top of page

Inner Counsel Psychotherapy Blog
Honest, practical writing on how we cope, connect and keep going, from burnout and the inner critic to humour, hope and the seasons that test us. By Stefan Jurgens, RP (Qualifying).
General information only, not therapy or medical advice. Reading it doesn’t create a therapeutic relationship.


From Family History to Personal Success: Transforming Inherited Challenges into Professional Growth
We inherit more than just our genes: our ancestors' fears, beliefs, strengths, and struggles shape who we are today. By understanding these legacies, we can let go of the burdens and embrace the gifts they offer. Do You Carry More Than Your Own Story? Sometimes, I feel like I’m not doing enough. Even when I check everything off my to-do list, there’s still that nagging sense that I should be doing more. It’s as if I can’t truly believe I’m finished until I’m completely exhaus

Stefan Jurgens
Apr 3, 20254 min read


Navigating Job Loss: Managing the Emotional Fallout and Finding Your Way Forward
Losing a job is more than just a financial setback. It can feel like losing a part of yourself. I know this firsthand. When I was let go from a role where I'd consistently performed at a high level and received exceptional reviews, the shock hit me like a tidal wave. Suddenly, everything felt unstable. I questioned myself constantly. Was I not good enough? Had I missed something? The stress about bills and responsibilities was relentless. Depression crept in. If you’ve been t

Stefan Jurgens
Mar 31, 20253 min read


Is Fear Holding You Back From Your Potential?
You’re not alone. Whether it’s public speaking, networking, or taking on new professional challenges, anxiety often keeps us from doing what we’re truly capable of. In my own life, I struggled with anxiety. Simple things like meeting new people or giving presentations would make my knees shake and my heart race. Fear took away my ability to showcase what I knew I was good at. But here’s the good news: we can change how we respond to fear. The key is learning to name it and fa

Stefan Jurgens
Mar 27, 20252 min read


Turning Setbacks into Success: How to Transform Disappointment into Your Next Opportunity
Ever faced a setback despite doing everything right? That rejection stings, doesn’t it? I’ve been there, and I can now say that rejection was often the best thing for me. Disappointment Stings I once missed out on a job I thought was the perfect fit. Despite having the right qualifications, the rejection hit hard. But instead of focusing on the “no,” I asked myself, What could I learn from this? What skills could I develop? What type of work environment truly suited me? That

Stefan Jurgens
Mar 24, 20252 min read


Hope: Our Hidden Superpower for Professionals Facing Burnout and Uncertainty
Ever felt like you're running on empty, despite doing everything "right" in your career? I've been there. Hope is more than wishful thinking: it's a mindset that fuels resilience and success. This post explores how psychotherapy helps us harness hope to navigate challenges and thrive. A few years ago, I found myself feeling stuck. I had a successful career, but something was missing. Despite the security and expertise I had built, I felt unfulfilled, questioning my purpose, a

Stefan Jurgens
Mar 20, 20254 min read


Embracing Empathy, Self-Care, and Professional Confidence
Success isn't about pushing harder. It's about aligning with your values, setting boundaries, and prioritizing well-being. True confidence comes from self-awareness, self-care, and redefining success on your own terms. The Stories We Tell Ourselves Have you ever looked successful on the outside but felt uncertain inside? I've been there, chasing external validation, believing it defined my worth. Then, I changed the narrative. Instead of measuring success by others' standards

Stefan Jurgens
Mar 17, 20253 min read


Managing Anxiety in Uncertain Times: Lessons from a Psychotherapist
Do you feel overwhelmed by the news cycle? You're not alone. Anxiety spreads fast, but so does calm. Lately, I’ve been feeling it. There's a persistent anxiety, a sense of unease about the world. Maybe you have, too? Economic uncertainty, political instability, and an endless stream of alarming headlines make it difficult to stay grounded. Even as a psychotherapist, trained to help others navigate emotions, I have to remind myself to apply the very strategies I teach. The tru

Stefan Jurgens
Mar 13, 20254 min read


Overcome Imposter Syndrome and Build Lasting Confidence
Struggling with imposter syndrome? Learn what it is, why it happens, and how therapy can help you break free, gain confidence, and thrive in your career. Do you ever feel like you don't deserve your success? Like you're just one mistake away from being "found out"? If so, you're not alone. Many professionals struggle with imposter syndrome. It's a silent but powerful force that can undermine our confidence and limits potential. I know this feeling, too. There have been moment

Stefan Jurgens
Mar 10, 20253 min read


Your Initial Therapy Consultation: What to Expect & How to Find the Right Fit
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel like a big decision, and it's completely normal to have questions about what to expect. Your initial therapy consultation isn't a full therapy session. It's a relaxed conversation to explore whether you and I are a good fit to work together. Here’s what you can expect when we meet at Inner Counsel Psychotherapy . What Is an Initial Therapy Consultation? This first meeting is an opportunity for us to connect and determine if my app

Stefan Jurgens
Mar 3, 20253 min read
bottom of page
