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Art, Community and Creativity at The Tuke Centre

Two talented local artists have generously loaned a selection of their beautiful artwork to our home in York, bringing creativity, colour and inspiration into the space. Their work adds a unique and uplifting atmosphere for everyone attending sessions at The Tuke Centre, offering moments of reflection, connection and enjoyment. We are incredibly grateful for their kindness and support, and delighted to showcase their artwork, which is also available to purchase for anyone wishing to take a piece of this creativity home.

Meet the artists

Jennifer Bailey

Jennifer Bailey’s work is shaped by her fascination with light – how it moves across a landscape, reveals form on a hillside, or highlights unexpected colour in a moment of shadow. Working in acrylics and soft pastels, she seeks to capture the shifting atmospheres created when sun and cloud meet, and the sense of quiet transformation held within those moments.

Jennifer has not studied art at college. She has attended an art group with Phil Reynolds, an artist in York. Details: https://philreynoldsfineart.co.uk

For Jennifer, light is also a metaphor for the internal landscape of the mind. Jennifer used to work as a child psychotherapist with children and young people at The Retreat. At different times in our lives, many of us experience our own storms or periods of uncertainty. Yet we each carry a light within us, even when it feels difficult to find. Therapy – including creative therapies – can help children, young people, and adults reconnect with their innate capacity for healing, enabling them to meet challenges, rediscover resilience and begin to grow in new ways.

Rosie Bramley

Rosie Bramley completed an Art Psychotherapy placement at The Retreat Clinics in 2024 and is due to graduate from her Masters in Art Psychotherapy Practice in the Spring 2026.

Rosie studied Fine Art Painting and Printmaking at Bretton Hall, University of Leeds graduating in 1996, and has worked as an art teacher for the last 21 years.

“ I draw my inspiration from the landscape and my time spent walking, viewing and painting outdoors. The colours, shapes and marks which I make, intuitively link to mood and memory, from places and experiences over time.  I prefer to work in an abstract and instinctual way whilst in the studio, patiently awaiting the space to emerge.

Abstract work connects with the viewer in interesting ways.  What a viewer sees in abstract artwork can be a mirror to how they are feeling, places they yearn to be or simply a colour which makes them happy.  In an increasingly fragile and uncertain world, my peace in nature and devotion to the natural world are a constant, as is being able to create colourful, expressive artworks based on this constancy. 

Art has the capability to calm the soul and unlock parts of ourselves we find difficult to express in words alone.” 

www.rosiebramley.com

www.instagram.com/rosiebramleyart

www.facebook.com/RosieBramleyArtist

The Link between ADHD and the Festive Period: Why It Feels Harder than Expected (and what helps)

What makes this period difficult for most individuals is that this season should ideally be a time for slowing down and catching up with family members. However, if you have ADHD or think you might, you may discover that this period can be very stressful.

Relief may give way to feelings of pressure building, overwhelm, feelings of being ‘not doing the festive season right.’ But if so, know that this is not uncommon and not a sign of failure by any means. There are many compelling reasons why the festive season may be particularly tough for the ADHD brain.

This advice is aimed at adults who are awaiting a diagnosis for ADHD, as well as those who live with the condition and are on medication.

The lead-up to the festive season, and pressure, procrastination, and burnout.

In the days before the festivities begin, it is common for adults with ADHD to witness this kind of phenomenon:

ADHD affects planning, organising, or initiation of tasks. When all tasks feel like they are of high priority, the brain goes into shutdown instead of action modes.

When the festive season comes, instead of feeling relaxed, people may feel:

It is definitely hard for a person to relax when their mind is still full of activity, though.

Socialising, drinking, and acting on impulsivity

Social engagements will often have a significant influence during the festive period and most social engagements will centre around alcohol. For adults with ADHD, this can be tricky.  Inhibition and impulsivity are traits that are associated with ADHD, and alcohol use will lower the inhibition level even more. People may find themselves:

If you are on ADHD medication

Alcohol still affects you even while on stimulant medication. The effect is not counteracted. Moreover, the drugs will sometimes mask the intoxication effect itself. The consequence will lead to excessive consumption.

“Combining alcohol with ADHD medications may cause:”

What you may want to do is choose your limits, arrange transport, or choose alcohol-free options, it is about self-care, not restriction.  Please speak to your doctor about your medication and the steps to take regarding drinking alcohol.

Festivities, Disrupted Routine, and Family Matters

Many adults with ADHD may not appreciate how much they need routine until they no longer have it. Employed or in education, they have a routine as well as deadlines to help motivate them. When that suddenly stops, the days can feel uncomfortably unstructured.

This can show up as:

Family time can stir things up

Spending more time with family can also bring old patterns back to the surface. Long-standing misunderstandings, unresolved frustrations, or conversations about past difficulties may reappear, especially if ADHD has affected relationships over many years.

Even positive comments can turn out to be triggers when you are already emotionally drained.

Practical ways to take care of yourself during the festivities

Be gentle on yourself

It’s a genuinely tough time of year on the ADHD brain. Having struggles does not mean that you are lazy, unappreciative, or doing something wrong.

Try reframing the question from:

“Why can’t I cope like everyone else?”

to

“What does my brain need at this moment?”

Maintain a gentle structure

You do not need a structured schedule for this project:

Use your social energy wisely

Be intentional about alcohol

Talk openly – where it feels safe

Sharing with the people you trust what you need from them or how you can help yourself will take some of the pressure off. This could mean letting them know that you need quiet time or just being straight with them that you are finding things more difficult than you thought you would.

Take responsibility without guilt.

ADHD: Because of this, it’s harder to do these things – it doesn’t mean that you don’t care. Focus on repair and not self-blame. Small and thoughtful actions make a big difference.

Reach out for help if you feel you need it

If emotions become unbearable, relationships become challenged, and/or alcohol and/or impulsive behaviours become hard to control, it is essential that a helping hand be sought. A professional, licensed therapist and/or coach can be a huge help and especially during times when change is occurring.

A final word

The festive period is not a trial by which your competence in managing or measuring your level of appreciate is determined. It is a perfect maelstrom of challenges for the average adult with ADHD.’

To do “well” this season isn’t to do more; it’s to be self-aware, plan out of compassion, and place a high emphasis on safety and balance.

If you are waiting for an assessment and find yourself in this description, simply recognising this is a big step.

References

 

 

How to Talk to Children About Autism

“Dad, What’s Autism?”

Explaining autism to children can feel daunting. You might not feel like you fully understand it yourself, or you may worry about saying the “wrong” thing. Children are naturally curious, though, and that curiosity is a positive starting point. Often it’s our own preconceptions or anxieties that make us clam up.

One of the best first steps is to reflect on your own understanding: what does autism mean to you? Do you feel confident in how you’d explain it? If not, that’s okay. These conversations don’t have to be perfect, and they don’t have to happen all at once. What matters is being open, honest, and willing to learn alongside your child.

This guide offers some tips and starting points to help you feel more comfortable when your child asks questions like “What’s autism?” or when you want to introduce the topic yourself.

Be Curious About Their Curiosity

If your child asks about autism, take a moment to understand where the question is coming from.

Asking gentle follow-up questions can help you pitch your explanation at the right level and connect it to their world.

Keep It Simple and Honest

Children don’t need long technical explanations. They need clarity, reassurance, and words they can relate to.

For younger children

You don’t need complicated explanations. One way to frame it is through the idea of different neurotypes. We all have a brain, and our brain is like the engine room that helps us think, learn, and understand the world. Brains can work in different ways, and one of those ways is an autistic brain. An autistic brain notices, processes, and responds to the world differently. That difference is part of what makes someone who they are.

For older children

You can go into a little more detail about how an autistic brain might work. You might explain that autistic brains can sometimes notice details that other people miss, or that they can find patterns more easily. You might talk about how some autistic people experience the world very vividly, which can make bright lights or loud noises uncomfortable, but can also make interests and passions feel especially powerful. You could explain that moving between tasks or changes in routine can sometimes feel harder, because the autistic brain likes to know what to expect.

Celebrate Difference and Individuality

One of the most important messages for children to hear is: no two autistic people are the same because no two humans are the same. Autism is one part of who someone is, and every autistic person has their own personality, interests, and needs.

That also means the kind of support an autistic child might need can vary. Some may need help with certain activities at school, while others may not. Children often notice these differences, and talking about them openly helps remove mystery or stigma.

Introduce Positive Role Models

It can be powerful for children to see autistic people represented as role models, whether that’s authors, scientists, athletes, or creators. Sharing these stories shows that autism is not something to hide or fear, but something that can shape unique talents and perspectives.

From well-known figures like Greta Thunberg to local or family role models, these examples help children see the real, positive impact of neurodiversity in the world.

Make Use of Stories and Resources

Books and videos can be a really helpful way to support these conversations. They give children another way to access the information, at their own pace, and allow them to dip in and out as their curiosity grows. Some useful resources include:

These resources can help children explore autism in ways that are engaging, relatable, and affirming.

Keep the Conversation Going

Explaining autism isn’t a one-time event. It’s an ongoing conversation that will grow and change as your child does. They might return with new questions after something happens at school, after watching a film, or as they develop more self-awareness.

You don’t need to have all the answers at once. What matters is showing that you’re open to talking, listening, and learning together.

Why These Conversations Matter

When we talk to children about autism, we’re not only helping them understand themselves or their peers,  we’re shaping a more compassionate and inclusive future. Neurodiversity is a part of human variation. By recognising this difference as part of the variety of life, we help children grow up seeing it as a valuable and part of the very fabric of our communities.

So, the next time your child asks, “What’s autism?”, see it as the opportunity it is. You don’t need the perfect answer, what matters most is starting the conversation.

And if you think your child may be neurodiverse, or you’ve recently received a diagnosis, you don’t have to navigate the journey alone. At The Retreat Clinics, we’re here to support you and your family with understanding, confidence, and practical strategies every step of the way.  Call 01904 412 551 to book an appointment today.

 

Is It Just a Phase – or Something More? Understanding the Early Signs of Autism

“Maybe they’ll grow out of it. They’re just sensitive. Aren’t we all a bit on the spectrum? Could it be my parenting… but something feels different.”

These are thoughts many parents have when they start wondering if their child might be neurodivergent. It’s natural to question what you’re seeing – and to doubt yourself. Children go through so many stages, and many parents worry about the impact of ‘labelling’ their child.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the early signs that often lead families to seek clarity around autism. We’ll also consider the decision to pursue an assessment, and why early understanding can make a real difference.

Autism Doesn’t Always Look How You Expect

Many people have preconceived ideas about what autism “should” look like, but in reality, it’s far more varied and complex. Some autistic children show clear, outward signs, while others internalise their difficulties or ‘mask’ to blend in. This can make their challenges harder to spot or understand.

An autistic child might manage well one day and really struggle the next, even with the same task. Their ability to cope can depend on the situation and their current emotional capacity.

Autism is often described as a spectrum, not a scale of severity, but a unique profile of strengths, differences, and support needs. No two autistic people are the same.

Early Signs Parents Often Notice

Every child is different, but here are some common behaviours that prompt parents to wonder if their child might be autistic:

You’re Not Imagining It

It’s easy to wonder if you’re overthinking things, especially if no one else has raised concerns. But you know your child, if something feels different, that instinct is worth trusting.

If a child’s behaviour were just personality quirks or a phase, it likely wouldn’t cause the level of difficulty or distress that many parents notice. Also, if a child’s difficulties were truly due to poor parenting, it’s unlikely those parents would be pursuing psychological help. 

Considering an Assessment: What Families Face

Deciding to pursue an autism assessment is a big step. It can come with self-doubt, uncertainty, or fear of judgment. Parents often worry they’ll be dismissed, or that their child will mask during the appointment and not be “seen.”

Others worry about the label, or ask themselves: Will this even change anything?

But a diagnosis doesn’t change who your child is, it simply helps everyone understand them better and gives you the tools to support them more effectively.

Why an Assessment Can Help

If you’re wondering whether your child might be autistic, you don’t need to have all the answers right now. Trust yourself to decide if and when taking the next step feels right for your family.

Seeking Support

Depending on where you live, you can speak to your GP to request a referral through the NHS.

If you’re considering a private assessment and would like to talk through your options, The Retreat Clinics offer gold-standard autism assessments and are happy to discuss what’s right for you and your child.

Exam Stress: How to support your child

There is a large focus in schools placed upon SATS, mock exams and actual GCSE’s. This combined with the impact of a series of lockdowns and restrictions has led to an increase in exam stress for many children and young people. Here are some tips for parents and carers to help you think about how you can support your child:

Teachers usually give children and young people the message that working hard for your exams is important. For some children who are already feeling anxious this can lead to them putting too much extra pressure on themselves.

Talk to your child about how they are feeling and let them know that their feelings are okay and common for many children. Let your child know that their exam results are not the be all and end all, and you love them regardless of their results. Some young children may want to draw a picture or write a story about a character who has exams.

2. Help your child create a sense of balance

In order to achieve the best results, it is important to have a balance of relaxation time, exercise, socialising and healthy eating. An Olympic trainer would advise an athlete to have rest days, and to have a combination or shorter and longer training days, as they know that this is the best way for the athlete to achieve their full potential.

A child or athlete who works too hard without proper balance and rest breaks will potentially wear themselves out.
Try help your child draw up a timetable that includes some revision time, relaxation time, physical activity time, and social time.

3. Do some sport or get some physical exercise

The research is clear, short bouts of moderate, physical activity are great at improving concentration immediately following exercise.

There are two aspects to concentration. The first is sustained attention, in which we’re able to focus on certain pieces of information for prolonged periods of time. The second is executive function, which is our ability to think and make decisions at a complex level. Try this for yourself and I think you will experience the results!

4. Creative approaches to learning and revision

Children have different learning styles. Just sitting down and trying to remember information becomes boring for many people.

You can liven this up in different ways. You could so this by using different coloured pens and stickers, you could interview each other, or pretend to be presenting a TV programme, try drawing pictures or creating visual representations such as doing a Mindmap or poster.

Have a go at involving the senses – walk around the room, sit in different positions, and even sing!

5. Each child is a unique individual

Help your child realise their own individual strengths and encourage them not to compare themselves to others. Who knows if an apple is better than a banana? They are just different, and we need all kinds of people and fruit in this world!

Some children are good at making things or fixing things, some are good at sport, dancing or singing, some people are academic, some people learn when they are relating to people – others learn best on their own. Let’s value difference and diversity.

Quote for the day!
‘Don’t be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart’

Help your child be led by their dreams and where they want to be in the future. Ask them to visualise what they would like to be doing in the future and ask them to describe this to you. So often we do things to try and avoid our fears.

If you have tried these tips but would like to find out more about how we could help your child deal with stress, please get in touch by using the form below, or emailing hello@theretreatclinics.org.uk

Podcast Ep. 02 – Primary School Leavers

Primary School Leavers

If your child has just left primary school and is transitioning to secondary school, then this podcast is for you! Lucy and Dale chat about how you can support your child’s transition, it’s full of great advice and top tips.

The Retreat Clinics · Retreat Clinics Podcast – Primary School Leavers Copy

You can find all episodes on our Podcasts page.

Podcast EP. 01 – Men’s Mental Health

Men’s Mental Health

In our first podcast, Cat Adlam – Psychotherapist at The Retreat Clinics – talks to Dale Bartleson from YO1 York about men’s mental health, vulnerability and weakness and stigma.

The Retreat Clinics · The Retreat Clinics Podcast – Men’s Mental Health

You can find all episodes on our Podcasts page.

Movement: Moving More For Our Mental Health

Have you ever wondered why health professionals keep focusing on physical health when dealing with mental health? The answer is easy – they are connected. If you can improve your physical activity, even just an extra five minutes a day, you can be supporting not only your physical health but also your mental health.

How?

The benefits of physical activity on mental health are varied but include:

Just five minutes a day can help so find your exercise: are you a walker, or a chair exerciser, are you a gym goer or a dancer in your bedroom to your favourite tunes? Whatever it is, it all counts, and it will all support your mental health in positive ways! Try it!

Impact of Long-term Health Problems on Romantic Relationships

Any health problems can negatively impact romantic relationships, but when these health problems are long-term, will be permanent or are terminal, this can have significant implications for the couple/throuple. Not only does each partner need to process their own feelings about the health problem and the effect, but they also need to establish a way of being together that is both self and other supporting. These are extremely challenging considerations to examine, and they can put the relationship under increasing strain. Some people might find themselves withdrawing whereas others become clingy and over possessive. Often these behaviours are rooted in their own early attachment experiences and these then surface and impact in the here and now.

When health problems involve surgery or invasive treatments, this can impact the way we see ourselves and others and some common experiences are:

Health problems can significantly impact relationships, but you do not have to struggle on alone. The Retreat Clinics is here to help you and are just a phone call away. For more information Click here 

 

Advice for parents, guardians and friends of university students.

Advice for parents, guardians and friends of university students.

Are you concerned about a student at university, who you think may be struggling? Perhaps you’ve noticed a drop in motivation, or a change in their behaviour, difficulties in sleeping or in engaging with their studies. It can be hard to know what to say or how to help, especially if you are a parent or guardian some distance away and worried about a young person during their first time living away from home.

Transition and change can be challenging.

Moving to University and engaging with degree level studies can be hard for many different reasons. Transition and change are challenging for all of us, and it is normal to struggle with unexpected feelings and reactions when going through a time of change. Students can experience anxiety or homesickness, doubts about their abilities or motivation, and the loss of their usual friendship group and support network. Making friends and adjusting to a new place may not be easy.

Parents and guardians may struggle with the change in family life too, with a young adult moving away to university. Although this is a normal phase in family life, it can be hard to adjust to the loss of being a parent to a younger child, as the relationship changes and develops. Added to this, worries about a young person who is not doing so well can be difficult to manage at a distance.

How you can help

Firstly, it might be helpful and reassuring to let the person know that you are concerned about them, reminding them that you have them in mind and that you care. In time, this might allow a space for you to offer them a different perspective on a situation.

 

What to do if you are seriously concerned about a young person’s mental health

If you are very concerned, for whatever reason, about a young person at University.

At any time, if you are concerned about the person being at imminent risk of life-threatening harm, call emergency services on 999.

Looking after your own wellbeing

It can be hard to remember to look after ourselves, when we are concerned about someone else. Try to be kind to yourself and remember that this time of change may well be difficult for you and your wider family too. Try to make sure you’re not alone in supporting your young person, without support yourself, and remember that specialist and professional help is available if needed.

Organisations such as The Charlie Waller Trust offer support and advice to parents of young people struggling with their mental health.

At The Retreat Clinics, we can offer therapeutic support to students, parents, and families, and have a wide range of specialist therapies available. Our team of therapists and psychiatrists are here to help and can be accessed from our welcoming clinics in Manchester or York, or online. If you would like to book an appointment with one of our therapists Click Here