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Ben Jones

@benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social
380 followers 619 following 868 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 · 6h
......crystal clear that a focus on snowflakes and over-diagnosis is both unhelpful and inaccurate. I don’t meet snowflakes in my work: I meet hugely courageous young people who are battling a complex and difficult world with a series of broken support systems that are letting them down. 3/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 6h
.......in mental ill-health", particularly among young people, including anxiety, depression, self-harm and eating disorders. It is so difficult to be young in 2026, with the toxic focus on competition and comparison, fuelled by social media and COVID and this review makes....2/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 6h
There is much to digest in Professor Peter Fonagy's review - including (something I see every week) the delays and pain in getting a diagnosis of ADHD/autism for young people - but the key message for me is the “very real substantial rise.....1/3 www.gov.uk/government/p...
gov.uk
Independent review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism: final report
Final report detailing the findings of the independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, ADHD and autism.
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
…..Some days are harder than others - we had an especially tough Thursday this last week - but we still found joy and happiness to sustain us (in pizza with family). We only need a small, pocketful to get us through - it is worth a try. 3/3
amjcounselling.com
My mental health jam jar — AMJ Counselling
This post is taken from my newsletter - the fourth edition of which I published on 31 January 2025. You can sign up to receive the newsletter on my website by clicking in the subscribe box and includi...
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
……daughter four days before she died to: “try to find a pocketful of happiness in each day” is beautiful and such wonderful advice. It resonates with my jam jar strategy (www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/my-...) and is something I try every day too.…2/3
amjcounselling.com
My mental health jam jar — AMJ Counselling
This post is taken from my newsletter - the fourth edition of which I published on 31 January 2025. You can sign up to receive the newsletter on my website by clicking in the subscribe box and includi...
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
Along with it appears the rest of the BBC’s audience, I am watching Celebrity Traitors and am a big fan of Richard E. Grant (have been for years). I have followed his deeply moving journey of grief and acceptance since his wife, Joan Washington, died in 2021. Her request to him and their…..1/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
.....I am buying into the hope that Andy Burnham was offering - hoping for a better life for our young people, who have it so tough in 2026. 3/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
.....people and a meaningful acknowledgment of the damage of social media and screens, and a deep concern for the safety and the mental health of our young people. This felt different today.....2/3
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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
.....Please get in touch/share my details with others to find out more. 3/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
.....mornings for sessions in Belfast and some availability at other times for online sessions. I offer a free initial consultation to talk through my approach, answer any questions, and help clients to consider if they think we can work well together before we get started....2/3
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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
…..Knowing and respecting your own needs is the ultimate in self-care (IMHO). 2/2
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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
......he was spot on when saying how hard it is to be young in 2026 (with the toxic focus on competition/comparison, fuelled by social media) and utterly dismissing the ignorant, harmful and cruel label of "snowfakes". He summarised brilliantly what I see in my work every day. 2/2
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 · 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
…….and talking in plain terms about what we can all do to spot the signs and help someone who is struggling. I hope my recent blog (and this video) can help. Please share widely and play your part. 2/2 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 · 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
.......especially in school/at home. I have also shared some tips on things to do/not do at school/at home to help in a part two of this post. 2/2 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 · 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
…….developing my podcast idea, which will focus on mental health and wellbeing issues directly impacting on teenagers, tweens, and their families. I love writing, so the chance to do that all day (in my favourite cuppa places) feels like a real treat. 2/2
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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
…..is suspected of causing deliberate harm and does not require colleagues to be sure of guilt.” 3/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
…..I hope all teachers, headteachers, and anyone working with children in any capacity, will take note of this vital line on safeguarding: “….no-one seems to have understood that safeguarding action is required when a member of staff….2/3
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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
……mornings. I offer a free initial consultation session to talk through my approach, answer any questions, and help clients to consider if they think we can work well together before we get started. Please get in touch to find out more. 2/2
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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
…..good sleep; healthy eating and drinking; listening to great music, radio and podcasts; reading quality writing; spending time with good people. Keeping it as simple as possible in the face of great complexity is my priority to support my wellbeing. 3/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
…….Trump’s visit to Ireland; how to navigate the politics and economics of national and social security, and more besides. It’s important to find simplicity and cut through the complexity and focus on what we can do to keep things simple and focus on the things we can control: getting fresh air….2/3
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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
…….and their actions: it is about the people of New York and their grief. My heart weeps for those lost and impacted today, including the extraordinary price paid by emergency workers on the day and since. 3/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
….. The psychological impact of that day and its aftermath has left wounds that are still to be healed. I will never forget the horror; the trauma; the loss; the confusion; the anger; the distress. Today is not about politics, or the rights and wrongs of presidents….2/3
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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
……and experienced with others in drink. I am so proud to be sober / teetotal and so proud of what I have done over these eight years. I am not preaching, but giving up drink is one of the best decisions of my life. I’ll raise a cuppa today (and every day) to being free of that pain. 2/2
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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
.......without judgement - trying to understand what they are saying and not dismissing them and their language. Being heard and seen is what teenage girls (and us all) need to feel. 2/2
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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
…..I have also made it onto the MindSpace website as an associate therapist! 2/2 mindspace.ie/ben-jones/
mindspace.ie
Ben Jones | Mind Space
I am a person-centred Counsellor & Psychotherapist. I trained at Liverpool John Moores University, receiving a Masters in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice, after a 20-year career working in…
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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
……but they should be rolled out globally immediately, not just in the US, as a step towards a safer online world. Incidentally, the platforms are unsafe for adults too. This settlement is a public acceptance of the need for major change - just not enough change yet. 3/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
…….whilst making some changes that will improve safety and buy them breathing space. But - their agreement of changes is a tacit acceptance the current way they operate is unsafe. These changes do not go far enough - we need a total ban on social media for all children…..2/3
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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
......two people (Dr Aileen Jones and Miss J) and my books, The New Yorker, The New York Times and my golf clubs. 3/3
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Ben Jones @benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
........in their fantastic counselling rooms for my in-person sessions - I start these from 1st September, working Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Now for a week off and some battery recharging in my favourite place (Donegal) with my favourite.......2/3
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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
…….Making the changes that we need will hurt them too much in the pocket. We need the courts and legislators to act - and act now. 3/3 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 · 18/08/2026
……..as a result of content and comparisons being shared on social media. We need action to protect and save children - the social media companies are not coming to the rescue.…2/3 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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