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Showing posts with the label Phiona Hutton

Results Day: When a Grade Can Feel Like So Much More Than a Grade

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  Results day is often described as a day of achievement, celebration and new beginnings.  But for some young people, it can feel like something much bigger, heavier and far more emotional. It can be a day filled with excitement and anticipation, but also anxiety, fear, uncertainty, disappointment, relief, pride, grief and even numbness.  For a parent or carer, it can be difficult to understand why reassurance such as, “It is not the end of the world” or “You can always resit your exams” does not seem to make things feel better. You may know that there are other options.  You may know that one set of results does not determine a person’s future.  You may know there are different routes into further education, training, employment and the things they hope to do. But knowing those things does not necessarily make the feelings disappear.  Because for a young person, results day may not simply be about whether they achieved the grades they needed.  I...

A Beautiful Time to Begin Your Reiki Journey: Discover the Healing Wisdom of Usui Shiki Ryōhō

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As summer unfolds, there is often a quiet sense of looking ahead. The lighter days invite us to enjoy the present, while gently encouraging us to reflect on what we wish to carry into the seasons that follow. Autumn has always been nature's invitation to turn inwards. It is a season of release, reflection and renewal, reminding us that letting go creates space for new growth. If you have been feeling drawn towards Reiki, perhaps this gentle pull is inviting you to begin a journey that is far deeper than simply learning a healing technique. Perhaps it is inviting you home to yourself. What is Reiki? Reiki is a traditional Japanese system of natural healing and spiritual development founded by Mikao Usui in the early twentieth century. The word Reiki is often translated as universal life energy, although its true meaning reaches far beyond a simple definition. At its heart, Usui Shiki Ryōhō is a practice of presence. It is a gentle yet profound path of self-healing, self-discovery an...

The Importance of Grounding: Coming Home to Yourself

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Grounding is the practice of intentionally reconnecting with the present moment, through the body, the breath, the senses, or the environment around you. It’s a simple but powerful life skill that helps restore balance, calm, and clarity. For many people, grounding becomes the first step towards emotional healing, stress recovery, and personal growth. But what does it actually  mean  to be grounded? And how can it change the way we live, think, and relate to others? It this weeks blog I’m    exploring what grounding is, why it matters, and how to practise it meaningfully in daily life and therapy. What Does It Mean to Be Grounded? To be grounded means to feel connected and steady, physically, emotionally, and mentally. You’re aware of your body, your breath, your surroundings. You feel stable, present, and regulated. You’re not carried away by anxious thoughts, reactive emotions, or stress spirals. You’re in your  window of tolerance , the optimal zone for think...