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Ben Jones

@benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social
377 followers 619 following 862 posts

Psychotherapist/counsellor (MBACP); Belfast; Irish; mental health; eating disorders; writer; teetotal; golfer; legacy LFC fan; adore Dr J and Miss J. www.amjcounselling.com

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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I’m a politics nerd and have been watching conference speeches (and have delivered some!) for 35+ years. I’ve never seen a UK speech like that. So much emotion. So much vulnerability. So much openness. So much talk about feelings. So incredibly moving. There was also so much focus on young.....1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
I’m v grateful to the many clients who are now working online with me since my recent move to Belfast - and to MindSpace for the brilliant space to work on the Lisburn Road in Belfast for my in-person sessions. I do have some in-person availability on Tuesday and Thursday mornings for sessions...1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A morning walk on my favourite Belfast street in advance of a full day of client sessions and my monthly supervision. I know myself well enough to know that I need quiet, space, and me-time when I’m busy/have a lot on (like unpacking boxes/house moving admin on top of work and family life!).…1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Really grateful to Professor Peter Fonagy for the clarity of his messages today about the rise in mental distress (including anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders) among children and young people, as he presented his independent review.....1/2 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Young people are not snowflakes, head of mental health review says
Speaking exclusively to the BBC, Prof Peter Fonagy says being young is much harder now than it was.
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Eating disorders are everywhere and tragically can hit anyone - they destroy and take lives - but recovery is 100% possible with the right help and support. I am passionate about helping to raise understanding of this brutal experience….1/2 www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/adv...
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
In a number of recent discussions with teachers and parents, I have been asked for advice on possible signs of eating disorder(s) - an area in which I specialist. I have therefore captured some of those signs to look out for here.....1/2 www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/adv...
amjcounselling.com
Advice on eating disorder(s) - the signs to look out for and things to do and say (or not). — AMJ Counselling
In a number of recent discussions with teachers and parents, I have been asked for advice on possible signs of eating disorder(s) - an area in which I specialist. I have therefore captured some of...
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Today, I published the thirteenth edition of my AMJ Counselling newsletter, in which I reflect on the mental health/wellbeing of young people (who make up many of clients) - and my own move to Belfast. You can read it by clicking on the link below and can subscribe on my website.  shorturl.at/r2h5k
shorturl.at
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A rare working day with no client sessions, so I’m taking some time to breathe - and walk around my favourite parts of Belfast - and to write and make progress on some stuff that is really important to me. I will be producing the latest edition of my newsletter and further……1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
Lady Justice Thirlwall’s conclusions at the end of her review are staggering - and damning in the extreme. The horror of the experiences of the babies and their families are unspeakable but her comments on culture and safeguarding should also be a wake-up call for all public bodies.….1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
I am so grateful to my many, many clients (based in England) who have switched online for our sessions since my move to Belfast - and to MindSpace for the wonderful space to work on the Lisburn Road for my in-person sessions. I still have some in-person availability on Tuesday and Thursday…..1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
My Saturday running reflection is on cutting through complexity. This week has provided so many reminders of how complex and full of grey areas the world is, with discussions about 9/11; assisted dying (I’m deeply troubled by the failure of this legislation in the UK); how to handle President….1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I grew up hearing my parents talk about remembering where they were when JFK was shot. It defined a generation; an age. It shook the world. 9/11 was such a day for my generation. It is a day that is seared into my heart, when the world changed forever. Innocence was lost, on so many levels.…1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
I am celebrating eight years (2,922 days) since my last drink today. Like so many people, alcohol just added fuel to my anxiety and depression and made life tougher. I never had a “bad relationship” with drink, but it did nothing but give me pain - and reminded me of the awful things I saw…..1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Stunning run this morning. So hard to adequately describe the feeling of belonging I get from being here - it’s deeply moving. I feel v fortunate. We are not in our new house yet - we are getting closer - but I am already home. #Ireland #NorthernIreland #TheIslandOfIreland #Belfast
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Excellent New York Times piece from Suzanne Garfinkle-Crowell, in advance of the publication in the UK of her book, on how therapy speak is reshaping the identities of girls, often driven by social media. As I see in my work every day, it is critical that we meet teenage girls where that are....1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Delighted to do my first morning’s work in my new in-person room at the fantastic @Mindspace Belfast. The rooms and set up here are outstanding. It was always going to be hard to say goodbye to my “shed” but this is a great space to work with clients……1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
A big moment in the argument that social media is unsafe for children/teens, but it brings up many mixed feelings. The platforms are trying to avoid further public scrutiny of their practices in court and hoping to do just enough to keep profiting from children/teens…..1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
New blog post……”Change is hard - including for therapists like me”. Four weeks since we moved to Belfast, I have blogged: “Change is hard - including for therapists”. www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/cha...
amjcounselling.com
Change is hard - including for therapists like me — AMJ Counselling
So much of the work I do with clients is focused on change.  Often something has changed that needs to be unpacked, processed, made sense of, and dealt with. Sometimes it’s a loss. Sometimes i...
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Three weeks after moving and things are falling into place. It has been wonderful to spend time with family and get settled in Belfast (not in our new house yet, but not long now!). I am really grateful for the opportunity to work with Mindspace Belfast (mindspace.ie) ........1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
This could be social media’s big tobacco moment - I do hope so. Social media is an unsafe, toxic product for children, with huge damage being done every day to mental health. Lives and bodies are being disfigured and lost every minute of every day…..1/3 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
If Meta loses this trial, Instagram and Facebook could change forever
US states are suing the social media giant to force an overhaul of its platforms for young users.
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
This is tragic, heartbreaking news. Parts of the UK media has relentlessly targeted and humiliated him publicly for days. It has been deeply uncomfortable and utterly disproportionate, with insufficient concern for his mental health or wellbeing. Shameful. I’m so sad for him, his family, and friends
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Interesting but incomplete “take” on the day from the BBC. Today - just like next Thursday - is full of so many mixed feelings for many people (some of whom are my clients). The extreme pressure and expectations that students feel around their results is often overwhelming and the experience….1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
What an incredible week to move to Belfast - we feel very, very lucky. To be here and getting to savour Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 is wonderful. There is such a great buzz around the city and so many fantastic (and very moving….1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
New blog post……”We are going home.” On the day we move to Belfast, I have blogged. This is a huge day for me and my family. A day I have dreamt of for years. We are going home. www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/we-...
amjcounselling.com
We are going home — AMJ Counselling
I write this post crossing the North Channel between Cairnryan (near Stranraer) and Belfast. I write this post just two hours from fulfilling a dream. I write this post, almost pinching myself. 
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
It's the end of an era. After four wonderful years of working in this amazing space, AMJ Counselling is going online only for a short time, until I get settled in Belfast and can re-start my in-person practice across the Irish Sea. I've always worked a lot online so it's not a big change......1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
Thank you Paul McGinley and Brandel Chamblee for such clear and accurate analysis - far too much fence-sitting on Sky Sports and by others - this is a clear, ugly breach of the rules. Our game must be protected at all costs. Well done to the R&A. youtube.com/shorts/Z0WTC...
youtube.com
Paul McGinley and Branden Chamblee give their perspective on Bryson’s rule infraction and penalty.
YouTube video by Golf Channel
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
It was incredibly moving to watch the debate on the Third Reading of the Public Office (Accountability) Bill (The Hillsborough Law) yesterday in parliament. The images of Margaret Aspinall and speeches by @ianbyrnemp_ and @andy.burnham brought me to tears, as we remember the double trauma….1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
As we move to Ireland, I couldn’t imagine a better way to bring the curtain down on 10+ years living in this lovely part of Merseyside - the county of my birth. I have taken the whole week off and am spending it in one of my favourite places @royalbirkdale, with my favourite people…..1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Like millions of others, I have been glued to the latest DCC series on Netflix. It is great TV but also a massively important illustration of the challenges presented by sports and activities that focus so much on body and appearance….1/4
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
I have now completed my last client sessions at Formby High School and Christ the King, Southport. Over the last five years it has been a privilege to work closely with these two schools and support so many students and staff….1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Great weekend in Belfast. It was a brilliant to see our new house again and to tick off “uniform shopping” from our to-do list. More importantly, it was a lovely taster of what life could be like for us in a few weeks’ time.….1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Excellent piece by @annamaxted8493 in today’s Times on the explosion of anxiety with young people and some great advice and insights for parents and other loved ones. My practice is filled with anxious young people for all the reasons Anna sets out, including the extraordinary….1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
It’s been a very emotional and challenging week, with more goodbyes, chapters being closed, and a lot of reflections and realisations (and tears). Working through some endings with clients this week has helped me realise things - about my own life and the reasons some relationships affect…..1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the victims of paedophile, Jeffrey Donaldson, and the incredible courage of the two woman who spoke up and told their horrific stories of abuse at his hands. I work with sexual assault and abuse victims every week…1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Nifty shifty, look who's 50! Big day for Ireland as my wonderful wife and Aoife’s magnificent mum turns 50 today. We are so proud of everything Aileen is and stands for - she is the most decent, honest, compassionate, determined and beautiful person (who doesn’t look a day over 35!)….1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
I’ve been a politics nerd since I was in primary school - I wanted to be an MP and, for years, wanted to be prime minister. I stood for parliament a lifetime ago (in 2010) - but now just watch from the sidelines, but with great interest. It’s a very tough business….1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
My Father’s Day running reflection: it’s such a tricky day for lots of people, for lots of reasons. I absolutely love being a dad but I find this day to be full of so many mixed feelings and difficult thoughts. I hope that anyone who finds today to be complicated/difficult….1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
Andy Burnham’s victory overnight has filled me with great hope. I had the pleasure of meeting him when he was Secretary of State for Health and since - and Dr J worked with him on a key trade visit to Ireland....1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
I am delighted, and really grateful, that so many of my existing in-person clients are going to be making the move to Ireland with me (virtually) - continuing their sessions online/by phone….1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Yesterday’s UK government announcement on a social media ban for under 16s has the country talking - and reflecting on the dangers (and benefits) of social media, not just for children. I know that a ban is a very blunt instrument - and that more detail on the rest of the measures is needed....1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
The long overdue ban on social media for under 16s is hugely significant and welcome - it's great news. Children and young people's lives will be safer and healthier as a result. However, the Prime Minister's announcement and his answers to questions on it were too vague and detail-free.....1/2
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
In difficult and despairing times such as these, I become more and more focused on the search for hope - it’s why I am back watching the West Wing (for the 20th+ time!). Olivia Rodrigo’s “Honeybee” dropped on her new album at the perfect time for me....1/2 www.youtube.com/watch?v=60rl...
youtube.com
Olivia Rodrigo - honeybee (Lyric Video)
YouTube video by OliviaRodrigoVEVO
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the distressing unrest in Belfast (after recent unrest in Southampton). Both promoted by horrific events but clearly underpinned by deeper feelings. I have my own very strongly-held views on society (based on my belief in diversity, inclusivity…..1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
The end of the working week often provides me with a few moments to reflect - I try to have a relatively light schedule on a Friday. This week has been extremely moving and challenging (not helped by a cold!). It has been a time of endings and transitions, as we prepare to move to Ireland.....1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
Today is the fourth anniversary of me qualifying as a therapist. I have worked with around 400 clients and done nearly 4500 hours in that time. It has been, and continues to be, the greatest privilege of my professional life and gives me the opportunity to draw on my lived experience of my….1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
I am so grateful for the dozens and dozens of kind comments here and on other platforms since Dr J and I announced our move to Ireland yesterday. I am grateful too for my clients who will move from “in-person” to working online with me after the move…..1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Over the next few weeks we are starting a new and exciting chapter for our family. We are moving. Aileen is going home after 25 years of being in England, and I am fulfilling my dream of living on the island of Ireland…..1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
Tell me you’re Irish without telling me you’re Irish…..
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
A superb interview @nytimes with the inspirational @oliviarodrigo. Going to see her with Miss J last year in Manchester was a highlight of my year - and as a result I’ve become a big fan of her music and the way she conducts herself....1/3 www.youtube.com/watch?v=0I_t...
youtube.com
Olivia Rodrigo Interview! New Album Details, Babydoll Dresses & Speaking Out Politically
YouTube video by Popcast
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Good to see Alan Milburn’s important work on NEETs getting positive coverage today. Today’s report - and much of the response to it - rightly highlights the abject failure of the education system to support young people and to prepare them for work.....1/4 www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Opportunities shrinking for too many young people, says major report on 'lost generation'
A report warns the number of 16 to 24-year-olds out of work, education or training set to rise to 1.25 million by 2031.
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