& Pupdate From Womble (the therapy dog)
š¾ A Helping Paw When You Need It Most š¾
Hi there, itās Womble the therapy dog again, writing to you on behalf of everyone at TMH!
While I may be an expert in puddle depth testing and tracking down lost balls, the humans at Teenage Mental Health (TMH) specialize in something far more important, helping children and young people and families navigate mental health struggles, whether they feel like deep waters or just a few unsettled ripples.
No waiting lists. No barriers. Just expert care when you need it.
At TMH, we know that mental health struggles donāt wait, and neither do we. Thatās why weāre proud to continue offering timely, expert support for children, adolescents, young adults, parents, and other adults. Whether itās anxietyāsocial, academic, relational, or otherwiseābullying, trauma, loss and grief, eating difficulties, low mood, suicidality, self-harm, gender identity, sexuality, parenting, carer support, depression, low self-esteem, friendship struggles, changing family dynamics, or anything else weighing on your mindāweāre here, ready to listen and help.
Specialist Therapy
We donāt believe in āone-size-fits-allā therapy. Every personās journey is unique, and thatās why our therapists often use a more integrative approach whilst many are skilled at psychotherapy, we also offer play therapy, creative methods, CBT techniques, and moreāto find what works best for each individual.
Weāre also committed to making mental health support accessible. Your first appointment? Itās completely free so you can be sure itās right for you or your child before investing further. And appointments can be made available within 48 hours, because getting help shouldnāt feel impossible.
So, if you or someone you care about is struggling, let them know TMH is here. With highly qualified professionals and a deep commitment to lasting recovery, weāre proud to be a place of hope and healing.
For more info, visit www.teenagementalhealth.co.uk
Sending woofs, wags, and positive well-being your way!
š¾ Womble
Keep up with Womble via Instagram
@womblethetherapy
#womblethetherapydog
So you can see what I get up to, and what a good boy I am!
IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR ACTIVE PATIENTS AND CARERS
Please be aware of the roadworks notice impacting traffic/ access to our building, which will likely impact parking on Lower Brook Streetāit may not be possible or as accessible during this time.
Alternative parking can be found at:
Foundation Street Car Parks
Buttermarket Car Park
Tacket Street/Cox Lane Car Park
BISCUITS!!!
Now that Iāve got your attentionā¦.
It might interest you to know that we are considering resuming our parent/carer support groups! We often get asked about them still, and seems it would be appreciated.
Weāre currently thinking of holding these once a month on a Friday, with light refreshments to make it a relaxed and welcoming space.
This would be an open space for any parent or carer, even if their child or young person is not currently in therapy with us. The focus would be on support, shared experiences, and a sense of community, with no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable with. All in a safe environment with one of our therapeutic and supportive team.
Weād love to hear your thoughts, would this be something youād like to attend? If so, what would make it work best for you in terms of timing, accessibility, or topics youād find helpful?
Your feedback would be really valuable in shaping these sessions to be as beneficial as possible.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Thatās a woofing good question!
I will pass you on to my colleague Dylan at TMH to answer this one, because We absolutely do!
Working with Neurodivergence
Highly Qualified Professionals: The Expertise Behind Teenage Mental Health
At Teenage Mental Health (TMH), we understand that when it comes to seeking therapy, qualifications and experience matter. Mental health support should be delivered by professionals who are not only highly trained but also experienced in working with a wide range of individuals. This is especially important when considering the diverse needs of our patients, including those who are neurodivergent.
Thatās whyā¦..Read Further Here
World Book Day
World Book Day is more than just a celebration of stories, itās a charitable campaign dedicated to making reading fun, engaging, and accessible for children everywhere. With a mission to encourage a love of books and highlight their many benefits, World Book Day ensures that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to own and enjoy books.
Last week was World Book Day, a celebration of the magic of storytelling and the power books have to inspire, educate, and heal. Whether itās a childhood favourite, a thought-provoking novel, or a self-help guide, books can provide comfort, perspective, and a sense of connection. All of which are essential for mental well-being.
For many, reading is more than just an escape, itās a way to process emotions, explore different perspectives, learn something new, or even find it meditative and therapeutic. In therapy, literature is often used as a tool to help individuals navigate difficult emotions, develop empathy, and build resilience.
At Teenage Mental Health (TMH), we often encourage young people and families to use books as a way to encourage reflective practice, open up conversations about feelings, identity, and mental health. Whether itās a story that helps a child understand anxiety, a novel that sparks self-reflection in a teenager, or a parenting book that offers guidance, literature has the potential to be very supportive and therapeutic.
Whatās a book that has had a positive impact on your mental well-being? Let us know by emailing womble@teenagementalhealth.co.uk
The Power Of Reading
Any day can be a day to pick up a book that nurtures your mind and soul. Find out more about the benefits via our blog The Power of Reading.
World Book Day
& Mental Health
While weāre all thinking about reading and mental health, letās talk about something that is also very helpful when reading?
Whatās reeeeally helpful when you canāt read a book from start to finish in one go?
A Bookmark!
Good news, we still provide free mental health bookmarks as supporting resources to schools, child/teen organisations, and others.
Need a new order or a resupply?
Send in your request via the form on our homepage, donāt forget to grab yours! www.teenagementalhealth.co.uk
Free mental health resources arenāt always easy to come by, and what better time to encourage reading and well-being than after World Book Day? Letās keep the momentum going!
Meet The Team
Introducing with a wag a woof,
Philippa!
Itās Womble here, and Iāve got something pawsome to share, let me introduce you to Philippa, one of the amazing therapists at Teenage Mental Health!
Philippa is an Integrative Counsellor, a master of therapeutic skills, who works with children and young people using a creative, compassionate, and trauma-informed approach. Sheās got over 10 years of experience supporting young minds in schools, charities, and outreach organisationsāthatās a whole decade of tail-wagging dedication!
Her impressive studies include a Masterās in Early Childhood Studies from Roehampton University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Children from Place2Be, and recently gone further upskilling learning CBT practices.
Philippa has got a deep understanding of child and adolescent development, attachment, and the power of playāsomething I personally think is very important!
Philippa has helped young people facing all sorts of challenges, including:
š¾ Developmental trauma
š¾ Sexual and domestic violence
š¾ Self-harm & suicidal thoughts
š¾ Intrusive thoughts & relational struggles
š¾ Anxiety, OCD, bipolar, eating disorders & more
š¾ And working with Neurodivergent patients.
And guess what? Sheās still expanding her skills, undergoing further CPD training in Neurodiversity Specialist Training: Affirming Practices for Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, OCD, and More. Philippa is always learning new ways to support every young person she works with.
Above all, Philippa is here to listen, support, and create a safe therapeutic space where children and young people can reflect, express, and explore who they areāwhether through words, creativity, or play.
Woofs and wags,
š¾ Womble
Meet the rest of the team HERE
Monthly Book Recommendation
When Children Grieve
For Adults to Help Children Deal With Death, Divorce, Pet Loss, Moving, and Other Losses by John W. James, Russell Friedman, and Leslie Matthews.
This insightful book, written in accessible and friendly language, provides practical guidance for parents, caregivers, and professionals on how to support and understand children through grief and loss in its many forms.
While its core purpose is to help adults navigate a childās grief, what we particularly appreciate is how it also serves as a gentle reminder to step back and truly consider the childās experienceāas well as our ownāand how we model processing grief.
The book highlights the importance of validationā in first recognising and accepting a childās emotions rather than rushing to "fix" them, and encourages us to reflect on our own experiences of loss.
Whether you are preparing to support a child through bereavement, family separation, moving home, or other significant changes, or you find yourself in that position now, this book is an excellent resource.
If youāre looking for a thoughtful, compassionate, and practical guide to helping children through grief, this is a great place to start.
And a book for the kids?
The Worries
Sohal Finds a Friend
If your child is prone to worrying, The Worries: Sohal Finds a Friend is a fantastic, reassuring read that helps children understand and manage their fears in a fun and engaging way.
Sohal is a little boy who worries about everything. From big things to small things, and even mutant sheep! One night, he draws his worries to help him feel better, but to his surprise, they come to life as five furry creatures: Hurt, Fail, Anger, Big, and Alone. While they mean well, they sometimes make life more difficult for Sohal, and he must learn how to cope with them instead of letting them take over.
This book is great because it shows children that worries are normal, and rather than ignoring them, they can be acknowledged and managed. The story is light-hearted, with humour and warmth, making it a gentle way to start conversations about anxiety, emotions, and self-confidence.
A perfect read for children aged 6-10, this book is a great tool for parents who want to help their child feel more in control of their worries, all while enjoying a fun and relatable story.
Did You Know....?
It was international Womenās day on Saturday? (08.03.25)
This campaign this year celebrated and encouraged the theme "Accelerate Action," recognising the urgency of advancing gender equality and the invaluable contributions of women across all fields.
In mental health care, women have played a crucial role in shaping the way we understand, support, and nurture emotional well-being, particularly for children when thinking of therapeutic care and mental wellbeing.
You can read some thoughts shared on this topic here
WE DO FREE INITIAL APPOINTMENTS!
Yes, it's true, we always provide a first appointment for free for those considering therapy.
Visit the centre and meet a clinician in person before making the decision to start therapy. If it is not the right time, or not right for you or your child, the door remains open.
University Mental Health Day: Supporting Student Well-Being
March 13th, 2025 marks University Mental Health Day, an important event organised by Student Minds, the UKās leading student mental health charity.
This day is dedicated to raising awareness of mental health in higher education and encouraging students, universities, and communities to come together to support well-being.
Patients at University is another reason why TMH have come to embrace online therapy for those who can benefit from it. Itās not for everyone, but itās also hugely beneficial for many still.
We appreciate that timely mental health support can be difficult to find, and for university students, accessing help can feel even more daunting or complicated when living away from home. The pressures of balancing studies, social life, and independence can make it even harder to reach out.
Thatās why at Teenage Mental Health (TMH), we offer remote counselling and therapy options, ensuring that any student, anywhere in the UK, can access timely, professional support when they need it most.
Your mental health matters, and support should never feel out of reach.
Whether youāre struggling with stress, anxiety, loneliness, academic pressure, or adjusting to university life, you donāt have to navigate it alone. Our remote therapy sessions provide a flexible and accessible way to get the help you need, including if your young person or you're studying locally or miles away from home.
Do you want to link our blogs to your school or organisational website?
This Newsletter and Blog is for the general public domain. All we ask is you request our logo to use on your site if wanted, and reference the blog link/page.
Why Some Young People & Children Resist Therapy
Sharing Something Local
The Department for Work and Pensions Ipswich Jobcentre have a forthcoming FREE Jobs and Careers Fair:
Ipswich Jobs and Careers Fair in partnership with JobCentre Plus and Ipswich Borough Council.
When: Wednesday 12th March
Time: 10AM - 1PM
Where: Town Hall & Corn Exchange, Ipswich Town Centre - Please attend via the Corn Exchange entrance
Hundreds of jobs available on the day
Over 65 Exhibitors
Open to Everyone
Something for Everyone
Large number of local and national employers exhibiting
A wide range of career and training opportunities available and support with dedicated Skills and training area.
Please visit https://www.ipswich.gov.uk/education-and-jobs/ipswich-jobs-careers-fair or usethe QR code on the flyer below to find out more.
International Day of Happiness: Measuring Happiness, Not Just Productiveness
International Day of Happiness: Measuring Happiness, Not Just Productiveness
Every year on March 20th, the world is encouraged to come together to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, a day dedicated to recognising the importance of happiness and well-being as fundamental human goals. But where did it all begin?
How can therapy with TMH help you or someone you care about?
Read some feedback from those we've helped before.
If you think we might be the right help for you, we can advise on the rest.
Parent and Carer Sessions?
Supporting Parents When Children Wonāt Engage in Therapy
Thank you for reading!
If thereās anything related to therapy or mental health that you would like to see us cover, or would have found helpful in the past, please share this with us!
Email me: womble@teenagementalhealth.co.uk (Subject: Video/Blog Idea)
This will help inform our content moving forward and ensure it is truly beneficial for subscribers and visitors.
Please don't forget to share our newsletter with friends, family and colleagues.
