<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Kirsty Holgate Counselling]]></title><description><![CDATA[Navigating Life with Compassionate Guidance]]></description><link>https://www.kirstyholgatecounselling.co.uk/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 02:32:11 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.kirstyholgatecounselling.co.uk/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Finding a New Identity After Change]]></title><description><![CDATA[This question can feel unsettling, but it can also be the beginning of a new, more honest relationship with yourself. When old roles stop fitting Many of us move through life holding certain roles: The reliable one The high achiever The carer The “fun” one who always says yes Sometimes these roles are linked to how we’ve coped – including with alcohol or other behaviours. When those patterns change, the roles can feel shaky too. You might notice: Social situations feel different without old...]]></description><link>https://www.kirstyholgatecounselling.co.uk/post/finding-a-new-identity-after-change</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cfb29a70c127bc4edec0b3</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:32:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8c23f0_e532d553cc60434d9b09662175b7848c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>kirstyholgate79</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Alcohol Recovery – Change Can Start From Where You Are]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many people imagine alcohol recovery as a single, dramatic decision: one day you drink, the next day you don’t. In reality, change is often slower, messier and much more human than that. Recovery can begin long before you stop drinking, and it doesn’t have to look perfect to be real. Noticing that something isn’t working You might start by noticing small things: You’re thinking about alcohol more than you’d like. You feel anxious about how much you drank last night. You’re making rules for...]]></description><link>https://www.kirstyholgatecounselling.co.uk/post/alcohol-recovery-change-can-start-from-where-you-are</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cfb09670c127bc4edebcc1</guid><pubDate>Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:28:13 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8c23f0_20ee73bb5f7a421d873ab4981107edd0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>kirstyholgate79</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Benefits of Professional Counselling for Mental Wellness]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mental wellness is a crucial aspect of our overall health, yet many people overlook its importance. In today's fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and depression have become common challenges that many individuals face. Professional counselling offers a pathway to better mental health, providing support and strategies to navigate life's difficulties. This blog post explores the numerous benefits of professional counselling, highlighting how it can enhance mental wellness and improve quality of...]]></description><link>https://www.kirstyholgatecounselling.co.uk/post/the-benefits-of-professional-counselling-for-mental-wellness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ce6f1a40e74dbec4fe1e19</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:28:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8c23f0_cca5581debea481f814d7abdb0188cf6~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_576,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>kirstyholgate79</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Building Resilience: Strategies from Counselling Professionals]]></title><description><![CDATA[Resilience is not just a buzzword; it is a vital skill that can help individuals navigate life's challenges. Whether facing personal setbacks, professional hurdles, or emotional turmoil, building resilience can empower individuals to bounce back stronger. In this blog post, we will explore effective strategies recommended by counselling professionals to cultivate resilience in everyday life. Understanding Resilience Resilience is the ability to adapt and recover from adversity. It involves...]]></description><link>https://www.kirstyholgatecounselling.co.uk/post/building-resilience-strategies-from-counselling-professionals</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ce6f17981022c48b1f0fe9</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:28:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8c23f0_c616dd11f1ad458f9d9d670e00c8ee1f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>kirstyholgate79</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>