Insightful Life - Therapy and Counselling Centre

02/05/2026

💰 What Is Financial Abuse?

Financial abuse is a form of control where a person limits another’s ability to access, earn, or manage money. It’s one of the most powerful, and invisible, tools an abuser can use, because it strips away a survivor’s independence and ability to move on safely.

It can look like:

*Withholding or delaying child maintenance to create instability
*Refusing to pay joint bills or debts, leaving their ex to cope alone
*Running up shared debts out of spite or to damage their ex’s credit
*Blocking access to financial documents or important accounts
*Controlling how money for the children is spent as a way to retain power
*Dragging out financial settlements to drain time, money, and emotional energy

Even after separation, many survivors continue to experience financial abuse, making it incredibly hard to rebuild their lives.

💜 At Mums In Need, we help mums take back control, offering support to manage finances, access counselling, boost wellbeing, and connect with others who understand.

👉 While our waiting list is currently closed, we’ve put together a collection of financial support resources that might help:
🔗 www.mumsinneed.com/support-info/resources-other-support/financial-support

01/05/2026

📣 FREE Carer support sessions in Sandbach 📣

Join EOLP and the Cheshire East Carer's Hub at their upcoming FREE support sessions:
📅 Wednesday 13th May - Understanding Dementia
📅 Wednesday 20th May - How to Plan for the Future
⏰ 10am - 12pm
📌 Wesley Centre, CW11 1DG

Book a free place here:
➡ www.eolp.org.uk/public

30/04/2026

What a wonderful reminder from the calendar this morning, courtesy of Anna Freud!

“I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence but it comes from within. It is there all the time.”

If you are wanting support to explore the inner workings of self - we have multiple counsellors and psychotherapists here who can help. If you don’t know where to start, get in touch for guidance as to who might be the best fit for you and what you need 💛

29/04/2026

☕️

25/04/2026

It’s OK to have conflicting emotions, and feel many things at once. Grieving doesn’t follow a set timeline, and isn’t reserved to specific places or events. Allow yourself to feel what you need to, and show yourself the compassion you deserve. 🤍

22/04/2026

Confidential helpline - (UK) 0800 0086 811, (Eire) 01 873 2699 or email helpline@al-anonuk.org.uk⁠
⁠

22/04/2026

Please come along to our bereavement group on Friday (24th).
Run by myself and kindly sponsored by Right at Home South Cheshire
It's held at Sandbach Library 1-2pm. If you're feeling alone in your journey of grief please feel free to come along. You'll meet people on their own journey, connect and share stories if you want and maybe learn a little about the theory and emotions within grief.
There's a welcoming brew and homemade cake to enjoy too 🧡

21/04/2026

19/04/2026

If you’re a counsellor, psychotherapist, mental health practitioner or in training for any of the above and you’re in or around Middlewich - we have created a space just for you.

Our monthly Practitioner’s Lounge is completely free, and is designed to support your social needs in a relaxed and informal way.

We have a lighthearted optional activity this month, a quiz about ‘what kind of therapist’ you are.

If you’d like to join us, come along on Sunday 26th April, between 10am-1pm. Stay as long or as little as you like. Book your free place here or get in touch for more info:

https://www.trybooking.com/uk/GGWU

16/04/2026

15/04/2026

We’ve been recognised by Global Health & Pharma Awards 2026 for excellence in practitioner community building and supportive counselling environments in North West England.

We continue to receive feedback from practitioners describing our community as ‘down to earth’ and ‘really beneficial to my work’, and also from clients who comment on what a calm and welcoming environment it is.

Our focus and goal remains - creating a professional, grounded, resourced space where practitioners can do their best work.

If you’re a therapist looking for a place to call a professional home, we’re currently full - but you’re always welcome to attend our practitioner events or to enquire about being placed on our waiting list.

If you’re a client looking for mental health support, please do get in touch to be connected to someone who might be able to help you 💛

14/04/2026

We desperately need volunteers for Tuesday mornings in Macclesfield!

We are looking for volunteers to support at our Perinatal Comfort Zone sessions. PCZ is a 12-week programme supporting new parents with their mental health and wellbeing during the transition to parenthood.

Your role:
Help care for little ones during sessions- holding babies, playing with toddlers, and keeping them settled so parents can fully engage.

What to expect:
A friendly, welcoming space with a dedicated area for children (toys, mats & blankets provided). You’ll be part of a supportive team alongside experienced staff.

Who we're looking for:
Compassionate, caring individuals who are good with children.

Commitment: Starting asap following DBS checks and training.
Tuesdays 10am-12pm (arriving just before to help set up), at Ash Grove Family Hub, Macclesfield, over a 12-week programme.

If you can make a difference by giving parents the time and space they need and can commit to the 12 weeks, please email connect@smilegroup.org.uk 💜