Blog

Anxiety in young people is more common than most people realise. And it's often less visible than you'd expect. Young people and anxiety often go together quietly, without anyone quite naming it. It doesn't always look like visible fear. It can look like school refusal, anger, withdrawal, physical illness, or simply a slow disappearance from the things and people that used to matter. The young person themselves might not have the word "anxiety" for what they're experiencing —

Not every child arrives at September in the same place. Back to school mental health struggles are more common than most parents realise. Some have had a straightforward summer. Others are carrying something — a bereavement, a family breakdown, a period of illness, a friendship that ended badly, something that happened that they haven't been able to put down. And now school is starting again, and the world is expecting them to pick up where they left off. If your child has ha

When a child is struggling, it's one of the hardest things a parent can face. You want to help, but you're not always sure what help looks like — or whether they'd even be willing to talk to someone. Counselling for children and young people Dorset families turn to can make this easier — for both of you. Counselling for children and young people isn't the same as adult therapy. It's adapted for where they are: their age, their communication style, and how they make sense of t

Most teenagers have moments of worry. Exams. Friendships. The constant pressure of figuring out who they are. Anxiety in teenagers doesn't always look the way you'd expect. But sometimes anxiety goes beyond normal worry. It starts affecting sleep, school, friendships, and the ability to get through the day. And because teenagers often don't say "I think I have anxiety," parents can find it hard to know what's actually happening. This post is for parents who sense something is

GCSEs are the most academically pressured two years most teenagers will have experienced so far. And the pressure doesn't just come from the exams themselves — it comes from everywhere. Teachers. Friends. Social media. The general sense that what happens in a few months in May will define what comes next. Most teenagers carry some GCSE stress. But there's a point where stress tips into something that affects sleep, physical health, mood, and the ability to function — and that

Separation Anxiety at School: A Guide for Parents

Childhood trauma doesn't stay in childhood. Here's how it can shape adult relationships and mental health, and how counselling can help.

Practical, compassionate ways parents and schools can support a child recovering from trauma, focused on safety, routine, and patience.

A child who has experienced trauma may not have the words for it. Here's how to notice the signs and respond with patience.

Shorter days and shifting routines can stir up anxiety. Practical ways to steady yourself as the seasons change, and when to seek support.

How counselling can genuinely transform daily life — support available near Wimborne and Poundbury, and online.

Practical, gentle tips for parents supporting a child struggling with school anxiety and avoidance.

Whether you're facing adult pressures or the complex emotions of adolescence, counselling can be genuinely life-changing.

Support for young people struggling with school anxiety, from Wellbeing Practice in Poundbury, Wimborne, and online.

Can anxiety have a lighter side? A gentle, honest look at humour as one way of coping alongside proper support.

Small, achievable changes can genuinely shift how you feel day to day. Practical ideas for levelling up your wellbeing.

GAD is persistent, wide-ranging worry that affects everyday life. Understanding it, and how counselling can help you manage it.

Alex's story of overcoming anxiety and finding resilience through therapy — see if it sounds familiar to you.

A gentle, story-based look at childhood anxiety, told through Timmy's meeting with Dr Awesome — with warmth and a little humour.

Supporting children and young people facing anxiety — how Wellbeing Practice helps young people, families, and friends across Dorset.