My Journey to becoming a CYP Therapist at Cwtch Therapy

16/08/2025

Flash back to 15 years ago when I graduated from my first degree. What an exciting time that was knowing that anything and everything was possible.

Good luck to all of my lovely clients who have just found out their A-level results and those who are on their way to graduating from university/ transitioning in between years.

I know it can be stressful and daunting thinking about career prospects and what may feel like pressure to know your purpose and what you want from life. However, if I am anything to go by, this was a chapter for me that opened so many doors but definitely not the ones I was expecting.

From graduating in Theatre Production, I ended up living in France for a bit and teaching English, which was actually the combination of how I got to art therapy. Trust in the process.

Most importantly, enjoy all of the opportunities and don't limit yourself.

Sending lots of love and hope to you all ✨️

12/08/2025

Nurture- Nurture and the need of, comes up a lot for my clients so I thought I would show you ways on how I receive it. Getting a massage bimonthly is definitely something that has really supported me in so many ways.

As adults so many of us can forget about the need to receive, in a nurturing way. We get stuck in the 'doing' all the time, especially when children are involved. This isn't a natural disposition for women as we have always meant to be the receiver in order to provide from a more organic place and not from a place of stress and depletion.

As I have discussed in previous posts, the body needs as much attention as the mind so receiving a massage is another way to tend to that need. Even just the process of acknowledging and asking for a need to be met is huge for so many people, as it can be seen as a luxury.

My thoughts on that is if we have to legally MOT our cars every year, why are we not doing the same for our bodies? Our bodies could be and often are flashing all kinds of lights- that it needs more support but we have become a society that ignores/suppresses these warning signals until it ultimately crashes. Every other month, I attend to those warning lights before even knowing that they were about to come on.

Maintenance and prevention is definitely better than illness, from my experience. However, I know a lot of mum's who would feel more guilty having a massage than saying that 'i'm sick' so I need to rest. When did this happen?

For me, this is something that I have tried to fight for years that just because you can't see it (mental illness) doesn't mean that it is any less than a physical injury/illness. It is not something to be ignored.

So, how are you looking after your vehicle, your only vessel in this life? Have you checked if there are any warning lights on or are you ignoring them because it would be a 'luxury' to attend to them before you crash?

Let's start normalising self care and nurture. Whether it be a face mask, a bath, skin care, massage or so many other things that may be specific/ special to you. Welcome it in as a need not a want. There is no luxury in self care, it's basic maintenance for both body and mind ✨

11/08/2025

Movement- 13 years ago I did the race for life for a few family members and it was an amazing atmosphere, experience and something I loved doing at the time. (I used to even go and watch my favourite shows on the treadmill in the gym, which is definitely not going to be happening this time!). When someone passes there is something about taking on a challenge to improve your own health that can really help process the grief.

My life journey then changed paths and I was being asked to slow down a lot more and focus on other aspects of my life as I trained to become a therapist and took on a parental role, while juggling adulting/buying property. Something I see so often in my clients- not something to regret!

However, my 30's then included 2x operations in the space of 4years, so movement had to be a lot slower for me. Consisting mainly of yoga, swimming, walks, with a bit of PT thrown in, at times. This has been beautiful, gentle and nourishing but could be frustrating at times that my body couldn't do more. I wanted to do more but had to listen!

Yet, I did my first 5mile run yesterday for the first time in about a decade as my body is stronger now and it feels exhilarating.

I'm prepping myself to do another 10k at the end of October, with the mindset of it being about the journey and not the end goal. Everyday will be an achievement and being able to take in the beautiful landscape and street art really helped with the motivation.

There is time (sometimes seasons) for rest, for both your body and mind and I have needed that so much, as I needed to honour both my needs and a way to hold so many others. However, I'm glad to be in a place where I can now push my body out of it's comfort zone- just as I guide those clients who are ready, to do with their mind, in a gentle way that feels both nourishing, rewarding and within the window of tolerance. Stretching that area just a little to notice but not traumatise/stress.

Understanding the needs of mental health, as well as listening to the female body's cycles, I intend to embrace this new challenge with all my insight in a way that feels good for me.

How are you stretching your window of tolerance? 💕✨

10/08/2025

Continuing with yesterday's theme, while I'm away from the therapy room, I thought doing some inspirational posts would be more fitting.

Here is another one of my loves and passions- getting lost in an art gallery. My particular love is Mr Brainwash and big colourful paintings like these. I went to Frida Kahlo's house when travelling Mexico so she has a special place in my heart.

These scream expression to me and nothing is hidden, subtle or traditional. Maybe it is my own inner child who loves the freedom of these, with paint all over the frame, or modern font over a beautiful old map of London, abstract imagery of Lions in the wrong setting (they are also my most favourite animal with their majestic beauty and I am a Leo, so have always been connected to them).

This particular gallery I have found all over the UK and is totally free to take in the beauty and it's take on what I would call more playful art, that isn't scared to break traditions.

What art inspires you? Were you able to be creative as a child? Do you still have a creative outlet? Creativity is actually one of the best ways to release trauma, along with movement and somatic work.

I have got my adult colouring books back out and they have been a wonderful way to relax for me.

Sending love always 💕

09/08/2025

In a previous life, before becoming a therapist, I studied theatre production in London and absolutely loved costume and set design.

It was such a pleasure to reconnect with this part of myself who still loves Theatre and Musicals and where my love for the arts came from. I am so proud of where I transferred those skills- into art therapy and looking after others, but sometimes it is just really fun to connect to the beauty and magic of the arts in a way of escapism. A world where anything and everything is possible! After all, 'all the world is a stage' according to Shakespeare.

What are your passions, outside the home and work? Where does your soul become alive? What magic does your inner child crave? ❤️

21/06/2025

Happy Summer Solstice beautiful souls. I was lucky to spend it with one of my gorgeous friends exploring Evesham and all of it's magical beauty. ✨

31/03/2025

April's offerings:

Tuesday, 4:00pm fortnightly session, counselling and art/play therapy for under 12's.

Wednesday, 12:00pm weekly session, counselling and EFT for young people

Thursday, 1:30pm weekly session, counselling and EFT for parents

Friday, Walking therapy available at various times for 13+ and parents

Wishing you all so much peace and love in this warm spring energy!

13/03/2025

05/03/2025

Did my first walking therapy session this morning in this glorious sunshine, and what an amazing experience it was.

🌿✨ Embrace the Healing Power of Nature with Ecotherapy! 🌳💚

Have you ever felt a sense of calm wash over you while surrounded by trees, flowers, and fresh air? That’s no coincidence! 🌼 Ecotherapy, or nature therapy, taps into the incredible healing benefits of the natural world, and when combined with the guidance of a therapist, it can be transformative.

Here are just a few reasons why ecotherapy with a therapist is a game-changer:

Holistic Healing: Nature helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. A therapist can guide you in processing emotions while you connect with the environment, promoting overall well-being.

Mindfulness in Motion: Being outdoors encourages mindfulness. Your therapist can help you focus on the present moment, enhancing your self-awareness and coping skills.

Creative Expression: Nature inspires creativity! Whether it’s through art, journaling, or simply exploring, a therapist can help you channel your feelings and thoughts into meaningful expressions.

Building Resilience: Facing nature's challenges—like hiking a steep trail—can mirror life’s obstacles. With a therapist’s support, you’ll learn to navigate both with confidence.

If you're looking for a fresh perspective on mental health, consider ecotherapy with a trained therapist. Let nature be your guide! 🌍💪