Welcome to my Blog

Like many people there are times in my life when I battle with critical thoughts about myself. These thoughts can very easily creep into every part of my life, from my work to my relationships and even my personal goals. Then add motherhood into the mix. Becoming a...

I recently ran a small in-person support group for people who identify as “People Pleasers”. Together we explored what lies beneath people pleasing behaviours, through group discussion and the sharing of experiences. As is the case with these types of therapeutic...

I had an interesting conversation with my daughter the other day. She said, “When someone is unkind to me, I don’t say anything because I don’t want to upset them.” In terms of the messages within my parenting, I have placed a real emphasis upon kindness. So, as you...

Let me ask you, this time next year, do you want your life to be the same? Most of us would answer no. It is inherently within us all to push forward, to strive for something better. I strongly believe self-development plays a crucial role in improving our lives....

Today is “Blue Monday” but is it myth or fact? Leading mental health charities such as Mind reject the notion of Blue Monday, believing it trivialises depression which is a serious condition and can occur on any day. Others state Blue Monday was part of a marketing...

I had planned to increase my session prices from £45 to £50 from the 1st October 2022.  However, I have held back from doing so and have actually come to the decision to put a hold on this for the time being. Why have I made this decision? The cost of oil is at a...

I want you to imagine a local 10K race.  You have seen the signs and considered entering it.  But thoughts creep into your mind….. “I’ve haven’t done much running recently; I won’t be able to do a good time” “I won’t be as good as other people” “I will show myself up”...

Some of you may remember I was due to move away from Ripon.  However, I am delighted to tell you, we decided to stay. The prospect of moving away from Ripon was full of conflicting emotions and thoughts.  Were we doing the right thing? Would we come to regret our...

Mother’s Day is marketed as a day for us to honour the role our mother plays in our lives and family.  It celebrates the mother as someone who is nurturing, caring, selfless and someone who protects and provides for their children no matter what.  She is attuned to...

One of my most important parts of what I do is allowing someone to tell their story and to be heard.  Often, I find myself asking a question to clarify something, only for the person to pause.  This is then followed by “Well I haven’t told anyone this but….”. During...

I have recently binge watched “Couple’s Therapy”, a real-life documentary, charting the path of four couples in counselling.  I was absolutely hooked, curious to see how their stories would unfold. Each episode shows how Dr Orna Guralnik, a Clinical Psychologist and...

When you first come to counselling, so many things may be going through your mind. What will the counsellor be like? How do I get to the counselling session? Where is it? Where will I park? What will the room look like? Join me as I take you on a tour of my home-based...

You are your child's biggest role model It’s proven that humans learn by modelling themselves on others.  Parents and caregivers play a huge role in childhood development.  Research has shown being a good role model to your child can help them develop empathy, a good...

Recently my back has been playing up.  I have a wonderful Chiropractor who I see regularly to keep things in check, but I must admit, other things have taken priority.  I am now at the point where I cannot sit on the sofa for any duration of time, car journeys are...

From the moment we are born, we have an innate drive to be in relationship to others.  No man is an island and being in relationship with others enables our needs to be met. Hollywood has a lot to answer for.  They make finding someone to love seems so easy when in...

It is a fact of life; there will be times when we need help, be it emotional, physical, or just having someone understand what might feel difficult or challenging.  These are moments in time which reveal who is there, and who is absent. Establishing who you can and...

Gemma Antcliffe counselling has moved!  For any clients coming to visit me, not much has changed. I am still based in Ripon, working from a home-based practise.  I work with adults who are experiencing difficulties and are struggling with their emotional wellbeing. ...

We are all familiar with the notion, you are what you eat.  It’s a straightforward concept; what you put into your body has a direct impact on your physical health. When it comes to our mental health, it is no different. In our daily stream of consciousness, thoughts...

I want you to imagine you are struggling.  Perhaps work is challenging, or you are experiencing difficulties in your relationship.  Maybe money is tight, or you are struggling with never getting time to yourself.  You could be finding any number of things difficult,...

Self-care seems to be the new buzzword.  But do we really understand what self-care is and when we need to do it?  Many of us tune into the need for self-care when our emotional wellbeing is poor, but it is most effective when it is treated as a preventative measure. ...

If I were to say someone is suffering from anxiety, what are your first thoughts?  Someone hiding away at home, too frightened to leave.  Or someone who finds social situations too overwhelming and cancels most engagements. What would you think if suggested people who...

Getting enough sleep is essential for good mental health.  It is one of our basic needs and when we do not get enough sleep, it can have a detrimental impact. To mark this day, I have produced an information sheet on sleep, focusing on something called Sleep Hygiene. ...

It is my pleasure to share my first monthly newsletter with you.  If would like to be added to my distribution list, please leave your details in the "Contact me" section of my website. I do hope you enjoy reading it. Gemma Antcliffe Counselling - March 2021...

Today is International Women’s Day 2021 and the theme is #ChooseToChallenge.  Central to this campaign is encouraging both women and men to call out gender bias, challenge inequality, question stereotypes and help forge an inclusive world.   We are all responsible for...

Guilt is a universal emotion, yet we all have a unique relationship with it.  The extent to which we take personal responsibility will impact on how guilty we feel.  Whilst guilt ensures we uphold certain values, an overwhelming sense of guilt can have a detrimental...

Capt Sir Tom Moore captured the hearts of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic.  He famously said, “For all those people who are finding it difficult at the moment; the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away”.  Capt Sir Tom’s positivity was...

"Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives” has been the residing public health message for almost a year.  Many people have been left to cope alone, isolated from support.  As a result, incidents of self harm have increased.  Coping strategies come in many...

Is there a voice in your head which holds you back?  Does it tell you things like: I'm not smart or pretty enough. Why would anyone want to listen to me? Everyone else seems to have it much more together. These types of thoughts could indicate you are experiencing the...