Insights from a counsellor in Cawdor

Most of us know what it feels like to worry. Sometimes it’s the night before an interview. Sometimes it’s waiting for a phone call, sitting outside a hospital appointment, or wondering whether someone we love is okay. That’s part of being human. Anxiety can feel different. It doesn’t always wait until there’s something obvious to worry about. Sometimes it arrives when everything appears to be fine. Your mind starts racing. Your body feels tense. You begin imagining every poss

Confidence is an interesting thing. We often think we know what it looks like. We picture the person who walks into a room without hesitation, happily introduces themselves to strangers, speaks up first in meetings, or never seems worried about what other people think. We admire those people and sometimes find ourselves wishing we could be a little more like them. But over the years, working with children, young people and adults, I’ve realised that confidence doesn’t always

As I write this in June, Scotland is trying to act like it’s summer, and I’m sitting outside in the sun, feeling its warmth (even though I’m still wearing a jacket and a blanket). June is Pride month, and after the recent elections, it feels as important today as it was back in the 80s. It seems like discrimination, labelling and feeling like you have to answer to others are becoming more common. The 15th of June marks the start of Loneliness Awareness Week, which is especial

A conversation stayed with me recently. Not because it was dramatic. Not because there was a big breakthrough. But because it felt familiar. The person sitting opposite me talked about how exhausted they were. Work was busy. Family life was busy. There was always something needing done. They were getting through each day. Keeping things moving. Doing what needed done. From the outside, most people would probably have said they were coping. And in many ways, they were. But und

When people think about emotional wellbeing, they often imagine big conversations, deep insight, or having to explain exactly how they feel. But sometimes emotional regulation begins somewhere much smaller. A warm drink.A familiar routine.A walk.A blanket.Music.Holding something comforting in your hands.A quiet moment where the nervous system begins to slow down slightly. Children and adults do not always need solutions immediately. Sometimes they need something grounding eno

Sometimes the first signs that a child is struggling show up around school. A child who once seemed settled suddenly does not want to go in. Friendships become harder. Confidence drops. Mornings feel stressful. Small worries begin to feel much bigger. Some children become quieter and withdrawn. Others become angry, emotional, or overwhelmed more quickly than before. For parents, it can be difficult knowing what is part of growing up and what might be a child quietly strugglin

When a child is struggling emotionally, it rarely affects just the child. Parents often notice small changes first. A child who suddenly becomes quieter. More anxious. More emotional. More angry. School mornings become harder. Friendships become more difficult. Sleep changes. Confidence drops. Sometimes there is no clear explanation at all, just a feeling that something is not quite right. It can leave parents feeling worried, stuck, or unsure how best to help. Children do no

Mentoring is one of those small things that can change everything. When a child feels seen, heard, and supported, they begin to believe...

When I first saw how mentoring could change a child’s path, it wasn’t theory — it was real life. Mentoring isn’t about giving advice;...

Are you interested in this project? Then come along to meet Mike at Cawdor Community Centre on Monday 17th or 24th, 5pm-6pm to find out...

Physical contact such as a hug are important for our develop and our well-being, not just when we are children but as adults as well....

Mentoring for school age children www.mikeogden.uk mike@mikeogden.uk How you feeling? What have you done today? What’s up with you? Don’t...

So, my relaxing evening looked different than just sitting in front of the TV. Received a call from my cousin, 'my 11 year old is bored...

The First Day of School