I belong to a women's networking group called Athena. The Guildford branch meets at L'Auberge in Clandon and meetings are always very enjoyable and informative and, in the 18 months since I joined, have proved very productive for both in terms of sharing ideas and support and in actually attracting new clients to my practice.
Today we had a wonderful speaker who had built her own business, www.chocchick.com. A brilliant idea! What could be nicer than making your own chocolate - with ingredients which actually do you good rather than harm - or giving a Choc Chick Kit to your chocoholic friends with a completely clear conscience, knowing they will not only have fun but also enjoy health benefits. Check out this fun website and make your own delicious, healthy chocolate today!

One of my clients was killed last week in a road accident. I felt very sad as he was a genuine, caring man who had worked hard in his counselling sessions and was really beginning to feel positive again about his future. He clearly had a very good relationship with his wife and she was understandably devasted when she rang to give me the terrible news.
My immediate thought was to send her a card, but then all the issues of boundaries and confidentiality came flooding into my mind. I decided to go with my first reaction, however, and sent her a card, telling her that I knew my client loved her deeply and referred to her as "his rock". It was so much the right thing to do. She contacted me to tell me the card arrived at a particulary low moment and was a great help and comfort to her. I am so glad I went with my instincts and responded in this way.