Karen Hemmings at The Healing Mind provides a range of Counselling and Hypnotherapy services in Gnosall, Stafford, as well as Reiki, Emotional Freedom Therapy (EFT) and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).

Feeling different from those around you can be a deeply isolating experience. Whether it's the way you look, the way you think, your background, your sexuality, your values, or your personality – when you feel like you don’t quite “fit in,” it can lead to feelings of exclusion and rejection. This sense of being on the outside can chip away at your self-worth and leave you questioning your value and place in the world. For many, these feelings begin early in life, perhaps at school, within family dynamics, or in social settings where conforming to a certain norm is rewarded and difference is quietly – or not so quietly – judged. Over time, you might start to believe that your uniqueness is something to hide, rather than something to honour. You may even find yourself trying to change or shrink who you are in order to be accepted by others. But what if your difference is actually your strength? The Role of Counselling Counselling offers a safe, non-judgemental space to explore these painful experiences. Through talking therapy, you can begin to unpack the layers of rejection, shame, or insecurity that may have built up over time. Together with a counsellor, you can start to understand where these feelings originated, how they affect your current life, and – most importantly – how to gently challenge them. One of the most empowering aspects of counselling is discovering that what you think about yourself matters more than what others think. This shift in perspective can be life-changing. When your self-worth no longer hinges on the approval of others, you begin to reclaim your confidence and identity on your own terms. Counselling can help you: • Recognise the value in your individuality • Understand and process past experiences of exclusion or rejection • Reframe negative self-beliefs and build self-compassion • Develop tools for emotional resilience and self-acceptance • Strengthen your voice and sense of self As your self-awareness grows, you may begin to see your differences not as something to be ashamed of, but as something to be celebrated. The qualities that set you apart might be exactly what give you depth, creativity, empathy, or strength. What once felt like a source of pain can become a source of pride. Moving Towards Self-Confidence With the support of counselling, many people find they are able to let go of the need to please or fit in, and instead begin to live more authentically. As you start to trust your own thoughts and feelings more deeply, self-confidence grows naturally. You become less defined by the expectations of others and more connected to your true self. It’s not about pretending the pain of rejection never happened. It’s about healing from it – and realising that you don’t need to be anyone other than who you are. If you would like to find out more about how counselling may help you, then please get in touch.

Caring for a loved one—whether they are unwell, nearing the end of life, or simply relying on you day to day—can be one of the most emotionally demanding roles you’ll ever take on. For many carers, especially those supporting a partner, parent, or child, feelings of guilt can quietly build over time. You may feel guilty for wanting a break, for feeling frustrated, or for having moments where you long for your own life back. You might even feel guilt for thinking about your own needs at all. But these feelings are normal. Being a carer doesn't mean you're superhuman—it means you're human, with limits, needs, and emotions of your own. It’s important to recognise that giving yourself permission to take time for you isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you constantly put your own well-being on hold, resentment can creep in. That resentment can then bring even more guilt, creating a cycle that leaves you emotionally and physically drained. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Looking after yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity—not just for your own health, but so you can continue to care for others with compassion rather than burnout. Taking care of yourself might look different for everyone. It could be as simple as going for a peaceful walk, catching up with a friend over coffee, booking a de-stressing massage, or having time to talk things through with a counsellor. Small, intentional acts of self-care can help restore your energy and sense of balance. Counselling can offer a safe, non-judgemental space for you to offload, to talk about the pressures you’re under, and to reconnect with yourself. It’s time set aside just for you—to be heard, supported, and understood. Sessions can be arranged to suit your needs, whether that’s weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or on an ad-hoc basis, offering flexibility around your schedule and commitments. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stretched thin, or struggling with carer’s guilt, you don’t have to carry it all alone. You deserve care too. If this resonates with you, counselling could offer the time, space, and support you need. Reach out to take the first step towards easing the weight you're carrying—you don’t have to do it all on your own.

As we approach World Mental Health Day on October 10th, it's essential to remember that caring for your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. Mental fitness is about cultivating a healthy, balanced mindset that empowers you to handle life's challenges. This year, the 2024 World Mental Health Day theme is focusing on mental health in the workplace. With increasing demands, deadlines, and pressures in the modern work environment, it's more important than ever to take steps to protect and nurture your mental well-being at work. Whether you're experiencing stress, burnout, or difficulty balancing personal and professional life, this is a reminder that you're not alone—and it's okay to seek help. How You Can Help Yourself: 1. Set Personal Boundaries : Be aware of your own needs and know when to switch off from work and prioritise time for yourself. 2. Practice Self-Care : Regular breaks, go for a walk instead of working your breaks, mindfulness, and engaging in activities that relax you can improve mental fitness. 3. Reach Out for Support : Sometimes, overcoming workplace stress requires professional guidance. Counselling, clinical hypnotherapy, and emotional freedom therapy and other talking therapies can provide tools to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges that arise in work settings. This World Mental Health Day, prioritize your mental fitness. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, this is the perfect time to take the first step towards healing, reaching out for support can transform your journey. I'm here to help you unlock your full potential and achieve lasting emotional well-being. If you would like to find out more about how therapies could help you , then you can book a free 30-minute telephone consultation at a time that suits you here, or alternatively please email karen@thehealingmind.co.uk .

Andropause, often referred to as male menopause, is a phase in a man’s life where testosterone levels gradually decline, typically starting in the late 40s to early 50s. While the physical symptoms—such as fatigue, reduced libido, and weight gain—are widely recognised, the mental health implications of andropause are equally significant but less often discussed. The hormonal changes during andropause can lead to a range of emotional and psychological challenges. Men may experience mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and depression. The reduced levels of testosterone can also impact cognitive function, leading to memory issues and difficulty concentrating. These changes can be particularly distressing, especially when they are not well understood or if they are mistakenly attributed to other factors, such as work stress or aging. Counselling can play a crucial role in helping men navigate the mental health challenges associated with andropause. Through therapy, you can gain a better understanding of what is happening to your bodies and minds, reducing the stigma and fear often associated with these changes. Counselling provides a safe space to express and explore these feelings, leading to greater self-awareness and acceptance. As a counsellor, I can assist you in developing coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression and address negative thought patterns. I can support you in implementing healthy lifestyle changes, such as improved diet, regular exercise, and stress management techniques, which can positively impact both physical and mental well-being during this transition. While andropause is a natural phase of life, if you have found it has brought about significant mental health challenges and you are wondering if counselling can offer you valuable support, helping you to maintain your mental fitness and emotional balance during this time of change, then please get in touch for a free 30-minute telephone consultation.

Each of us is a unique individual with distinct experiences, challenges, and paths to well-being. Understanding this uniqueness is essential when seeking mental health support, as different therapies resonate with different people. I offer a range of services, including counselling, hypnotherapy, emotional freedom therapy, and Reiki Healing, to cater to various needs and preferences. Counselling provides a safe space to explore thoughts and feelings, offering clarity and strategies for managing life's challenges. It is ideal for those who benefit from talking through their issues with a trained professional who can offer insights and coping mechanisms. Hypnotherapy taps into the subconscious mind to address deep-seated issues and alter negative patterns of thought and behaviour. This method is particularly effective for clients who are open to exploring their inner mind and harnessing the power of suggestion to facilitate change. Emotional Freedom Therapy focuses on processing and releasing pent-up emotions, stresses and traumas that can hinder personal growth. This approach is suited for individuals who recognise the impact of unresolved emotional pain and are ready to confront and heal these feelings. Reiki Healing, an energy-based practice, promotes relaxation and reduces stress through gentle touch. This therapy is perfect for those who seek a holistic approach to mental health, valuing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. During therapy you are encouraged to choose the therapy that best aligns with your personal preferences and needs. Some people may find a single approach sufficient, while others may benefit from a combination of therapies to achieve holistic well-being. By acknowledging your unique differences, you can each find a path to mental health that truly resonates with you. If you would like to find out more about how therapies could help you , then you can book a free 30-minute telephone consultation at a time that suits you here.

Why Do People Procrastinate? As a counsellor, I often see clients struggling with procrastination. It’s a common challenge that affects productivity and well-being. If you’re reading this, you might be seeking answers and solutions to overcome this habit. Understanding why we procrastinate is the first step toward change. Three significant factors often at play are perfectionism, fear of failure and fear of rejection. Perfectionism involves setting excessively high standards for yourself, leading to an all-or-nothing mindset. You might delay starting tasks because you fear you cannot complete them perfectly. This fear of not meeting your own or others’ expectations can paralyse you, causing avoidance of tasks altogether. The desire to produce flawless work and homelife creates immense pressure, making it difficult to begin or finish projects. Fear of failure and fear or rejection are other critical components. Many people procrastinate because they dread the possibility of failing or receiving negative feedback. This fear can stem from past experiences of being overly criticised, or if doing something wrong led to criticism or disappointment. The anxiety associated with rejection can be so overwhelming that procrastination becomes a coping mechanism, providing temporary relief from stress. How Counselling Can Help I provide a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can explore underlying fears and perfectionistic tendencies which will empower you to find solutions, foster self-awareness, self-acceptance, and effective action. I can help you to navigate setting realistic goals, break tasks into manageable steps, and develop a more compassionate self-view. This shift can reduce the pressure to achieve perfection and make it easier to start and complete tasks. I understand how challenging procrastination can be, but with the right support and tools, it is possible to break free from this cycle. If you would like to work together to understand and overcome procrastination, leading to increased productivity and improved mental health, then please get in touch.

The top picture is me, on a day off jumping out of an aeroplane to raise money for a local hospice. Normally I’d be helping clients to achieve their goals in life, whatever they may be. You too can unlock the power within you through person-centred counselling, it’s a transformative approach designed to help you achieve true happiness and self-fulfilment which places you at the heart of the therapeutic process, recognising your innate ability to understand and resolve challenges best. Imagine having the freedom to navigate your own journey to happiness. As designer Diane von Furstenberg wisely said, "You are the one that possesses the keys to your being. You carry the passport to your own happiness." With person-centred counselling, this powerful insight becomes your reality. You will uncover the strength within you to create meaningful changes and achieve profound self-acceptance. I support people with several transformational therapies including counselling, hypnotherapy and emotional freedom therapy, where I provide a understanding, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment so you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely. This safe space empowers you to discover your own solutions and paths to personal and career or business growth, fostering a sense of autonomy and self-direction. Imagine having the freedom to navigate your own journey to happiness, where carrying the passport to your own happiness becomes your reality. I will be by your side so you can uncover the strength within you to create meaningful changes and self-acceptance. If you would like to take the first step towards a brighter, more fulfilling future and unlock the true potential within you, then you can book a free 30-minute telephone consultation at a time that suits you here.

Many people struggle with feelings of low self-worth for a variety of reasons. Past traumas, negative experiences, and critical self-talk can all play a part. Childhood experiences, such as neglect or harsh criticism, can leave lasting scars on self-esteem. Social pressures and constant comparisons, especially in the age of social media, often make people feel inadequate. Additionally, societal standards of success and beauty can create unrealistic expectations, leading to a persistent sense of not being "good enough." These feelings can hold us back from achieving our full potential and finding true happiness. In counselling I offer a supportive space to explore your thoughts and feelings to help you to identify and challenge negative self-perceptions and unhelpful thinking patterns. Working in whatever way feels best for you, I can support you to replace negative thoughts with more realistic and positive ones. Over time, this shift in perspective will help you to enhance self-worth and encourage a more compassionate view of yourself. Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to reach the subconscious mind, where negative beliefs can be reframed, and positive affirmations can take root. This process, where you are always in control, helps to break the cycle of self-doubt, fostering a deep and lasting sense of confidence. I can guide you through visualising successful outcomes, reinforcing your ability to achieve goals and handle challenges, which in turn boosts self-esteem. Both hypnotherapy and counselling provide safe, personalised approaches tailored to your needs (you can choose both or either therapy). They help uncover underlying issues, process past traumas, and develop effective coping strategies. By addressing the root causes of low self-esteem and reinforcing positive beliefs, these therapies empower you to believe in yourself, embrace your potential, and lead more a fulfilling life. If you would like a free 30-minute telephone consultation to find out more about how you can start to believe in yourself, then please click the button below, or give me a call on 07939 865111.

Whether you play sport or run for fun, or you are a super-competitive sportsperson, in sport it's crucial to care for the mind as meticulously as the body. Hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) can significantly enhance sports performance by optimising your mental state. Hypnotherapy can help you enter a deeply relaxed state, allowing you to visualize success, reinforce positive habits, and reduce anxiety. This mental conditioning fosters confidence, concentration, and resilience under pressure. NLP techniques reprogramme the mind's responses to various stimuli. By changing negative thought patterns and reinforcing positive ones, you can overcome mental blocks, enhance motivation, and improve focus. Techniques such as anchoring (associating a specific stimulus with a positive mental state) and visualisation can create a more consistent and peak performance mindset. Combining these methods can help harness the power of your subconscious mind, leading to improved performance, better stress management, and enhanced overall well-being. You probably know that by integrating mental training into their routines, professional athletes achieve a harmonious balance, ensuring their mind and body work in unison for optimal performance. This holistic approach boosts physical capabilities while fostering mental clarity and emotional stability, essential for maintaining peak performance and achieving long-term success in sports. You may not know that it is available to you too, so you would like to find out more and experience growth in your performance, then please get in touch.