Empowering individuals to begin to explore and understand why they may think, feel and respond in a certain way.
(3)
Who I am:
I am a mum of 2 children, a registered Children's Nurse and a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. I have over 19 years' experience of working with children, young people and adults in both the NHS and private practice. Services available:
I recognise the need for a quality service, available to deliver evidence based outcomes within a timely manner. Passionate about what I d
o and helping others, Sunflower Cognitive Therapies Limited came into fruition in March 2016. Specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, I have knowledge and experience of working with a range of anxiety disorders (separation, generalised, social and panic disorder), phobias, OCD, low mood/depression, self esteem/low confidence, along with supporting children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder. How we deliver our service:
- An initial consultation will be offered to find out a little bit more about the presenting difficulties.
- An assessment will be offered over 4 sessions to identify the need and develop initial therapy outcomes.
- 4-6 sessions of talking therapy will be offered working towards a therapy goal.
- Work will be reviewed and reassessed as required. For further information on how Sunflower Cognitive Therapies Limited could support you or your family further please contact me via Facebook Messenger, call 07875140157 or email [email protected]
30/03/2022
π» It's that time of year again... Examinations are looming, the pressure's increasing, the question is this, are you prepared?π€
Here are a few things to remember to help you through the weeks and months ahead... β
With some exams already underway and others starting this coming week; children, young people and adults around the country and across the worldβ―will be priming themselves for EXAMS! Be it, Year 2/Year 6 SATS tests, end of year exams, GCSES or higher education examinations, now is often the time w...
13/06/2021
π» After 3 months in the making I am proud to be able to promote my new brand and website! βΊοΈ
A big shout out to Resolution. for all your hard work, time and effort in designing and making my website. Also to Utilicom and The Endeavour Partnership I couldn't have done this without your help and support!
π» Please take a look and let me know your thoughts...
What information would you like to see, what would be helpful for you? Your feedback is welcome.
π»As we reach 'Hump day', the middle of the week, how are you feeling? My boys remind me constantly that Wednesday isn't the middle of the week, so hump day would be Thursday at 12.00pm... π€¦πΌββοΈπ€£
Today I'm feeling tired! π΄ Tiredness is my body's way of telling me that I have not taken enough time out to rest or re fuel!
π» Feelings are very much connected to what is happening around us. Sometimes it is hard to figure out why we are feeling a certain way. π€·πΌββοΈ
If we take a break and look a little closer at what is going on around us, more often than not, we are then able to start making those important links. π€
π» With the news of further changes for the months ahead, I imagine it has evoked an array of feelings...
π Happy to be able to see friends and loved ones.
π₯Ί Anxious about going out.
π Overjoyed to see an end to homeschooling.
π° Apprehensive as to whether life will in fact go back to normal.
π Annoyed at having to go back to school.
π Frustrated at the prospect of having to go to bed earlier and get up earlier to go back to school/work.
π» The list is endless so talking about how we feel is incredibly important! Especially when we consider the continuing changes.
Take some time out this week to acknowledge how you are feeling, even more importantly make time with your children or young people to check out how they are feeling too. β€οΈ
π» Children and young people might struggle to identify their feelings when trying to talk about these but might be able to spot an emoji that they can relate to. Why not print a sheet of feelings or emojis, stick it on the fridge. It might be a useful aid with conversations or just to look at to keep your feelings in check! βοΈ
Regardless of how you are feeling, the important thing to remember is that all our feelings are normal... π We just need to make time to listen to them more often! π»
22/02/2021
π» Yesterday I received some lovely feedback from a client whom I have been working on and off for a number of years. She has kindly allowed me to share this on my fb page.
I always say, 'its the small steps we take that help us achieve our long term goals'. For this client and so many others, these goals can often be life changing. β€οΈ
π» It is an absolute privilege to be able to support clients on their therapy journey and something I never take for granted.
17/02/2021
π» A parent of a teenager I'm working with kindly shared this with me today, she thought it would benefit other parents too.
Personally, I can relate to this and I imagine you will too.
π» We are going through an incredibly difficult time at the moment and there are days when it feels like 'groundhog day' with no light at the end of the tunnel.
It's okay to have days where you feel frustrated, tired and disappointed but I do believe that with courage and determination we will get there...β€οΈπ»
To My Child
I could make you happy, when you were little.
It was all within my control,
I was the master of your universe and I could paint your world sparkly and bright and make you smile from ear to ear.
Now, itβs no longer up to me whether you smile or not.
Youβre part of this world now sweet one, and I canβt protect you from the bullies, the rejections, or the disappointments.
I canβt wash it all white with a movie and snacks and cuddles.
That doesnβt work.
Not anymore.
And that fact is by far the hardest thing Iβve had to deal with as a parent,
watching you struggle through this pandemic.
Watching you lose hope, watching you try to understand the crazy going on around you.
Watching you pick up the pieces as best you can and fashion some sort of a life.
Every time you have lost something which you love to do, or miss someone you love to hug, my heart breaks a little more.
I could make you happy when you were little,
no matter what raged around us but now, I cannot.
And Iβm so sorry for that.
All I can do is hold you tight, when you let me, and pray this all comes to an end soon and your life comes back to you.
Better than before.
Youβre doing so well,
one day you will see how brave you were.
You made your momma proud.
Donna Ashworth
Author of βTo The Womenβ
Artwork by Rosalia Artbook
22/05/2020
π» Helping children to understand what anxiety is and how it can make you feel can sometimes be a bit tricky. Especially when it means they might be getting a 'not so funny' feeling in their tummy. A feeling that stops them from having fun or makes them believe they are going to be sick when they are not! π’
Even for adults it can sometimes be hard to imagine how the worries in your head can have such an overwhelming impact on you physically. ππ
π» Meet the A Team! Our friendly amygdala's, SPARKLE and MOON...π
They have travelled all the way from Australia βοΈ to join our little family and help remind us when we get that 'funny tummy', it's just our little warrior inside trying to keep us safe, protect us even when we might not need protecting...π¦ΈββοΈ π
π» Whilst I have used lot's of resources with my own children over the years, helping them understand the symptoms of anxiety has always been a challenge. Last night at bedtime reading 'Hey Warrior' resulted in what I like to call a light bulb moment... π‘π It just seemed to click, we were able to talk through some of our worries and recognise the tummy ache! With the help of SPARKLE and MOON to keep us safe and calm we were able to settle off to sleep!
β€οΈ Praise to Hey Sigmund - Karen Young for the beautifully written 'Hey Warrior'! Karen has a wonderful way of explaining anxiety, the impact it has on our lives and things we can do when it becomes too overwhelming. Her wealth of knowledge and understanding is valuable for parents, educators, children and young people especially in such difficult times.
π» This morning we have sent our mini A Team off to school. Attached onto our bags as a reminder for the times when life feels a little tricky. For the times when we might get that funny tummy or feel upset and need and a little reminder of just how brave we actually are! π
15/05/2020
π» Keeping children entertained throughout lockdown can be incredibly hard. Especially when they are unable to access the places that they know and love.
As a mum of two boys who have lots of energy to burn, not having the opportunity to let off steam at the park or the skate park can result in increased frustration and meltdowns.
π» A big shout out to Stockton Parent Carer Forum and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council Short Breaks Grant.
Thanks to the Short Breaks Grant we have been able to purchase some outdoor toys to help keep my boys entertained whilst staying at home.
π» At the beginning of the week, we managed to have an hour having fun in the garden after school without the repeated requests for the Nintendo and endless meltdowns.
Tonight, thanks to the help of my family, my boys returned home from school to a nice surprise which they are over the moon with. And again, a night with no meltdowns!!
π» Whilst we might not be able to go to the park, we have been able to create our own little park in the safety of our own home!
At what is a very difficult time, thank you to everyone who has helped make life that little bit more bearable...β€οΈ
π» Trying to instill calmness when the world is in chaos can be incredibly hard. Similarly, trying to be a calm and consistent parent when children are having hourly meltdowns can feel like an impossible task.
π» Today we have been practicing breathing techniques to help when life feels overwhelming. π₯΄
π» This morning began with a family Cosmic Kids Yoga πββοΈπ ββοΈ session followed by making some breathing buddies.... π¨ This afternoon the boys helped me pull out the weeds before running off unspent energy... π
π» Whilst the country is in lockdown, for the vast majority of children and young people assessments and examinations have been put on hold. For others, there is still an expectation that end of year examinations will continue.
Under the current circumstances whether you are preparing for exams, complete any form of study or even trying to keep up to speed with paperwork/reports at home can feel like an onerous task. ππ€¦πΌββοΈ
π» However with a few small changes here and there, you may be surprised at what you can achieve! π€ π
Let's start by having a little courage in your convictions...:You can do this! β€οΈ
π» Remember, it's the small steps we take that help us achieve our long term goals...
On your marks⦠get set⦠go!  Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash With some exams already underway and others starting this coming week; children, young people and adults around the country and across the world will be priming themselves for EXAMS!  Be it, Year 2/Year 6 SATS tests, end of ye...
01/05/2020
Camhs professionals are currently looking for staff and have 2 contracts available to start with immediate effect!
CBT therapists need to be accredited with the BABCP.
One contract working with Adults and the other working with CAMHS.
Both positions are working from home / Β£30 per hour (outside IR35)
24/04/2020
π» I have just received this beautiful message from a mum of a client I am working with... β€οΈ
I feel very privileged being able to support young people, adults, their families and teaching staff.
π» We have all been asked to make changes and this can be incredibly hard and feel pretty overwhelming at times.
In such testing times no one is invincible, but together we can get through this. Even if it does mean adapting the way we continue to work and live our lives.
A big shout out to all the teaching staff who continue to support our children and young people in such difficult times... π
Keep doing the wonderful things you do....
β€οΈ Teaching our children the importance of never giving up and to always try again!
π Inspiring our children to try new things!
πThank you for helping our children to grow!
St John the Evangelist RC Primary School we miss you too! β€οΈπ»
09/04/2020
β€οΈ Praise to the charities and organisations working with the vulnerable children, young people, adults and families within our communities.
π Similar to those working in the NHS and other caring professions, without the voluntary and community sector, sadly many people would not be here today to tell their story.
β€οΈ These Key Workers are a lifeline for many! Guardian Angels who work day and night, giving hope, offering guidance and support and help people to know their worth and changing lives.
π Whilst as a nation we have been asked to come together to slow the spread of coronavirus, for some, lock down has proven a perfect opportunity to exert further power and control! COVID-19 has sadly seen a significant rise in people accessing support from national and local Domestic Abuse Services.
β€οΈ With the Governments announcement to give an extra Β£750 Million to support frontline charities, organisations like Harbour Support Services can continue to offer their valuable services to those in need.
During Covid 19 lockdown we are seeing an increase in all forms of abusive and controlling behaviours. Today we want to provide information about financial control and reassure you that there is help available should you need it.
www.survivingeconomicabuse.org has some useful information regarding finances and how to protect yourself, particularly during this period.
π¦ Remember though, we are still open and able to support you in a number of ways.
If you need to speak to someone please contact us:
βIf everyone who is grateful for NHS staff right now followed and retweeted we would reach a million by midnight Together we can share positive stories and messages of thanks and hope to keep morale as high as possible Thank you xβ
04/04/2020
π» You might miss the flowers in the park, but it doesn't mean you can't plant your own flowers in your garden or make a windowsill garden in your kitchen!
π» In our home, Easter holidays are often spent heading to the park straight after breakfast to get free run of the skate park and park before everyone arrives.
With COVID-19 and lock down, this year sadly it is not possible. As adults we can understand this yet for children this can be a very frustrating time... ππ€
π» Distracting children with the simplistic of things can be just what they need to take their troubles away.
π You might not be able to get to the skate park but it doesn't mean you can't make one yourself!
π»Trying to instill calmness in your home might seem like an impossible task when you are surrounded by a storm.
Children and young people are often frightened by storms, looking to parents and caregivers for reassurance, security and the hope that soothing words will alleviate their fears.
π» The challenge we face is that in such uncertain times with increased anxiety and fear comes complaints of tummy ache, meltdowns, temper tantrums and other difficulties.
As a parent or caregiver, trying to find the right words to help your child who is struggling when you are experiencing similar fears or anxieties can leave you feeling helpless. βΉοΈ
π»I often refer parents and carers to Hey Sigmund - Karen Young, it is a resource that I also use myself when having my own parenting wobbles.
Sometimes trying to ride out a storm can be exhausting, but as Hey Sigmund reminds us, 'We've been through tough things before, and we always get through.' A useful reminder I feel is important for not only our children but ourselves too!
So if you are mid way through your week and feeling like you are a little out of your depth, remember...
π» We are all in this together!
π»Together we can help each other!
π»Together we can find ways to ride out the storm!
π»Together we will come out the other side!
When the this time comes, we will all be a little wiser and more resilient as individuals, families and communities... β€οΈ
As the important adult their world, you have a profound capacity to help your child feel calm and to bring their world back to safe enough. Here's how.
27/03/2020
π» No matter who you are or what you do, no one is invisible! There will be days when you can keep all your plates spinning and there will be the days when it feels like they have all come crashing down...π
Sometimes life just gets in the way, but that's okay - we are human after all! π€·πΌββοΈ
π» Show yourself the kindness you deserve... You can always try again tomorrow β€οΈ
26/03/2020
π» All around the world people have been asked to take extraordinary measures, making changes to the way they live their lives to slow the spread of coronavirus.
π» Change can be difficult, change impacts us all in different ways. Some people embrace it, for others it can increases anxiety and cause fear and other challenges.
π» Our children have been asked to make so many changes over the last number of weeks:
- Stop accessing School/College/University
- Start education within their home
- Say goodbye to family and friends
- Stop going to their favourite places/park/clubs
π» Above all our children for the time being have lost their freedom to be children as they knew it.
π» For young people, life feels very unfair at the moment. They have no control over anything that is happening and this can result in them losing a sense of who they are.
π» So next time your child or young person might push the limits, refuse to do as they are asked or has a meltdown try to consider the following....
π―οΈWhat do they actually have control of in their lives right now?
π―οΈ Maybe to them, their world is falling apart and in that moment, their response is the one only thing that they feel they have any control over.
π» Having very little control over life can increase sleepless nights, anxiety, fear, frustration, anger, resentment, leave you feeling helpless and lost... π
π» Now is the time to help our children regain a little bit more control over what is happening even if that is just within the safety of their own home. β€οΈ
- Choosing your battles
- Give your children choice over home school tasks and if it is resulting in refusal and further arguments, 'choose your battles... What is important right now for your child and for you as a family?
- Ask young people what they might like to do for family time, give them more choice and control
- Be a little more flexible with bedtime
β€οΈ When we nurture and protect our children and young people, the best way we can we will inevitably help them to not loose sight of who they are.
π» Now is the time for working together, to ensure events of 2020 do not have a negative impact on each and everyone of us.
π» 2020 may be the year that caused the entire population to lose sleep. However, the day will arrive when we wake up and this horrible nightmare will be over.
π» When we do look back on 2020 it should not be a year that took away our children and young people's dreams and future aspirations.
Instead I hope it will be the year where....
β€οΈ We developed a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us
β€οΈ We recognised our ability to have strength and resilience in testing times
β€οΈ Social distancing brought families together
Above all I hope that 2020 proves to be the year where 'looking out for others' became a priority and stronger and supportive communities began to grow.
Remember, 'it's the small steps we take that help us achieve our long term goals' π»
25/03/2020
π»To all children, young people and adults who are feeling frightened or alone in these uncertain weeks and months ahead.
π»To those who are missing the closeness of loved ones, family and friends, struggling with the impact that COVID-19 is having on not only peopleβs physical health but mental health and emotional wellbeing.
π»And to the children who want to be at home with their families yet bravely wave goodbye to parents and carers at their school gates on a morning, meaning that their mummyβs, daddyβs and care givers are able to continue working to help others in such difficult times.
Praise to Patrice Karst, for The Invisible String, a powerful story that has provided comfort already to thousands of people around the world. The message being that no matter who you are or where you are, you are never alone.β€οΈ
π»Having used this on many occasions and seeing the positive effect it has had on my clients, I decided to share it with my boys yesterday, in readiness for them having to go to school today.
The power of the story helped to calm some of the anxiety and fear within our home. My boys decided to put their interpretation of the story into a picture in the hope that it will help others remember that in such difficult times, βwe are all a family of loveβ connected together by invisible strings tied to our hearts.β€οΈ
05/03/2020
π» It's lovely to see the sun shining and the flowers starting to blossom, a sign that spring is here and summer is on it's way.... π
Hope you have woke up feeling beautiful today β€οΈπ»
01/03/2020
π» Bye bye February, hello March! We may not
get it right every time, but it is good to know we are given plenty of opportunities to start over again...
π» Monday morning will be here before we know it! A new day, new week, new month but most importantly a chance for a new start!
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07/02/2020
π»This week as part of Children's Mental Health Week, school's up and down the country will be helping children explore what it means to be brave... π ββοΈπββοΈπββοΈ
Regardless of whether you are a child or an adult, bravery is a term we will all be able to relate to.
Everyone of us will have experienced a time when we have had to be brave....
π»Having to muster the courage to overcome a challenge...
π»Trying to find the confidence to keep on going when we fall...
π»Learning that it's okay to put your hand up and ask for help...
With the right help and support, no matter the circumstances, we all have the potential to succeed and find our inner brave! β€οΈπ»
25/01/2020
π» What are you grateful for today??
I love nothing more than waking up to watch the sunrise on a morning... π
π» This morning was especially beautiful, stood at the window with my boys watching the aray of colours fill the morning sky. A wonderful reminder that spring is on it's way! π±
No matter what might be happening in your life, there is always something to be grateful for! β€οΈ
17/01/2020
π» We might be half way through January but if you haven't done so already, it's not too late to start thinking about investing more time in you this year! π€
Do you need to block some time out of a busy schedule? Maybe it's starting a hobby back up which you had to put on hold. Or could it be signing up for something you have been interested in but not had the courage to try...π€·ββοΈ
π» Yes it might mean reassessing your priorities and learning to say no to others once in a while.
Making time to invest in you is not being selfish its essential! It helps build good self esteem and teaches you to value yourself more. But most importantly taking time out has an overall positive impact on your emotional health and mental well-being. β€οΈ
π» So what are you waiting for!! π Here's to a New Year and a new improved version of you!
31/12/2019
π» As we approach the end of 2019 and reflect on the past 12 months what do you find yourself focusing on???
Has it been a year which you look back on with fond memories or in contrast is it a year you are eager to say goodbye to? π€·ββοΈ
π» Life is never plain sailing and with the highs it is inevitable there will be lows. Regardless, there will be lessons you will have learnt about yourself, others and circumstances.
So before you start thinking about New Year resolutions, give yourself a pat on the back for getting through 2019!
β¨ Acknowledge the times when you found strength instead of focusing on the weaknesses!
β¨ Celebrate your achievements no matter how small you believe them to be!
β¨Take pride in the determination mustered on the days you felt like giving up!
Wishing you all good health and happiness for 2020. Best Wishes, Catherine π»
Sunflower Cognitive Therapies Limited - Helping people to grow and develop positive outcomes π»
24/11/2019
π» No matter who you are, everyone has a story! A journey that they have taken to get where they are today...
π»When life is full of upheaval and you find you have reached the crossroads it can often be a challenge knowing which way to turn....
π» The important step is to have faith, take courage and believe! If you look back you will see just how far you have come. Struggles cannot last forever, if you look closer it maybe the struggles you have endured have taught you resilience, determination and strength.
π»With every step you take forward, you are one step closer to reaching your goal!
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π A special thanks to Teesside Ted (or Mousie as Harry calls him π) and The Teeside Family Foundation for once again welcoming us to Middlesbrough Sports Village on such a scorcher of a day... βοΈ
π» Holidays are can be a stressful time for many families. The lack of routine and an unstructured day can result in endless amounts of 'meltdowns'.
When you add heat into the mix and you have little ones who find both the bright sunshine and the heat overwhelming, it can all become too much! π°
π»This morning it was lovely cooling off in the sensory room before the boys had some fun in the soft play!
Thank you once again for this opportunity. Catherine, Tom and Harry! π
#sensoryroom #sensoryprocessingdifficulties #autism #teessidefamilyfoundation #summerfun #makingmemories #WeLookAfterOurOwn #TeessideFamilyActive
Santa for JPC playing with the brass band xx
2 more sleeps till Christmas π π
Sunflower Cognitive Therapies and co are out today in Middlesbrough raising money for JPC Community Farm.
Merry Christmas to you all and wishing you good health and happiness for 2018! π»
Big shout out for JPC Community Farm Merry Christmas to you all xx
π» The thought of venturing out to busy places with two children in school holidays fills me full of dread. π Speaking to other parents and carers, I know that I'm not the only one who finds parks/soft plays anxiety provoking!
With two weeks gone already, one thing for sure is once the sun/rain clouds are up, so are my boys!
π» 8.30am on Saturday morning at the skate park = an hour of fun on scooters, learning new tricks from boys of a similar age + a happy stress-free mum enjoying time with her boys + Feeling in control (with a cup of tea) = encouragement to know that holidays do not have to always be stressful π
π‘8.30am start in the holidays might seem too early, but think about it for most, it's the same time as setting off for school π»
#takebackcontrol #littlesteps #longtermgoals
π In our house we are still on count down until the 'Big Day', school starting back, believe me you would think Christmas is coming early! For Tom, I think he believes that on Tuesday it will have. As we still continue to count down until 6th September; early nights, practicing reading and writing every couple of days and talking about new teachers, his classroom and what he might be doing.... I only hope his enthusiasm towards school and work continues over the coming years. π»As adults often connect a new year with new year's resolutions, maybe there are some new year resolutions that might be helpful to think about with our children/pupils. After all, for them September is a new academic year and for some with SATS and GCSE examinations brings new challenges, possible worries and anxieties.π»
Who I am: I am a mum of 2 children, a registered Children's Nurse and a qualified Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist. I have over 14 years' experience of working with children and young people and adults both privately and in the NHS.
Recognising the need for a quality service, available to deliver evidence based outcomes within a timely manner. Passionate about what I do, I decided to take the initiative to provide this service.
What we offer: Sunflower Cognitive Therapies is a Private Practice, offering confidential talking therapy, in particular Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to children, young people and adults, based in Stockton on Tees. In addition to talking therapies, we also provide a range of therapeutic services and support to other professionals, organisations and schools within the Tees Valley Area.
Since the launch of the service in March 2016 we have grown from strength to strength, welcoming referrals for both young people and adults living in the local area including; Billingham, Eaglescliffe, Ingleby Barwick, Norton, Stockton, Thornaby and Yarm. Over time we have begun receiving referrals from wider areas including County Durham; Ferryhill and Hartlepool, through to North Yorkshire; Middlesbrough, Northallerton and Stokesley.
Skilled in: Over time I have developed significant knowledge and experience from working with a range of problems and disorders (ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Learning Difficulties and Disabilities) to rule out any possible underlying medical or mental health problems that may be contributing to the presenting issues.
Skilled in working with a range of anxiety disorders; separation, generalised and social anxiety, alongside panic, phobia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I also work with low mood/depression, self esteem/low confidence, anger and behavioural difficulties.
How it is delivered:
- An initial consultation will be offered to find out a little bit more about the presenting difficulties.
- An assessment will be offered over 4 sessions to identify the need and develop initial therapy outcomes.
- 4-6 sessions of talking therapy will be offered working towards a therapy goal.
- Work will be reviewed and reassessed as required.
Paying it Forward: Passionate about supporting and raising the profile of local charities within the Tees Valley area, I am proud to announce that Sunflower Cognitive Therapies is a Brand Ambassador for JPC Community Farm.
Further information: Any questions or concerns, no matter how insignificant you may feel they are, please do not hesitate to contact Sunflower Cognitive Therapies Limited via Facebook Messenger, Email [email protected] or visit www.sunflowercognitivetherapies.co.uk