Like many of us, I’ve always wanted to make a difference to people’s lives. Much as I love my boys deeply, motherhood at times was bewildering and overwhelming.
⭕️ Certified circle holder
💚Mental health first aider
🌳 Forest bathing guide+
❤️ Mother
✨Helping women in midlife to slow down, find freedom and reconnect through circle work & nature immersion ✨ I used to be a Social Worker, which was often hugely rewarding, but I became disillusioned by spending more time in front of a computer screen than with my clients. I dropped to part-time hours and studied Holistic Massage so I could help people directly. After having children I took time away from paid work to focus on them – and this is where I truly discovered the power of massage. A monthly massage treatment became the cornerstone of my self-care, once I’d convinced myself I wasn’t being selfish or overly indulgent in taking this small slice of time for myself. I have experienced first-hand the power of massage and reflexology in restoring calm and balance when life is full-on. And I believed in it so much I went back to college to learn more and train as a complementary therapist. Now I wish everyone could experience the deep care a massage or reflexology treatment offers. I think the world would be a kinder, more peaceful place if we all took this time for ourselves. I love helping other women create that small space in their lives, let themselves be cared for, for once, and leave feeling lighter, freer and more relaxed. To discuss how you can introduce more self-care and relaxation into your busy life, just contact me. All questions welcome!
19/11/2025
Yesterday I posted about not wanting to do my daily walk. This was what greeted me when I did make it out of the car and into the park.
This time of year pulls us to hibernate and I wholeheartedly agree with that need. I also encourage you get a daily dose of nature to lift your mood, boost your immunity and reduce stress and anxiety.
Spending slow, mindful time in nature is a game changer. If you want support to do that
🌱get in touch
🍂dm me to join my email list
🌿come along to the monthly nature circle
I’m here to help you slow down, reap the benefits of spending time in nature and reconnect with yourself.
18/11/2025
It’s birthday month and I’ll soon have two teens in the house. I can’t believe my eldest is turning 16 and that I’ve been mothering for that amount of time.
Sometimes it’s hard to remember who I was before I became a mother. I catch glimpses of her but it often feels like looking through a mist. I guess it is all in the mix somewhere even though I can’t always feel it.
I went to a gig with my eldest a couple of weeks ago and as I stood waiting for it to start, with my son towering over me, I realised that when I became a mother life didn’t stop for anyone else, people have been going to gigs all that time. (And yes, I’ve been to gigs since becoming a mum, but not in the way I used to).
But for me time stopped in a way. I thought back to all the things I have given up over these 16 years in exchange for this role of mother. Trips away that felt unfeasible, nights out I didn’t go on, a career I’ve never returned to. There is a grief in mothering as well as joy.
These teenage years have been a challenge so far on the parenting front. Whoever said that it gets easier as they get older lied. My kids don’t need me as they used to but my goodness they absolutely still need me!
The gig was great though. We didn’t go in the mosh pit but we danced and laughed and I saw a whole new chapter opening up before me.
Sometimes I feel like motherhood has submerged me but maybe I’m slowly coming back up to the surface.
18/11/2025
Showing my face to remind you that as we creep deeper into autumn it may feel harder to get outside HOWEVER being in nature has multiple benefits:
Today I toyed with the idea of not going for my morning walk but there was so much beauty on display and it was 100% worth getting wet for.
My mood was lifted and I had chance to breathe out and forget about everything else for a while.
As humans we are wired to connect with nature so I hope this video gives you a gentle nudge to get outside in nature if you can. 💚
16/11/2025
Leaf of the week.
Another week filled with gorgeous leaves. I have spotted so many in Homestead park and Rowntree park.
I love this leaf for it’s shape. At this time of year the last remaining ones hanging from the branches look like butterflies or moths about to take flight.
There were greens, yellows, orange and even brown ones on the ground but this one made it to leaf of the week.
Have you spotted your own leaf of the week? Maybe you can keep yours eyes out tin the coming days.
15/11/2025
I often get asked the question "what is midlife circle". It's not always easy to answer. Yes I can tell you what we do there:
🌟a grounding activity
🌟opening circle with a check in
🌟explore a prompt through conversation, journaling, creative journaling, reflecting
🌟optional sharing
🌟guided relaxation
🌟close the circle with a check out
but I can't always explain how it feels to attend. And that's what matters the most.
So I'm sharing here some words from those who come to midLife circle. I hope they give you more of an insight into what midlife circle is and it how it feels to sit in circle.
Curious? Still have questions? Please do get in touch and I'm happy to chat about whether midlife circle could be for you. Drop me an email or DM.
12/11/2025
This week has started with some new routines. They have been floating around for a while but they are now officially tied down and in my diary.
Over the years I’ve read many books, articles and undertaken training on the transition to menopause and I’ve used this knowledge to empower other women.
The book I most frequently return to is second spring by One of the many pearls of wisdom shared in the book is the absolute non-negotiable necessity for rest. And recognising that we need to claim this ourselves as no one is going to hand it to us on a plate.
I have quoted Kate’s practice, of writing in her diary a daily slot to lie down and rest, to many clients over the years and now it is my time to finally do that consistently for myself.
And so every day I now set an alarm that prompts me to get a blanket, an eye pillow and lie down on my bed or yoga mat (I reckon I could adapt this as necessary if I’m in my car) and spend ten minutes resting.
This small step has already started to improve my days and I’m sure that of my kids too and has highlighted yet again that small actions can make a difference.
As I edge ever closer to menopause I have a deep knowing that I have to refocus on how I look after myself. Reaching day 200 of my current menstrual cycle felt like the point of no return; I have to listen to what my body needs.
I hope that sharing this allows you to think about a small (or big) change that would benefit your own wellbeing.
As always if you need support with that do get in touch, follow my page or come along to one of my sessions.
Remember we were never meant to do all this alone.
08/11/2025
Would you like to celebrate the winter solstice surrounded by:
~a circle of women who know how it feels to be navigating tricky life stuff AND who understand the importance of making time for themselves.
~a circle of women who value the opportunity to reconnect with themselves, reflect on their needs and make time for rest and relaxation.
~a circle of women who want to drop the expectations, show up as they are and just be.
If so, we need you!
I'm holding a special solstice themed midLife circle on:
date:20th December
time:2.30pm-5.00pm
venue: Clifton, York
cost: £22
We'll be embracing the turn of the seasonal wheel and celebrating this special time. It will also give you the chance to feel calmer as you head into the festive period.
You can expect:
🌟grounding activity
🌟exploration around a theme
🌟journaling / creative journaling
🌟optional sharing
🌟guided relaxation
🌟light refreshments
midLife circle is a grounded, no bullsh*t space where you can breathe out, share, listen, drink tea, get creative and lie under a blanket. New members welcome to sit alongside us as we journey through all that midLife can bring.
Please get in touch with any questions. Booking link in the comments / my bio.
07/11/2025
Leaf of the week!
Had the joy of spotting lots of leaves this week. In the garden, in town and in the park.
I came across this leaf at The Yorkshire Arboretum though. So many beautiful colours, shapes and textures on show.
This one caught my eye early on in my walk. I loved the shape of it and even though there were lots of more vivid colours around I noticed this one as it contrasted against the green of the grass.
Hope you manage to get outside to do some leaf spotting this weekend.
04/11/2025
I created midLife circle at a really challenging time in my life.
My Dad had dementia, I was going through a divorce, I was rebuilding my business after the pandemic, my hormones were on a rollercoaster and my kids were entering the tween and teen stage. It was a lot!
I also had adverts on my phone telling me I wasn't getting any younger, that I needed a whole heap of products (protein, collagen, special shampoo, face sculptors) to get me through. Add that to the ever present societal message of "must be productive" that ran through my brain and it meant I was feeling pretty overwhelmed.
I knew I wasn't the only one feeling this way and I knew a space was needed where we could drop everything, breathe out and gather with others who understood. I offered a taster session in my then treatment room and women came.
They shared, listened, laughed, took a deep exhale and wrote down a whole heap of expectations that they were sick of carrying around. It felt emotional and liberating. It was clear during the session that this kind of space was absolutely needed. And that's how midLife circle was born.
Holding that space felt so important and it still does two years later.
Midlife circle is for women navigating the ups and downs of midlife. It gives you the opportunity to reconnect to yourself in a nourishing, supportive and non judgmental space.
There are two remaining sessions this year and there is space for you to join.
Saturday 22nd November and Saturday 20th December at 2.30pm. The December circle will be a special Solstice event.
I would love to hold this space for more women in midLife. We were never meant to do this alone and I firmly believe in the power of women gathering together.
For full details and to book your place please get in touch or follow the link in my bio / comments.
*women includes both cis and trans women, and non-binary folk are also welcome.
03/11/2025
Almost full moon. What a beauty.
Often known as the beaver moon or the cold moon.
Have you been out to look tonight? If not here’s 30 seconds of the moon for you.
03/11/2025
How was your weekend? Or even your half term if you are getting back to “usual routine” today.
Mine was a mix; teens, hormones, trying to juggle everyone’s needs, getting ready for school again and supporting eldest with revision!
Thankfully we managed a gorgeous walk at the arboretum yesterday. Who needs fireworks when you have such beautiful displays of colour.
Anyway it was a much needed boost to our nervous systems and we even got to spot a red squirrel which was very exciting ❤️
This week for me is a mix of planning, making connections, completing my tax return and a whole heap of parenting. We have mocks in our house so that will take some extra deep breaths.
Whatever your week holds I hope you can carve out some space to nourish yourself in a way that suits you.
And for anyone returning to the school morning / school run routine I wish you extra calmness and strength!
01/11/2025
Leaf of the week!
This leave caught my eye at the start of the week. I loved the green veins contrasting with the orange tones. I also loved the tiny spots on the right hand side.
It reminded me that I don’t have to be perfect to be recognised, loved or to bring joy 💚
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Debbie Thurlow Complementary Therapist:
I’m Debbie and I am a qualified Complementary Therapist. I offer Reflexology, Holistic Massage and Aromatherapy Massage to women. Like many of us, I’ve always wanted to make a difference to people’s lives. I used to be a Social Worker, which was often hugely rewarding, but I became disillusioned by spending more time in front of a computer screen than with my clients. I dropped to part-time hours and studied Holistic Massage, seeing this as a new way to help people.
After having children I took time away from paid work to focus on them- and this is where I truly discovered the power of massage. Much as I love my boys deeply, motherhood at times was bewildering and overwhelming. A monthly massage treatment became the cornerstone of my self-care, once I’d convinced myself I wasn’t being selfish or overly indulgent in taking this small slice of time for myself.
I have experienced first-hand the power of massage and reflexology in restoring calm and balance when life is full-on. And I believed in it so much I went back to college to learn more and train as a complementary therapist.
Now I wish everyone could experience the deep care a massage or reflexology treatment offers. I think the world would be a kinder, more peaceful place if we all took this time for ourselves. I love helping other women create that small space in their lives, let themselves be cared for, for once, and leave feeling lighter, freer and more relaxed.
To discuss how you can introduce more self-care and relaxation into your busy life, just contact me.
