healing era will cost you.
Not just time or effort, but people, places, patterns, and also parts of yourself that once felt like home.

As you begin to set boundaries, speak your truth, and prioritise your peace, you may start to notice who drifts away.

Some people were attached to your wounds, not your worth.
And as you grow, not everyone will celebrate your transformation because your healing challenges their comfort.

Yes, it will hurt.
Grief is a quiet companion on the path to becoming.
But don’t lose heart.
With loss comes clarity.

Over time, you’ll find people who don’t need you to explain your growth, who hold space for your boundaries, and who show up without needing you to be smaller, quieter, or less of yourself.

You’re not losing everything - you’re making space for what’s real.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #healingera #grief #healing #authenticity

If you’re wondering how might therapy help you, let these statements guide you.

People show up to counselling for one reason or another.
Sometimes that reason is obvious.
Sometimes it’s not.
There is no ‘right time’ to go into therapy.
I meet you exactly where you’re at and help you with what you’re carrying.
Soon enough, your path becomes clear.

Follow @jacquelinegreencounselling for more on therapy talks.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounsellor #therapy #counselling #healing #innerpeace

Welcome to my TED Talk (aka: things I wish someone had told me in 2009).

I know, it’s silent. It’s 100x speed.
You’re watching me flail my arms like I’m negotiating peace between your inner child and your adult responsibilities.

That’s because:
1. Social media takes time that I haven’t got today.
2. I have posted very little these last few weeks and something is better than nothing. Or is it…? 🙈
3. Healing isn’t always loud. In fact, it can be very silent.

The wild thing about self-awareness is: the more you have, the more you realise how much you didn’t know.

You think it’ll make life clearer - and in some ways it does. But suddenly you’re overanalysing eye contact, family group chats, your attachment style and your local barista’s tone of voice. You’re standing in Tesco wondering if that slight edge in your friend’s voice was a boundary or just low blood sugar. You’re mentally rewriting that text message five times because “just checking in” suddenly sounds emotionally loaded. You’re in a team meeting wondering if your need to people-please is actually unresolved parental dynamics.

So this reel? It’s not a tip. It’s not a “must-know.”
It’s not 5 things you should do.
It’s just me, caught between wanting to share something meaningful… and realising maybe we don’t always need more advice.

Sometimes the most helpful thing is less noise and a quiet reminder:
You’re already doing better than you think.
Go at your own pace and not Instagram’s.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #healing #walkandtalktherapy #onlinetherapy #innerpeace #personaldevelopment

Have you ever felt stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming?
Like you can’t go back, but you’re not quite sure where forward is either.

This space: that uncomfortable, uncertain middle is where so many of my clients find themselves.
It’s confusing, exhausting, and sometimes lonely.
Most people mull over these reflections alone, trying to make sense of the in-between.

In therapy with me, we slow down that noise.
We create a safe space to explore those feelings of loss, doubt, and fear without judgement.
You don’t have to have all the answers - or do it by yourself.

This work is about walking alongside you, helping you find clarity and compassion for yourself as you navigate change.
It’s not about rushing to a fix, but about honouring where you are, so you can step forward in your own time.

If you’re feeling untethered or unsure, know that you’re not broken - you’re human.
And you don’t have to do this alone.

If this resonates, you’re exactly who I’m here for.
Please do feel free to get in touch about having counselling with me, when you’re ready.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #healing #walkandtalktherapy #onlinetherapy #personaldevelopment #authenticity

When summer rolls in (which technically is pretty soon!!!) do you ever feel like you should be doing more?
More plans. More energy. More sun-soaked, picture-perfect moments.

But what if your version of summer didn’t need to be loud to be full?
What if it was soft and still meaningful?

✨ Soft Living Summer is for the ones who are tired of the pressure to perform joy.
It’s for quiet mornings, gentle choices, and joy that doesn’t need to be documented to be real.

You don’t have to chase the season to be in it.
You can let it meet you: softly, gently, fully 🤍

Tell me: what does your soft summer look like?
☺️☺️☺️☺️

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #summer #intentionalsummer #softlivingsummer

“My therapist only cares because I pay her.”

I’ve heard that line in different forms, in different voices - sometimes direct, sometimes said with a shrug, sometimes not said at all but sitting heavily in the room.

I understand it. Truly.
It’s a protective thought — one that tries to keep disappointment or vulnerability at arm’s length.

But I want to share something, quietly and honestly:
I think about my clients outside the therapy room.

I wonder how they’re doing after a hard session.
I remember they had a job interview, a test, a family gathering they were dreading.
I catch myself hoping they were able to rest this week, or say the thing they were scared to say.
I notice the patterns, the progress, the effort - even when they don’t.
Sometimes I’ll hear something, or read something, and think, “That might help so-and-so.” And I write it down, because I care.
You’ll also find me taking mental notes when I’m cooking dinner or when good idea will pops into my head half way through reading a book.

I care, not in a blurred-boundary, over-involved way — but in a deeply human one.

Because for me, therapy is a relationship.
A professional one, yes - but still a relationship built on real presence, real listening, and real care.

So much of the work doesn’t happen in big breakthroughs or perfect plans.
It happens in the steady remembering.
The being-held-in-mind.
That feeling - often new for many - that someone sees you, thinks of you, and still holds you in care even after the clock stops.

That part matters to me.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #therapy #healing #walkandtalktherapy

I hear it all the time in the therapy room:
“It’s not that bad.”
“I should be able to cope.”
“Other people have it worse.”

And underneath those words?
A quiet kind of dismissal.
A way of telling yourself that what you’re carrying doesn’t count — or that you’re not allowed to feel the way you do.

But here’s what I want you to know:

Dismissing yourself doesn’t make it easier.
It doesn’t make the pain go away.
It just makes you feel more alone in it.

You don’t have to do that anymore. It’s a habit and it can be changed!

You can start to listen to yourself — kindly, honestly — without shrinking it down or brushing it off.
You can take up space in your own story.

There’s room for you here.
There’s room for all of it.
Let’s practice in the therapy room and help you build that skill for your future :)

One space opening up in 3 weeks time if you’re interested….

☺️

@jacquelinegreencounselling

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #healing #walkandtalktherapy #onlinecounselling #innerpeace

A week in the life of a counsellor & supervisor: part healing, part holding space, part domestic chaos.

Why share this?
Because what happens in the therapy room is only part of the story.
The rest is the quiet, often invisible work - not just of clients, but of us who hold space, too.

Therapists live in the same world as everyone else.
We navigate everyday life while walking alongside others through some of their most vulnerable moments.
And it’s in this overlap — between the ordinary and the profound — that real insight lives.

This work isn’t about perfection.
It’s about presence.
It’s about showing up — for others and ourselves — even when the laundry pile is high, the grief is quiet but heavy, and the to-do list never ends.

This week was a mix of supporting clients through major moments, writing reports, cleaning the kitchen floor, and tending to my own inner world.
Not always gracefully — but honestly.
Helping me become a better therapist for you….

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #healing #walkandtalktherapy #innerpeace

Some types of grief don’t have language.
They’re often not the kind of recognisable losses.

It’s the quiet ache of having a parent who’s alive, present in form - but never quite emotionally reachable. Never quite getting that bond or connection that some others have.
A parent who maybe loved you in their own way, but couldn’t meet you where you needed them to.

This kind of grief is often lifelong.
It doesn’t announce itself in big moments.
It shows up in the pauses, when you’re caring for others in a way you wished you were cared for.
It shows up in relationships where you overextend, hoping to be seen.
In the deep exhaustion of trying to stay connected to someone who never really felt safe.

So many carry this grief in silence. Because how do you mourn someone who is still here?
How do you explain the absence of something that technically never existed?

But here’s what I’ve learned through not only my own experience but through hearing from incredible people in the therapy room - naming this grief is the beginning.

Not to blame, but to understand.
Not to feel, but to soften.

You don’t have to carry what they couldn’t give.
It’s not your job to fix what someone else never learned how to offer.

There’s a quiet powerful freedom in saying -

“this hurt me, it wasn’t enough, an I’m allowed to grieve that.”

This is part of the healing so many are doing right now so know that you are not alone.
You’re not ‘too sensitive’ or imagining it.
You’re healing. And that matters more than it might seem.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #healing #disconnection #peace #estrangement

In my last post, I spoke about quiet grief - the kind that comes not from death, but from emotional absence.

You might find yourself grieving a parent who is still physically present, yet emotionally unreachable.
That ache can be deeply confusing.
There’s no funeral, no big goodbyes, no language for the loss. But it is a loss. And it’s valid.

This kind of grief often shows up as:
– A deep longing to be seen, loved or nurtured
– Guilt for feeling sadness or anger
– A sense of emptiness in relationships
– Confusion: “Why do I feel this way? They’re still here.”

If this is your experience, please know:
You are not overreacting.
You are not ungrateful.
You are grieving.
Quietly, bravely, and in a world that doesn’t always know how to honour that.

And as painful as it is, you can learn to live with what you didn’t receive….

You can give yourself what they couldn’t.
You can build peace without pretending it never hurt.

You can grieve someone who’s still alive.
And you can learn how to live with what you never had.
There is a way to peace.
You don’t have to do it alone.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #healing #innerpeace #grief

Sometimes the biggest shifts in life are the ones no one else can see.

We often think of life transitions as major external events - separation, moving house, changing jobs, losing someone.
But some of the most profound changes happen inside of us.

Like when you start seeing a long-standing relationship differently.
When you begin to understand that the ache you’ve been carrying is grief - even though no one passed away.
When your heart starts quietly whispering: something needs to change.

As a therapist, I work with people navigating these deeply personal transitions.
Moments when the old way of being no longer fits, but the new way hasn’t fully taken shape.
It’s uncomfortable. It’s disorienting. And it’s often lonely - because on the surface, everything might still look the same.

One of the tenderest transitions I see is when someone begins to reckon with the emotional distance in a relationship with a parent.
This isn’t always about cutting ties - it can simply be about accepting reality, softening unrealistic hopes, and learning how to care for yourself in a space that’s never fully felt safe.

If you’re in that space, you are not alone.
You are not too sensitive.
And you are not wrong for wanting more.

There is a way through.

#eastlothiancounselling #eastlothiancounsellor #healing #acceptance #grief #loss

CONFESSIONS OF A THERAPIST: When pressure makes you pull back… even from things you want
⠀
Here’s something I’ve had to learn (and keep learning): I don’t respond well to being told what to do.
Even when I’m the one doing the telling 😖
⠀
For so long, I thought this resistance was laziness. Or self-sabotage. Or avoidance.
But over time, I’ve come to realise it’s not about the effort.
I can work hard, and I often do.
It’s about agency. It’s about feeling like I’m choosing, not being pushed.
⠀
When I feel pressure — whether it’s from societal expectations, the “shoulds” in my head, or the invisible rules so many of us live by — I pull back.
And it’s frustrating when the thing I’m backing away from is something I actually want.
⠀
But here’s the shift that’s been changing everything for me: instead of forcing or pushing, I ask myself why I want something. I soften the urgency. I let the pressure melt, and I listen to what genuinely inspires me.
⠀
That’s where movement begins.
Not from pressure, but from permission.
From authenticity.
From a deep trust in my own timing.
⠀
This is especially for those of you out there who feels the heavy weight of expectation - who are dreaming of quitting jobs, starting a new hobby, stepping out of roles, or even just resting.
⠀
You’re not wrong to feel tired.
Or boxed in. Or overwhelmed.
⠀
And you’re not broken for wanting more freedom.
⠀
You might just need to approach things differently — with more self-trust, more gentleness, and more space to ask:
⠀
“What would this look like if it felt lighter?”
⠀
Let that question take you somewhere softer. Somewhere truer. You don’t have to run — but you also don’t have to stay stuck.
You get to choose.

Follow @jacquelinegreencounselling for more!

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #authenticity #freedom #healing

I’ve never been a runner.
And honestly? I still don’t think of myself as one.

But lately, I’ve been going for short runs when the suns out, when I need a break, and when it feels good - not because I ‘should’.
I can already feel my body recoil back at the feeling of pressure as I write the ‘should’.

No pressure, just movement, sunshine and a space to breathe.

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to try something new - this is your gentle nudge:

You don’t need to go all in. You don’t need to be great. You just need to start in a way that feels kind to you.

More on why pressure doesn’t work in all different kinds of areas, in my next post!! 🙂

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #walkandtalktherapy #healing #innerpeace #personaldevelopment #selfdevelopment

I hope the next chapter of your life is�…..

Taking a deep breath 🌬️

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #therapy #healing #walkandtalktherapy #onlinetherapy #innerpeace #personaldevelopment

Life transitions are some of the most emotionally demanding experiences we go through — even when they are expected, planned, or even wanted.

Changes such as bereavement, divorce, becoming a parent, relocating, retirement, illness, or career shifts can leave us feeling disoriented, vulnerable, and questioning our sense of self.

Each transition brings its own emotional landscape.

Where are you right now?

➡️ Settled: You’ve weathered the initial storm of change and are beginning to find your new footing. There’s a sense of stability — but often, unspoken emotional work remains under the surface.

➡️ Gaining Momentum: A new chapter is unfolding. There’s energy and movement — but perhaps also anxiety about what’s ahead and whether you can truly trust this new ground.

➡️ Crisis: Everything familiar feels like it has fallen away. In the thick of crisis, it’s common to feel disoriented, frightened, or exhausted. This phase is painful — but it can also be the catalyst for deep, lasting growth.

➡️ Aftermath: The dust has settled, but the emotional impact lingers. Rebuilding after change is a slow, powerful process that often happens quietly, inside of us, before it shows on the outside.

Here’s what you need to know:
➡️ It’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions during major transitions — including grief, fear, anger, numbness, and sometimes unexpected moments of hope.
➡️ Healing doesn’t mean going “back” to how things were — it means learning how to move forward with what life has brought you.
➡️ Building resilience is about more than just “bouncing back.” It’s about integrating the change into your life story, allowing it to shape your new sense of self, and consciously building on it.
➡️ Growth often comes from learning how to incorporate what you’ve experienced — the losses, the lessons, the new perspectives — and using them to create a life that feels more authentic and more aligned with who you are becoming.

I’ve written a blog on this too if you’re interested in hearing more! Link in bio 😌

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #healing #lifetransitions #bigchanges #selfdevelolment #wellbeing

I’ve written a 4 minute long blog on how life transitions can be so disorientating to our identity and sense of self.

We all go through major life changes, and sometimes, some are harder than others.
If you’ve been through a big change - maybe bereavement, becoming a parent, a major health diagnosis, relationship break up and anything else which changes the course of direction, then this blog is for you.
Aka - everyone! 😉

Please give this blog some love, share it to your stories or send it to those currently amidst a crisis point in their life or those finding stable ground again after a life change has happened.
The important message here is that no one has to feel alone.

LINK IN BIO

Jacques 💛

You are not broken.
You don’t need to fix yourself to be worthy of making changes, resting, being loved or finding peace.

Many people come to therapy believing they need to do more, be better, or fix themselves before they can feel okay. But often, the real work is much gentler.

Here’s what I want you to know:
✨ You are not a problem to solve. You are a person who has been doing their best to cope.
💫 Healing doesn’t always mean changing who you are. Sometimes it means understanding why you are the way you are - with compassion, not judgment.
🌟 It’s okay to just be. You don’t need to earn your right to rest or take up space.
⭐️ The goal isn’t perfection. It’s feeling safe, connected, and more like yourself.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly trying to “fix” something in you - then pause.
Breathe.
Ask yourself:
✨ What would it feel like to stop trying to improve and just care for myself as I am today?
💫 What if nothing is wrong with me - I’m just tired, stressed, or carrying too much?
🌟 What’s one small act of kindness I can offer myself this week - without trying to change anything?

Therapy can be a space to explore these questions gently, with support.
But even outside of therapy, you can begin by showing yourself the softness you’ve been waiting to receive.

You’re already enough. Right here. As you are.

Let’s be softer.

#eastlothiancounselling #eastlothiancounsellor

When life changes in a big way — whether it’s the end of a relationship, the beginning of parenthood, grief, career shifts, or something that caught you completely off guard — it can feel like the ground beneath you has moved.
And with it, your sense of identity can feel shaky too.

- You might feel disconnected from the person you used to be.
- You might not recognise the version of yourself you’re becoming.
And that can be unsettling — even scary.

But I want to gently remind you of this:
You’re still you.

Even in the uncertainty.
Even in the mess.
Even when you don’t have the words for it yet.

You’re not broken. You’re not lost.
You’re evolving — shifting into a new version of yourself that is being shaped by everything you’ve been through.

These moments of transition, as uncomfortable as they are, hold a quiet kind of power.
They invite you to look inward.
To ask: What do I really need now? What do I want to leave behind? And who am I becoming?

Therapy gives you the space to sit with those questions — to explore the edges of your changing identity without pressure to ‘fix’ anything or go back to who you were before.

There’s no rush to feel ‘put together.’
There’s no expectation to have it all figured out.

Becoming isn’t linear. It’s layered.
Sometimes it looks like crying in the car.
Sometimes it looks like laughing at something that used to make you ache.
And sometimes, it looks like sitting quietly with your coffee and realising… maybe I’m okay, right here.

You’re allowed to take your time.
You’re allowed to grieve the old you while welcoming the new one.

Because you’re still you — just becoming more of who you were always meant to be.

Connecting to your new sense of self is something I feel very passionate about helping people with. If things you, please feel free to enquire about working with me. 2 new Spaces opening up this month and next!

❤️‍🩹

#lifechanges #lifetransitions #healing #identity #identityshift #becomingauthentic #eastlothiancounselling #eastlothiancounsellor #counselling

If this reel hits a little too close to home, I want you to know - you’re not alone.

There’s a quiet kind of resilience that doesn’t get talked about enough. The kind that shows up mid-breakdown, not after one.
You’re still cooking dinner while holding back tears.
Still replying to messages with a smile no one knows you had to force.
Still showing up for everyone else while quietly unravelling inside.

That strength often gets mistaken for being “fine”.
But I see the cost. I see the toll it takes when you’re just trying to keep life moving - even when your body and mind are begging for pause.

This isn’t about glorifying the struggle or calling suffering strength. It’s about naming what’s real.
You are holding so much.
I’ve been there - breaking down while surviving. Just because we keep going, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy.

If no one’s told you lately:
* You don’t have to earn your rest.
* You don’t need to fall apart perfectly.
* You’re allowed to need support, even if you’re the one who usually gives it.

I see you. And you’re not invisible here with me.

Save this if you needed the reminder today.
Share it with someone who’s quietly carrying more than they let on.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #counselling #healing

Are luxuries now part of surviving? Or is this just a trap?

I often talk about minimalistic living, downshifting and not falling prey to the rat race of society. Needing less means less pressure right?

But this take on the whole thing is a little something different from me after a few months of mulling over the pressures I see on people in the therapy room regardless of their financial situation.

I would Love to hear your thoughts??? 👇

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #musings

Many people in therapy may reach a point where they don’t feel like they’re ‘making progress.’
And honestly…..I get it.

It’s really common to feel like this.
I’ve even had moments in my own therapy journey before where I’ve thought, ‘Why am I still stuck here?

But here’s the thing - progress isn’t always obvious.
It’s not a neatly wrapped success story or a dramatic ‘before and after’ moment.
Sometimes, it’s as subtle as pausing before reacting, catching a thought that used to spiral you, or realising something isn’t working for you anymore.

It’s easy to dismiss these moments because they don’t feel like much.
But they are something.
They’re proof that you’re shifting, even in ways you can’t always see.
Growth isn’t just about feeling ‘better’ - it’s also about seeing yourself more clearly, even in the hard moments.

If you feel stuck right now, I want to remind you:
You are changing.
You are healing.
The work you’re doing is paying off, even if it’s slow, even if it’s invisible, even if you don’t fully believe it yet.
Keep going💛

Share this with a friend who IS doing so well, even if they sometimes doubt themselves 💛

#eastlothiancounselling #eastlothiancounsellor #healing #therapyuk #counsellingjourney

We talk about self care like it’s always an option.
But when you’re in survival mode, even the basics can feel impossible. And that’s not a failure - that’s just reality.

The pressure to ‘take care of yourself’ can feel like another impossible task when you’re barely holding on.

I remember a time in my past that my therapist suggested we write out a long list of nice things I could do for myself when I was surviving a storm.
And I responded with - if I’m honest, I’m not going to do any of that, I just can’t right now.
And so our therapy turned inwards and deeper into what it was like to just exist in this storm as best I can. And that lack of pressure and complete acceptance was so very needed.

It’s true, that acknowledging our choices, power and worth is important - helping us to find little ways to care for ourselves.
But for that, we need capacity.
And we don’t always have capacity.

So for anyone in the trenches just now - be gentle with yourself - survival is worthy.
You are still worthy 🌱🌼

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #survival #therapyuk #selfcare #youareworthy

As the seasons change, so do our needs🌱

Every season offers us different opportunities to care for ourselves, embrace new activities, and connect with what feels right in the moment.

You don’t have to feel like time is wasted or happiness will only come when the sun arrives or when your holidays come for example - there’s beauty in every single day.

Here are some ideas to inspire you:

🌞 Summer:
• Take nature walks or hike 🌳
• Plan outdoor picnics with friends 🍉
• Enjoy lighter meals like salads/smoothies 🥗
• Try new water activities 🌊
• Go for a summer BBQ with loved ones 🍔
• Get active with outdoor workouts 🏋️‍♀️
• Explore new hiking trails or local parks 🌲

🍂 Autumn:
• Cozy up with a hot drink and a good book📚
• Start journaling to reflect on the year 🍂
• Cook hearty soups or stews 🍲
• Practice mindfulness or gratitude in your daily routine 🙏
• Host game nights with friends 🎲
• Ground yourself in nature by taking walks in the park 🌳
• Set the mood with candles or mood lighting 🕯️
• Learn a new craft or creative hobby 🎨

❄️ Winter:
• Embrace cozy indoor activities like yoga 🧘‍♀️
• Watch a movie marathon or read by the fireplace 🎬🔥
• Focus on rest and recharge – sleep is self-care 😴
• Pamper yourself with a self-indulgent rituals, like a hot bath or baking your favourite cakes 🛀🧁
• Take cold frosty walks when you’re wrapped up 🧣
• Enjoy early nights and sleep 🌙
• Practice slow mornings with a mindful routine 🕊️

🌸 Spring:
• Start a new hobby or creative project 🎨
• Plant a garden or tend to houseplants 🌱
• Enjoy fresh, vibrant meals with seasonal fruits 🍓
• Set new goals for personal growth and renewal ✨
• Take dusk walks to enjoy the beauty of the later evenings 🌅

What activities help you embrace the energy of the season you’re in? 🌿

💬 Drop your ideas in the comments below, or make your own list to help guide you through the changing seasons.

Let’s embrace the flow of life and empower ourselves to make the most of every season! 💪

#SelfCare #SeasonalLiving #EmbraceTheSeasons #Mindfulness #EmpowerYourself #HolisticWellness #SeasonalChanges #Eastlothiancounselling #eastlothiancounsellor

Working as a counsellor - I get the beautiful benefit of connecting with people every day.
But connection and therapy isn’t restricted to one environment.

My home office is beautiful, but my outside office is even more so 😉

I work with people, inside & online, as well as outside in nature. It keeps me busy that’s for sure - one minute I’m down at the beach and having a powerful session in nature, and after lunch I’m taming my windswept hair before a warm and cozy online session!!

Have you ever tried therapy while outside?
Did you know it’s a thing?
Well….I say walking, but sometimes it’s sitting in the sand and stacking stones or carving words with sticks, and sometimes it’s practicing grounding techniques in the forest. It can be anything healing in nature!!
🌳🏝️🌊🌷☔️🌿🌱☁️🍁✨🌈🦢

Are you a log on from your cosy blanket and safe space kind of therapy person? ☕️🕯️🏡🛋️🪴📚
Or are you a get out there and expose yourself to the elements kind of therapy person?
Or are you a bit of both?

Now that Spring is here, I’m creating two new opportunities for walk & talk sessions as of next month, so reach out if you’re interested! 😌

@jacquelinegreencounselling

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #therapyoutside #ecotherapy #therapyuk #counselling

How to say No and the feelings behind saying No are two different things aren’t they?!

Sure, saying no is simple, it’s just a word, a sentence, or explanation.
But there’s so much behind why saying No can be hard for people.
It’s often about messages we’ve received, conditions of worth, expectations, trauma, habits, and many other engrained ways of thinking and behaving.

But truth is, there’s never a perfect way to say no to every person. Because each person will feel differently about it, and they’ll feel differently about it depending on what day it is, what their mood is and what they had to eat last night 😅🤷🏼‍♀️

So radical acceptance involves an authentic, honest and present nature. It’s offering up a no with complete acceptance within yourself that this is the right thing for you and the world will keep spinning afterwards so to just go for it!

What do you think of these lighter approaches to saying no?

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #sayingno #radicalacceptance #selfworth

Spring is here, and with it comes a chance to hit the reset button 🌸
The world is waking up from the slowness and hibernation of winter, and so can you.

What will you make of this season?
More energy, new goals, fresh possibilities — it’s all in your hands.
Don’t wait for change, create it.
Let spring be the season you bloom 🌱

@eastlothiancounselling #eastlothiancounsellor #springrefresh #spring #therapy #counselling

It’s been one of those weeks which has included ups, downs and all arounds.
Gosh, it’s tiring isn’t it!
One minute you’re feeling good, positive and energised, full of hope and enthusiasm.
Next minute you’re trying to muster up the energy to take care of basic needs.

Life can be a lot sometimes and I have to remind myself that with light, comes darkness. With ying, comes yang. And do you know what…. It’s so normal!

But what I notice is that the feeling of being vulnerable to external factors - allowing them to determine my mood and my outlook can be difficult to swallow at times.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we could manage, regulate and feel a constant safety in our body regardless of what life is throwing at us?!
But it’s not always possible and it’s been a week where I’ve had to meet myself with compassion and gentleness as I move through various feelings over the week.

Do you resonate with any of this???

This weekend, I need rest, outside time, healthier food, tidy my living space and create calm, and to appreciate a Sunday slowness.

What do you need this weekend???

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling

Did you know that healing doesn’t have to happen in a counsellors office - it can happen from the comfort of your own home, wrapped in your favourite blanket, sipping your tea or sitting in your safe space.

Online therapy makes healing more accessible, flexible, and personal.
No long commutes, no new environment, no waiting room. Just you, your emotions, and a space where you can be fully seen.

Remember - you don’t need a ‘perfect setting’ - is there such a thing? You just need what works for you!

Sometimes this is at your home.
Sometimes it’s outside in nature with therapy outside. And sometimes it could be in a therapists office.
There is no perfect way.
Just your way!

If you’ve had judgements about the effectiveness of counselling online, but wish it would work for you -
I encourage you to give it a try! It may surprise you 😌

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #onlinetherapy #onlinecounselling

So here I am, sitting on a random log on the beach because… I wanted to 😅
Sometimes self-care looks and acceptance looks like finding a comfy spot in nature and just taking a moment to breathe. Sometimes it’s holding boundaries. Sometimes it’s choosing a healthy meal and an early bedtime. And sometimes, it’s doing something out of your comfort zone without worrying about what others think.

Growing self love and acceptance isn’t a crash course that we can conquer in a few days, but a way of living that reaffirms healthy beliefs about yourself over and over again.
This can be done through compassionate self discovery in counselling and support and guidance on how to practice this.
So I’ll see you when you’re ready….. 😉

*edited to actually include audio 😅

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #selfacceptance #selflove #counselling #therapyuk

Gentle reminder -
Your time is valuable.
You are allowed to pause.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounsellor #dayoff #dayinthelifeofatherapist #slowdown

If you’ve ever wondered how counselling can help to heal from trauma then read on ☺️

Healing from trauma is a deeply personal journey that goes beyond just understanding the past.
It’s about reconnecting with your body and emotions and learning how to respond when stress or triggers arise.
Counselling can help you build awareness of the sensations in your body, helping you understand what’s happening and how to react with trust and compassion towards yourself.
In counselling, we strengthen that connection between mind and body, and it becomes easier to navigate the moments when past trauma shows up in our present.

I know from my own experience that even as a counsellor, I’m still a work in progress. Aren’t we all?!
As shared in my last reel, when I have a trauma reaction, my body often shakes or tremors, and I have to pause, breathe, and remind myself to trust that I’m safe in the moment. But this has taken work!
This would also be part of your journey - learning how to reconnect with safety each time those triggers arise.

Counselling offers you a safe space to explore your body’s reactions without judgment, helping you build trust in yourself and your responses. Having an ally - someone to guide you through this process can make all the difference.
You don’t have to do this alone.
With support, you can learn to reframe those trauma reactions and transform them into something that empowers you.

The deeper understanding and practice you develop in counselling can create a foundation to explore further tools that resonate with you, allowing you to heal and move forward at your own pace and in your own way. 🌱

Follow @jacquelinegreencounselling for more

#traumainformedtherapy #eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #traumahealing #trauma #fightflightfreezefawn

Every single person is working it all out, at their own pace. Even your therapist doesn’t have it all worked out.

You see, we are all privy to trauma and challenges and in light of this I wanted to share one of the most fascinating responses my own body still gives me still to this day when I feel unsafe or under threat.

My body tremors and shakes.

You know, like your knees do when you’re cold?
Or a dog does when he’s scared.
Or a deer does after escaping a frightening experience.

Tremors and shakes during the fight or flight response are caused by the body’s release of adrenaline, which triggers muscle tension and rapid movements in preparation for action. Aka - it’s a sign that I am not safe, and my body is preparing to make a swift exit!

Does this sound like you?
Or maybe your body responds differently - maybe racing heart, sweaty palms, feeling nauseous, freezing and dissociating or even fawning.

If these survival responses happen in places that seem out of place, or you feel like you don’t have the ability to calm your nervous system down, or you’re missing out on opportunities and life because of this, then trauma-informed counselling can help you.

More on this in my next post.
Follow @jacquelinegreencounselling for more.

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #traumainformed #traumatherapy #traumahealing

It’s not that any one of these things ‘cause’ anxiety.
Anxiety is not a blame game, it’s certainly not your fault. If your nervous system feels like it’s under threat, then your body is designed to respond to this and keep you safe - aka anxiety!

But here’s the thing - modern culture can be fast paced, pressurising and information overload.

If you’re filling your week with high intensity exercise - absorbing endless personal growth information - fasting or setting high goals - surviving off coffee or alcohol - having ice baths or cold showers - then your body may feel under threat.

The thing is - the intention we have here is often to help ourselves, and each one of these things can do that if we balance it with relaxation and quiet time.

But take this - if you regularly exercise, when was the last time you sat for 5 minutes at the end to bring your nervous system back down to a safe place with some gentle deep breathing - signaling to your body that you can now land and be safe?

Too often highly anxious people often do ALL THE THINGS when in reality, doing a little less and going a bit gentler on themselves is what their nervous system needs.

Is this you?
Next time your driving in a rush, choosing a new podcast, signing up to the new fad or engaging in intense exercise, just check in with yourself about how to balance it out - you’ll thank me later 😉

Follow @jacquelinegreencounselling for more!

#anxiety #overwhelm #counselling #personalgrowth #mindfulness #slowingdown #eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling

Your mind is shaping your reality, whether you realise it or not! 😬

So, here’s an example of what we can change …

❌ I’m not good enough TO
✅ I am capable of growth

❌ Things never work out for me TO
✅ Opportunities are always coming my way.

Did you know?
💥 Athletes use visualisations to enhance their performance, because imagining a workout can activate muscles ready for peak performance.

💥 Gurus and leaders emphasise manifestation and focus on goals because thoughts can influence your energy and therefore, your actions.

💥 Even within yoga and breathing exercises, visualising air flow can help to bring a body into relaxation.

So how can this work for me you say?

✨ Ever heard of the LAW OF ATTRACTION? - what you focus on expands? If you believe in success, you move towards it.

✨ Even affirmations and mantras can be a way to rewrire subconscious beliefs.

✨ Gratitude practices - shifting to abundance rather than lack.

✨ Meditation and mindfulness. - calming the mind to stay open to new possibilities.

So if you notice any self limiting, judgemental or negative beliefs in yourself or about others, just know, there is another way to shift this mindset and move towards a new pathway! One where you can feel differently about yourself and you can achieve things you never thought possible.

So whether it’s wanting to feel resilient, capable, lovable, accepted, worthy…. All are possible!

Have you ever experienced the power of your own mind? 🧠

#eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounsellor #powerofthemind #selfbeliefs

Friday musings….

Have you ever caught yourself thinking…

“Is this all there is?”

The same routine, the same expectation, the same conversations that don’t quite reach you anymore.
Life keeps moving, time is passing fast, but something feels…. missing.

It’s more common than you think.

Many of us reach a point where life feels like an endless cycle. From the outside, everything may look fine, but inside, there’s a quiet voice asking “is this it?”

The question isn’t a flaw. It’s not selfish, ungrateful or dramatic. It’s a signal.
A sign that you’re ready to step outside of autopilot and into something more - more aligned, more intentional, more yours.

But here’s the tricky part - more doesn’t always mean bigger. It doesn’t have to be a drastic life change or complete reset. Sometimes, it just means making space for what brings you joy, saying yes to curiosity, and allowing yourself to rewrite the rules.

So if you’ve been feeling this way, know this: you are not stuck. You are on the edge of discovery ✨

Does this resonate with you? 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️

If you’re on this discovery journey - please feel free to share what little or large changes have you done to bring more meaning to your days….
Maybe your comment will find the right person…

Follow @jacquelinegreencounselling for more self discovery and self growth prompts.

✨✨

Are you wondering if you’re on the right path? ✨
Do you feel like life keeps challenging you, and you don’t know how, but you just get through it? ✨
Every time you manage to find equilibrium, something else comes along? ✨
You wonder if you’re doing this ‘healing thing’ correctly? ✨

The truth is - growth isn’t always easy - but it’s always happening.

You are allowed to outgrow old versions of yourself. You are allowed to find new ways of doing life.
You are allowed to start over at any time.

I know this because I’ve been there too. Through every challenge, set back, and season of change, I’ve learned that reinvention isn’t a one time thing. - it’s a lifelong journey.

If you’re on this journey - I see you, I see how far you’ve come, I see how high your bar is getting, I see your efforts, and I see the struggle in between.
You are doing so great 💖 Keep going ✨

#youareevolving #healingisntlinear #therapistthoughts #eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling #therapyjourney

You have the pretty notebooks, the motivation and the will to learn and grow, but you get stuck on what to write about and how????

If this sounds like you, then this week is for you! It’s good to have you here! 😌

On my stories (and saved to my highlights) I’m running a ‘journal with me’ week where I share intentions, prompts and learnings around how to build your own direction and intentions behind journaling. To aid your self discovery and personal growth!
It’s not too late to join so follow along if you wish 😍🤩

#journaling #selfdiscovery #eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling

Monday 17th Feb, next week, I’ll be uploading a series of: themes, guidance, suggestions, prompts and encouragement to help you in your journey to learning how to journal with intention.

Journalling is just one way of tapping into our emotional world. The aim of the week is to keep it mostly light, to help you practice in a safe way, so you can then go on and continue to deepen the topics of reflection afterwards.

So if you’ve been wanting to journal for some time, or you already do but you feel there’s a bit of a disconnect, then join me on my stories next week.

Following along and being part of this can be completely anonymous as the reflections are done in your own private time. There’s something beautiful about having anonymity, at the same time of knowing you’re part of a collective.

Be sure to share this with anyone you feel it will interest.
And feel free to share any themes that are of interest to you so I can incorporate them! 😌

@jacquelinegreencounselling Follow for updates!
Coming next Monday 17th on my stories!

#journalling #selfdevelopment #eastlothiancounsellor #eastlothiancounselling

Jumping on this trend because I love the intention behind it.

I’m a fan of inner child healing and these kind of reflections are often part of a bigger healing journey.

Whatever our younger selves got up to, they got us to where we are today. And they always did the best they could, even when they didn’t know it ♥️❤️‍🩹

@jacquelinegreencounselling #eastlothiancounselling #eastlothiancounsellor
#imetmyyoungerselfforcoffee

Self-love isn’t just a buzzword or a passing trend – it’s a lifestyle, a commitment, and a radical act of self-respect ✨

Self-love is choosing yourself, even when it’s hard.
It’s the courage to make tough decisions that honour your well-being, even if they feel uncomfortable in the moment.
It’s setting boundaries, saying “no” when needed, and trusting that choosing your peace will always be worth it in the long run.
Sometimes, self-love means putting your needs above others – even your kids’ needs – because you can’t pour from an empty cup. You matter too.

It’s also the power of how you speak to yourself.
Self-love is ditching self-criticism and embracing words of encouragement. It’s the quiet strength to be your own biggest cheerleader, especially when no one else is watching.
You’ve got to believe in yourself before anyone else does.

Self-love is the unwavering belief that you deserve to have what’s best for you, even if that means stepping away from things or people that no longer serve you. Whether it’s switching careers, leaving a relationship, or simply taking a moment for yourself – these choices aren’t selfish, they’re acts of self-preservation.

So no, self-love isn’t a fad – it’s the foundation of living your truest, most authentic life.
It’s about trusting that the best choice for you, no matter how difficult, is the one that will allow you to flourish 🌱

You are worthy of love, respect, and kindness – especially from yourself.
Don’t let anyone (including you) tell you otherwise ❤️

#eastlothiancounselling #eastlothiancounsellor #selflove #peace #healing #counselling

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I am currently creating a guide to help people who are going through or who have gone through a major life change.

Whether you're in the crisis point or trying to find stability and healing in the aftermath, this guide will help you learn valuable coping tools to help you move towards peace.

Subscribing to my website means you'll be the first to know about it's release later this Spring.

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JACQUELINE GREEN COUNSELLING

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