Cherie Gardner - Psychotherapy and Counselling

06/03/2025

New blog post!

Parenting from a Therapy Perspective

Parenting is like trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle—blindfolded. The highs are exhilarating (a smile from your child that could melt even the toughest heart), but the lows? They can feel like you've been hit with a rogue dodgeball during PE. It’s a wild ride, and sometimes ...

24/02/2025

Mindfulness and presence are life’s secret weapons—they help you stay cool, calm, and collected, even when things get chaotic. By tuning into the moment, you reduce stress and boost happiness. To make it a daily habit, start with 5 minutes of deep breathing, focus on your senses, or try a simple meditation. It’s like giving your mind a refreshing daily reboot!

21/02/2025

Gestalt therapy helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment. By focusing on the "here and now," it encourages clients to fully experience and express emotions, unlocking new insights into how past experiences impact current life.

Through creative exercises and role-playing, clients explore unresolved conflicts and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. This approach fosters personal responsibility and empowers individuals to break free from limiting patterns.

Gestalt therapy creates a space for genuine connection and self-discovery, helping people embrace their true selves, build healthier relationships, and find emotional balance. It’s transformative, empowering, and life-changing.

If you want change, reach out today 💛

20/02/2025

Are You a People Pleaser? Let’s Break the Cycle and Find Your True Self

Do you find yourself saying "yes" when you’d rather scream "no"? Do you bend over backward to make others happy, even if it drains you? You might be a people pleaser—and you’re definitely not alone.

People-pleasing isn’t just about being nice—it’s a habit driven by a fear of rejection or conflict. At first, it may seem harmless, but over time, it can leave you feeling exhausted, resentful, and disconnected from the real you. People pleasers often:

- Agree to things they secretly dread.
- Overcommit just to be liked.
- Struggle to say "no" without feeling guilty.

These patterns can hurt your mental health. Often, people-pleasing stems from childhood experiences, like feeling loved only when you "towed the line".

Breaking free isn’t easy, but you can start by recognizing your needs, setting boundaries, and practicing self-compassion. Therapy is a great way to heal and learn healthier relationship habits. Remember, you deserve to take up space, say no, and live your life authentically—without apologizing!