Ben Jones
@benjaminjohnjones.bsky.social
Psychotherapist/counsellor (MBACP); Irish; mental health; eating disorders; writer; teetotal; golf at Royal Birkdale; legacy LFC fan; adore Dr J and Miss J.
www.amjcounselling.com
www.amjcounselling.com
I am marking Holocaust Memorial Day today, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and concentration camp, lighting a candle in our front window. I am holding a very heavy heart today as I remember the horrors of the Holocaust; the ongoing horrors of anti-semitism….1/2
January 27, 2026 at 8:59 AM
I am marking Holocaust Memorial Day today, the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and concentration camp, lighting a candle in our front window. I am holding a very heavy heart today as I remember the horrors of the Holocaust; the ongoing horrors of anti-semitism….1/2
I am a politics and US presidential history geek and a huge admirer of many US figures (Robert Kennedy; TR; Presidents Kennedy, Carter, Reagan and Obama; Secretary McNamara; Senator McCain, to name just a few). In order to manage my mental health, I have to limit my exposure to President….1/4
January 24, 2026 at 7:10 AM
I am a politics and US presidential history geek and a huge admirer of many US figures (Robert Kennedy; TR; Presidents Kennedy, Carter, Reagan and Obama; Secretary McNamara; Senator McCain, to name just a few). In order to manage my mental health, I have to limit my exposure to President….1/4
Watching The Traitors is fascinating for so many reasons but I find the final stages very tough to enjoy. I don’t like it. I don’t like the hurt it causes. It exposes people’s vulnerabilities; their misplaced levels of trust (sometimes informed by past traumas)…..1/2
January 23, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Watching The Traitors is fascinating for so many reasons but I find the final stages very tough to enjoy. I don’t like it. I don’t like the hurt it causes. It exposes people’s vulnerabilities; their misplaced levels of trust (sometimes informed by past traumas)…..1/2
This is real leadership. President Macron has committed France to being a pioneer in protecting and supporting children and young people from the dangers and harms of social media. He is listening to evidence from Prof Haidt/other experts and taking action. He is leading where others need to follow.
January 22, 2026 at 6:33 PM
This is real leadership. President Macron has committed France to being a pioneer in protecting and supporting children and young people from the dangers and harms of social media. He is listening to evidence from Prof Haidt/other experts and taking action. He is leading where others need to follow.
We need to read the small print on “phone-free” schools. Only policies that require all phones to be handed in each morning, locked away during the school day and returned at the end of the day (as they do in my daughter’s school using two registration periods) is good enough....1/2
January 20, 2026 at 8:39 AM
We need to read the small print on “phone-free” schools. Only policies that require all phones to be handed in each morning, locked away during the school day and returned at the end of the day (as they do in my daughter’s school using two registration periods) is good enough....1/2
Every government minister, MP, Peer, policy-maker, teacher, headteacher and parent should read this newly-published paper by Jonathan Haidt and Zachary Rausch from NYU on how social media is harming young people….1/3
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:49 AM
Every government minister, MP, Peer, policy-maker, teacher, headteacher and parent should read this newly-published paper by Jonathan Haidt and Zachary Rausch from NYU on how social media is harming young people….1/3
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers....
A mental health week of two halves. Started in a tough place - feeling anxious and down (bumpy flight from Ireland didn’t help!) - and worked really hard on self-care and using my journal to “think in ink”. Lots of quality reading (especially @nytimes and @newyorkermag)….1/2
January 17, 2026 at 10:42 AM
A mental health week of two halves. Started in a tough place - feeling anxious and down (bumpy flight from Ireland didn’t help!) - and worked really hard on self-care and using my journal to “think in ink”. Lots of quality reading (especially @nytimes and @newyorkermag)….1/2
There are few mental health issues I feel more strongly about than this: the benefits of social media for children are massively outweighed by their damage. Social media is poisoning young people in so many ways, including feeding them a constant stream of.....1/3
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Starmer hints he could back social media ban for under-16s
Many Labour MPs and officials privately expect the government to follow the Australia's example and implement a ban.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 6:21 PM
There are few mental health issues I feel more strongly about than this: the benefits of social media for children are massively outweighed by their damage. Social media is poisoning young people in so many ways, including feeding them a constant stream of.....1/3
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Seeing 2016 trend online got me looking back and reflecting (including on the days I still had hair!). At that time, I was early in my recovery after my breakdown. It was very painful. I felt lost. I was still full of anxiety (and often hiding it behind smiles) that I didn’t fully understand.….1/2
January 15, 2026 at 9:19 AM
Seeing 2016 trend online got me looking back and reflecting (including on the days I still had hair!). At that time, I was early in my recovery after my breakdown. It was very painful. I felt lost. I was still full of anxiety (and often hiding it behind smiles) that I didn’t fully understand.….1/2
I think and talk a lot about the impact of phones, social media and other online spaces in my work with clients, schools and family members. I see the damage that is being done to young people’s mental health and their sense of themselves every day.
I have started to develop something…1/4
I have started to develop something…1/4
January 14, 2026 at 1:01 PM
I think and talk a lot about the impact of phones, social media and other online spaces in my work with clients, schools and family members. I see the damage that is being done to young people’s mental health and their sense of themselves every day.
I have started to develop something…1/4
I have started to develop something…1/4
The bittersweet feeling of flying home after being in the warm embrace of the homeland. I am so grateful to have been made and shaped by these two extraordinary places with their exceptional people…..1/2
January 11, 2026 at 7:27 PM
The bittersweet feeling of flying home after being in the warm embrace of the homeland. I am so grateful to have been made and shaped by these two extraordinary places with their exceptional people…..1/2
Finished first working week of 2026. Found it surprisingly tiring - partly due to having a mild cold and partly recognising that going back to 100% concentration and listening for 50 solid minutes in client sessions is very different from two weeks of downtime/not working....1/3
January 9, 2026 at 7:53 PM
Finished first working week of 2026. Found it surprisingly tiring - partly due to having a mild cold and partly recognising that going back to 100% concentration and listening for 50 solid minutes in client sessions is very different from two weeks of downtime/not working....1/3
Started the year by setting my 2026 goals, which focus a lot on the things that bring me joy: e.g. time with the girls, reading (especially books and NY Times), writing, keep bringing my golf handicap down, and being in Ireland more. Continuing to be slower, more deliberative…..1/2
January 4, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Started the year by setting my 2026 goals, which focus a lot on the things that bring me joy: e.g. time with the girls, reading (especially books and NY Times), writing, keep bringing my golf handicap down, and being in Ireland more. Continuing to be slower, more deliberative…..1/2
Read this outstanding book (twice!) from fellow psychotherapist @megjosephson over the last few days. It explores the much under-examined but hugely common “fawn” response: something I see in many clients every day. This response is so often a result of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, abuse…1/3
January 3, 2026 at 9:05 AM
Read this outstanding book (twice!) from fellow psychotherapist @megjosephson over the last few days. It explores the much under-examined but hugely common “fawn” response: something I see in many clients every day. This response is so often a result of childhood trauma, emotional neglect, abuse…1/3
One of the many joys of being teetotal is feeling fresh and hangover-free on 1 January (and every day). I’m now 2673 days alcohol-free. Being in the fresh air; running; listening to great music; alone with my thoughts for 2026: that is my idea of how to bring in the new year. Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise.
January 1, 2026 at 10:37 AM
One of the many joys of being teetotal is feeling fresh and hangover-free on 1 January (and every day). I’m now 2673 days alcohol-free. Being in the fresh air; running; listening to great music; alone with my thoughts for 2026: that is my idea of how to bring in the new year. Athbhliain Faoi Mhaise.
Happy 2026!
As a family, we ended 2025 watching the brilliant Taylor Swift docuseries on Disney+. There is so much to say about Taylor - I tried to capture some of it in my blog after seeing her with Miss J at Wembley (link below) - I would need 100s.....1/3
www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/tay...
As a family, we ended 2025 watching the brilliant Taylor Swift docuseries on Disney+. There is so much to say about Taylor - I tried to capture some of it in my blog after seeing her with Miss J at Wembley (link below) - I would need 100s.....1/3
www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/tay...
January 1, 2026 at 7:28 AM
Happy 2026!
As a family, we ended 2025 watching the brilliant Taylor Swift docuseries on Disney+. There is so much to say about Taylor - I tried to capture some of it in my blog after seeing her with Miss J at Wembley (link below) - I would need 100s.....1/3
www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/tay...
As a family, we ended 2025 watching the brilliant Taylor Swift docuseries on Disney+. There is so much to say about Taylor - I tried to capture some of it in my blog after seeing her with Miss J at Wembley (link below) - I would need 100s.....1/3
www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/tay...
I’ve enjoyed a 12-day break from posting on social media/hardly scrolling at all, but I was so moved this morning by John and Amy Hunt’s extraordinary appearance on @bbcradio4 @bbctodayprogramme, I just had to post and share.....1/4
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
Today - Theresa May Guest Edits Today - BBC Sounds
Former Prime Minister Theresa May is the sixth and final Today guest editor this year.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 31, 2025 at 5:36 PM
I’ve enjoyed a 12-day break from posting on social media/hardly scrolling at all, but I was so moved this morning by John and Amy Hunt’s extraordinary appearance on @bbcradio4 @bbctodayprogramme, I just had to post and share.....1/4
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
I am now on holiday and have posted the following out of office message on my emails and social media………see you in 2026!
December 19, 2025 at 2:26 PM
I am now on holiday and have posted the following out of office message on my emails and social media………see you in 2026!
Some reflections on publication of the government’s violence against girls and women strategy (which I strongly support) and the reaction to it. My clients - boys and girls - are crying out for this sort of action to help them, navigate daily life. We are facing national emergency - we need to act.
December 19, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Some reflections on publication of the government’s violence against girls and women strategy (which I strongly support) and the reaction to it. My clients - boys and girls - are crying out for this sort of action to help them, navigate daily life. We are facing national emergency - we need to act.
I passed a big professional milestone today, clocking up my 3500th client session. It’s a long way from my breakdown to this point in my life and work, getting the opportunities to try to help others. I continue to be deeply humbled by the trust clients place in me.....1/3
December 16, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I passed a big professional milestone today, clocking up my 3500th client session. It’s a long way from my breakdown to this point in my life and work, getting the opportunities to try to help others. I continue to be deeply humbled by the trust clients place in me.....1/3
Today, I published the eleventh edition of my AMJ Counselling newsletter, in which I reflect on the recent debate about whether we are “over-diagnosing” in mental health. Spoiler alert: we are not!.....1/2
shorturl.at/znCSh
shorturl.at/znCSh
#AMJ Counselling newsletter - #11
This is the eleventh edition of my newsletter.
shorturl.at
December 14, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Today, I published the eleventh edition of my AMJ Counselling newsletter, in which I reflect on the recent debate about whether we are “over-diagnosing” in mental health. Spoiler alert: we are not!.....1/2
shorturl.at/znCSh
shorturl.at/znCSh
I’m new to Celebrity Race Across the World, but am so glad I watched this series. The conversations about mental health, suicide, loss, family, and relationships, were incredibly moving. None more so than in episode five, between Roman Kemp and Harleymoon Kemp....1/2
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Celebrity Race Across the World - Series 3: Episode 1
Famous faces Roman Kemp, Dylan Llewellyn, Anita Rani, Molly Rainford and Tyler West set off with a loved one on an epic 5,900km race across Central America.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 12, 2025 at 7:23 AM
I’m new to Celebrity Race Across the World, but am so glad I watched this series. The conversations about mental health, suicide, loss, family, and relationships, were incredibly moving. None more so than in episode five, between Roman Kemp and Harleymoon Kemp....1/2
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...
Eleven years ago I was hospitalised with pneumonia: my body totally exhausted from years of running away from my deep feelings of sadness and not feeling good enough. My breakdown was years in the making and has taken me (and continues to take me) years...1/2
www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/10-...
www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/10-...
It's 10 years since my breakdown — AMJ Counselling
Ten years ago I was in a lot of pain. Not just the pain I felt in my chest from the pneumonia that had knocked me down - and put me in hospital - but the pain that sat deep within that chest and nearl...
www.amjcounselling.com
December 9, 2025 at 8:41 AM
Eleven years ago I was hospitalised with pneumonia: my body totally exhausted from years of running away from my deep feelings of sadness and not feeling good enough. My breakdown was years in the making and has taken me (and continues to take me) years...1/2
www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/10-...
www.amjcounselling.com/amj-blog/10-...
There are few things in relation to mental health that I feel more strongly about than this: the benefits of social media for children are massively outweighed by their damage. Social media is poisoning young people in so many ways…..1/2
December 7, 2025 at 9:18 AM
There are few things in relation to mental health that I feel more strongly about than this: the benefits of social media for children are massively outweighed by their damage. Social media is poisoning young people in so many ways…..1/2
I have no problem with the government wanting to understand what’s going on with mental health in the UK - I (and most therapists) can help them......
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
December 5, 2025 at 6:45 AM
I have no problem with the government wanting to understand what’s going on with mental health in the UK - I (and most therapists) can help them......
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...