I have a lot of experience of working with clients with OCD and/or intrusive thoughts, which can cause huge distress. I’m glad to see the recent increased awareness of the condition and hope this helps to normalise it for people. I shared some thoughts on this over the last few days (and again here)

It is good to see increased attention on OCD, which I have lots of clients bringing into sessions. Every client is different, but generally my experience tells me that treating symptoms and not causes/underlining concerns (which CBT mostly does) is often only…1/4 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Reading Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s memoir, ‘Nobody’s Girl’ is harrowing, heartbreaking but in its own way, deeply inspiring. I work with many survivors of abuse: sexual, physical and emotional, and although Virginia’s story is unique to her, it speaks to so many of the experiences I hear….1/3

Small gestures of kindness and appreciation can make such a difference to our mental health and wellbeing - whether we are offering or receiving them. Today, a thoughtful colleague in one of the schools I work with handed me this plant as a thank you for my work. I felt seen.….1/2

Every day - as a therapist and a parent - I see the damage and stress created by mobile phone/social media use amongst children/in schools. I am so grateful that my daughter’s school is phone-free, locking away all phones for the duration of school day.....1/2 www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/my-...

I have published the tenth edition of my AMJ Counselling newsletter, in which I reflect on my recent difficult period of mental health and share some podcast, video and book recommendations. You can read it by clicking on the link below and can subscribe on my website. shorturl.at/d2Nlx

I was inspired (and terrified) by Chris Hoy’s heartbreaking story, so I booked a PSA test (despite not having any symptoms and “only” being 47). Thankfully, I’ve had a really positive and reassuring result today. I feel very grateful but also mindful of the understandable fears that clients......1/3

Excellent New York Times piece for all, including proud introverts like me, on loneliness, socialising and recognising our needs and having them met. It includes this helpful line: “focus on socializing in the context that you feel comfortable, rather than just not socializing at all.”

I work regularly as a therapist with women who are exploited and abused - mostly by men - and have their lives decimated by the horrific experiences to which they are subjected. Today’s news angers me so much (not just as an Irish citizen who believes the UK would be better off as a republic).…1/2

Autumn is my favourite time of the year. It has a lot to do with the light and temperature (which I prefer to rest of year) but I know it’s also the feeling it gives me. Autumn feels peaceful - slower and quieter than the other seasons - as we start to move towards the end of the year.......1/3

Eating disorders are not caused by the fashion industry’s unhealthy obsession with thin models or the toxic Instagram content which focuses on personal training; before and after weight loss pictures; “healthy” eating; the “positive” impact of weight loss jabs like Ozempic…..1/3

This moved me to tears. It is beautiful. It is humility. It is grace. It is dignity. It is just what I needed to see. It is hope and light.

Some reflections on my own recent depressive episode and my mental health. I believe in openness and being authentic and so am happy to share without any sense of shame or embarrassment. I am ok with struggling. I am ok with working through stuff. I am ok.

Extraordinarily moving interview with Lewis Moody and his wife, Annie, as they discusses his recent MND diagnosis. Their courage in speaking out at this early stage will help so many people and raise so much awareness of this hideous disease....1/2 www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

Just read Bishop Pete Wilcox’s powerful, hopeful, moving and inspiring memoir, ‘A Year Of The Lord’s Favour’. I am very lucky to know Pete - before he became Bishop of Sheffield we were on a residential leadership course together - who I regard of one of the best people I’ve met….1/3

Over recent weeks, I have stepped back from some WhatsApp/other chat and distanced myself a little from some people and situations. This is me listening to my needs. I make no apologies for it - this is what I need to do for me and my wellbeing. At times when my mental health is under pressure...1/2

New blog post..…’What to do/what to say when someone is struggling with their mental health’. I know as a therapist and someone who lives with depression that how people respond to someone who is struggling can make things worse. I’ve shared some suggestions. www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/wha...

Devastated to hear of the horrific attack in Manchester at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue. Sadly, this feels like the sickening and inevitable result of the increase in antisemitism in the UK and around the world, which is a stain on society......1/2

Class is permanent. One of the all-time greats shows golfers and golf fans in 2025 what leadership looks like. Thank you, Mr Watson 👏👏👏

My position on this hardened after another day (on Sunday) of relentless abuse, deep unpleasantness and a lack of respect and good grace that the European players endured on the final day. Hats off to them, but I do worry about the impact these experiences will have on them and their loved ones.…1/2

The mental fortitude and resilience shown by the European Ryder Cup team in the face of relentless abuse (including aimed at their families) has been extraordinary. I love golf - really love it - but I do not love what’s happened to the Ryder Cup.…..1/3

Taking a few moments to exhale as I head towards the end of a super busy working week. It is always a deeply moving privilege that clients allow me to play a small role in their lives, but some weeks bring sessions and clients that sit heavier with you than others - this was one such week.....1/3

Thank you to Claire Murdoch - the outgoing NHS England national director for mental health - for her comments last week about young people and our mental health crisis. Every day I see evidence of how NHS funding and prioritisation are letting young people down - not providing them with the…..1/3

Excellent piece in The Irish Times which highlights an important issue which I encounter most days. So many young people are being given wellbeing support (including mindfulness sessions, advice on self care and resilience) when what they need is 121 counselling.…..1/3

At the end of a storm There’s a golden sky After an incredibly difficult few days, I am starting to hear the sweet silver song of a lark. Living with depression and/or anxiety is brutal and can hit you out of nowhere. As ever, I am beyond grateful for the love and acceptance…..1/2

New blog post……”Updated after two months or so………..My eleven-year old has her first phone: we’ve entered a minefield.” I’ve added some new reflections on how we are navigating the mobile phone minefield......1/2 www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/my-...

Like many of my clients, I live with depression and/or anxiety which gets in the way of life, as it has at times this week. I don’t subscribe to the widely-held view in the profession that therapists should not self-disclose/be open about their own lives and mental health…..1/2

Being a therapist/counsellor and knowing a fair bit about mental health, psychology, myself and my own needs, doesn’t stop me from ending up on the wrong path from time to time. My own depression and anxiety were triggered and roared up with avengeance this week…..1/2

My work and experience with clients (and my research) supports my strong view that recovery from eating disorder(s) is 100% possible and that hope and belief in recovery is a vital part of the process. I place significant emphasis with my clients on hope and confidence in their recovery.......1/2

Eye catching advert in today’s FT from @beatedsupport who do fantastic work on eating disorders. Their focus on hope and helping people have life-saving conversations is critically important. I place huge emphasis on hope and building belief in recovery in my work with clients…..1/2

Finishing Friday by making my way through this week’s New York Times and listening to Vaughan Williams - I’m in search of joy and hope. I often wonder (as I do now) how people felt in the late 1960s/early to mid-1970s: did they feel as hopeless with politics and leadership with…..1/3

Charlie Kirk’s death was raised in sessions by two teenage clients today. Both were disgusted by the violent act that took his life (as I am) but they viewed him very, very differently. The white teenage boy client “loved” him and agreed with lots of what he said.....1/2

Deeply disturbing but sadly all too familiar story of male violence against women; emotional abuse; coercive control; sexual violence; gaslighting and more besides. It is shameful to see another police force - this time the PSNI - dismiss this horrific case so disgracefully and to see so many…..1/2

I am seven years teetotal today - 2556 days since my last drink. Giving up alcohol was one of my best ever decisions and has improved my life immeasurably. It has helped the ongoing recovery after my breakdown….1/2 www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/250...

Of course, there are significant dangers of using chatbots for mental health support - although lots of my clients tell me about their helpful interactions with ChatGPT - but until the NHS provides therapy to everyone who needs it……1/2

Ended the working week (our first back after the holidays) and Miss J’s first at “big school” with a Team Jones evening walk to debrief. Stunning evening and so good to take a breath and just chat (and have a spontaneous foot race!).…..1/2

Obligatory first day at high school photo. A big day for us all as a family. Just like all new chapters of life with your child, it feels good to turn this page, but we know there are new big challenges and changes ahead.…..1/2

Given my experience as a counsellor working within schools and with dozens of young people outside schools, I am 100% behind this campaign from Esther Ghey. Phones and social media apps are sources of so many distressing issues for young people.....1/2 www.theguardian.com/education/20...

Typically outstanding writing and analysis from Thomas. L Friedman in The New York Times on the relationship between presidents Trump and Putin. Politics and statecraft aside, the psychology of the relationship and dynamics are fascinating - and (for me)…..1/2

I have published the ninth edition of my AMJ Counselling newsletter, in which I reflect on the theme of change, sharing some personal reflections and resources I hope will be interesting and helpful. You can read it by clicking on the link below and can subscribe on my website.  shorturl.at/fR3Ul

There are few experiences I’ve had in life that compare to the relief and exhilaration I feel when a plane lands and I get back on terra firma. The anxiety and discomfort of flying never goes away, regardless of the huge amount of travelling I’ve done or how……1/2

Being in Ireland is my purest form of joy - it’s my heart going home. This summer’s trip has been a belter - spending time with my favourite people in my favourite place (the only place I enjoy being on holiday!), the glorious Rathmullan. Channelling my mother-in-law……1/2

From this evening, I am taking a break from work, spending time with my family and recharging my batteries. I learnt from the bitter experience of my breakdown that failing to balance work and life, including taking time for breaks from work, can damage your mental health. It did for me. 1/3

Outstanding piece of television with retired leading brain surgeon Henry Marsh, reflecting on his life and work. Incredibly moving and thought-provoking as he demonstrates time and again the value of empathy in his work and the deep emotional impact that patient……1/2 www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

The summer holidays are always a tricky time for me - with the loss of routine in particular - but over the years I’ve learnt the importance of finding joy every day, even if just in small, simple ways. Looking back at these photos from the last week or so helps me to recognise…..1/2

Sickening but not at all surprising. We should not dismiss this incident as “one idiot” but get real about the scale of racism in the UK and football. In football: 43% of players are black (around 50% in last night’s match) but there are hardly any black managers, coaches, referees and……1/3

I’ve been working with students since the first day of my counselling training placement and they feature heavily in my current client list. I am passionate about working with young people, helping them to be seen and heard, especially as they face so many pressures and expectations.…..1/2

Typically excellent and insightful piece from Camilla Cavendish in the FT which resonated so much with me personally. Slowing down, resisting the temptation to be “always on”, and taking time to “smell the jasmine” were big parts of my reset after my breakdown. Lovely to hear it helping Camilla too.

Important piece by Francesca Angelini in today’s Sunday Times which makes the powerful case for greater regulation of counselling/therapy. The harm done to clients - and the potential for harm - is huge (as her piece highlights) and leaving the public with such a loose (and voluntary) regulatory…1/2

There are a small number of people in the public eye for whom I have endless admiration and respect. Michael Sheen is one such person. The world is a much, much better place for having him in it. His commitment to community, providing opportunities for those who would not otherwise get them…..1/2