Blob Counselling

Developed by Pip Wilson & Ian Long, the everlasting and powerful Blobs provide a visual starting point for deep conversations and self relfection that can be used in a variety of settings.

You may, for example, find them helpful for your own reflection and self-awareness.

You may wish to use them, as appropriate, with clients who are struggling to understand verbal explanations.

You may also wish to use them when working with other counsellors who are trying to grasp certain psychological theories.

“During my life, I have overlapped with many areas covered by the profession of counselling. This is partly due to the nature of creating Blob feelings resources but also through my various pastoral roles, including whilst as a youth worker and as a primary school teacher. Across many conversations with counsellors, I have discovered how the Blob visual tools have been used in a one to one setting.” – Ian Long

“Hopefully this resource will be useful to others who find often verbatim (spoken and written) is not always clear and can restrict our learning.  For counselling students, tutors, supervisors and importantly, for each client who we are and always should feel humbled to support and respectful of their phenomenological journey in counselling – I thank you for your inspiration.” – Jo McQuillan

Contents include:

• Ethics
• Assessments
• Empathy
• Relationships
• Sad to Happy Scale
• Self-Determination
• Archetypes
• CBT

About The Authors

Ian Long is the illustrator and author of the Blob resources. He studied for a degree as a graphic designer, and worked as a self-employed designer in London for several years. His second job was as a youth and pastoral assistant in an Anglican church in Tewkesbury for five years. Following a PGCE, he worked as a primary school teacher in Sussex and Hampshire for 17 years, during which time he graduated with a Masters Degree in education. He has authored more than 25 published Blob books, as well as more than 50 self-published Blob books. The Blob resources are used in more than 120 countries and by more than 3 million professionals. Ian hosts Blob training events online and in person. He is married to Jane and they have two adult children.

Pip Wilson was a ‘beautiful human person’ who became an adult when he was 40 years old. His work ranged from urban street gangs, Hells Angels, special needs group work with humans with drug and alcohol issues, a people trainer and more. He was a charity CEO housing 172 young people in need, with 150 staff and volunteers. Pip had far more scars than certificates! He believed that ‘vulnerability is a strength not a weakness’. Pip was the author of over 50 books and the popular ‘Blob Tree’ tools which can open the hardest heart, and is able to explore meaningful communication in all cultures and contexts. He died in 2023.

Jo McQuillan is a counsellor/counselling supervisor and tutor. She lives with her husband and two adult children…and dogs. Her foundation counselling training was through Northern Regional College, with the University of Ulster. Jo has completed many other academic training and professional development courses to enhance her skills, knowledge and ability to support adults, children and young people in her private practice, North Coast Counselling, alongside teaching counselling courses. Jo is neurodivergent, and keen to explore ways to work in therapy when the spoken/written word is not enough (or indeed forthcoming). As a visual learner, Jo discovered Pip and Ian’s books years ago and used them for self-development and understanding through counselling training. Blob characters offer an alternative, creative way for those seeking clarity and understanding, learning and acceptance.