Counsellor offering online counselling and therapy in East Belfast and Northern Ireland, focused on emotional well-being support.

Counselling with Susan

Online Counselling & Psychotherapy in Belfast & beyond

Navigating the Path to Healing Overwhelming Emotional Experiences


Illustration of personal growth: from carrying a heavy burden, to breaking free from it, ending with a butterfly as a symbol of healing and transformation

When life throws overwhelming experiences our way, it’s easy to feel disconnected, both from ourselves and from others. Whether it’s from loss, significant life changes, or old wounds that have never truly healed, these feelings can leave us feeling stuck, uncertain, and even exhausted.

If this sounds familiar, I want to remind you that healing is possible. Though it may feel daunting, it's a journey worth taking, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Understanding Overwhelm

Overwhelming emotional experiences can look different for everyone. It’s not always about one big event—sometimes it’s the accumulation of stress, grief, or challenging circumstances over time. When these emotions aren’t processed, they can start to impact both our mental and physical health. Things like anxiety, low mood, and tension in our bodies are often signals that something inside needs attention.

But the good news is, that these responses are natural and, in many ways, the body’s way of asking for healing.

Reconnecting with Your Body

In my experience as a counsellor, I’ve found that healing often starts by gently reconnecting with the body. When we’ve been through something overwhelming, the body can hold onto those feelings, even if we’ve mentally “moved on.” Taking small steps to release this tension—through simple techniques like breathing exercises or mindfulness—can create room for us to start healing.

This is where therapeutic work comes in, and it can be a gentle process. By offering a space where you feel safe, listened to, and supported, we can work together to explore what your body and emotions are trying to communicate.

Healing Takes More Than Insight

Many people come to therapy thinking that if they understand where their emotions come from, they’ll be able to heal. And while insight is important, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. Healing overwhelming emotions requires a deeper, more holistic approach—one that looks at your mind, body, and emotions as interconnected.

If you choose to work with me, I offer a space where we can explore these aspects together. My integrative approach brings in different techniques based on what you feel most comfortable with, whether it’s talking through things, working with the body, or using mindfulness techniques to help you feel more grounded.

Moving Toward Safety

A big part of healing is finding ways to feel safe again—both within yourself and in your life. This process takes time, and it’s completely normal to have setbacks along the way. But with gentle support, you can start to create new patterns that make you feel more grounded and in control.

Whether you’ve experienced recent overwhelm or are dealing with long-standing emotional wounds, you don’t have to go through it alone. I’m here to help you navigate the healing process at your own pace, with compassion and care.

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step

If you’ve been struggling with overwhelming emotions and are unsure where to turn, I invite you to reach out. As a qualified integrative counsellor, I offer online therapy sessions that are designed to support you wherever you are on your journey. Healing can take time, but the first step can be as simple as reaching out for support.

You deserve to feel whole again, and I’d be honoured to walk with you on that path.

Resources

Book:

  • “The Body Keeps the Score” by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk