CPG Therapy and Well-being Support

06/08/2025

Let’s talk about the word “selfish.”

It’s a word that gets thrown around so easily—and usually not in a kind way.
But what if being “selfish” just means putting yourself first sometimes?

As a therapist, I see how often people feel guilty for setting boundaries, saying no, or prioritising rest.
Some even feel bad for taking care of their own needs.

But here’s the truth:
That’s not selfish. That’s self-care.
And it’s essential.

We can’t pour from an empty cup.
Looking after ourselves—mentally, emotionally, physically—isn’t indulgent. It’s responsible.
It helps us show up better for the people we care about, in life and in work.

So maybe it’s time we let go of the shame around the word “selfish” and reframe it as something far more honest:
1. Taking care of yourself is an act of well-being.
2. And that’s something we should all be doing.

05/08/2025

Morning, if you missed my appearance or would like to listen again, on Erewash Sound, here it is -

https://on.soundcloud.com/oSjHV4x8HsAKy5Lvey

04/08/2025

🎂 This weekend, my daughter turned 11.

As we celebrated with cake, laughter, and a house full of energy and imagination, I found myself reflecting—not just on how quickly time passes—but on how much development, strength, and emotional depth can emerge in just one year of a child’s life.

Watching her grow—navigating friendships, big emotions, and the ever-shifting world around her—reminds me of the same core principles we often return to in wellbeing and therapy:
🌱 Growth doesn’t follow a straight path.
💬 Emotions need space and permission to be felt.
🤝 Support—whether from a parent, teacher, therapist, or friend—can be a game changer.

Her journey reminds me that healing and personal growth don’t begin in adulthood—they begin in how we are heard, understood, and supported from an early age.

Children show us what it means to be emotionally flexible, to keep learning, and to stay open—even when things feel uncertain.

Here’s to growing up, growing through, and growing together. 💚

If you need to be heard, supported and grow with your wellbeing, reach out and lets talk.

01/08/2025

Big shoutout to Paul Calladine! 🙌

He’s the creative mind behind all my leaflets and business cards. Paul really takes the time to listen and understand the ideas I have in my head – then somehow brings them to life on paper.

He keeps you in the loop throughout the whole design process and makes sure you’re happy every step of the way. On top of that, he also sorts out the printing!

Highly recommend working with him if you want designs that truly reflect your vision.

Thanks, Paul!

31/07/2025

The Power of True Relaxation

Lately, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to relax.

* Not just watching TV with my phone in hand.

* Not scrolling through emails on the weekend.

* Not even ticking off self-care like it’s another task.

I’m talking about real, deep rest — the kind where your body lets go and your mind finally gets quiet.
In today’s world, it’s easy to stay busy. We reward hustle. We stay "on." But the truth is, we can’t pour from an empty cup.
When I started prioritising true relaxation, everything shifted. My thoughts became clearer. My energy came back. I felt more grounded and calm.

That’s why I now offer relaxation sessions for others in the Ilkeston and Ripley area — gentle, calming spaces designed to help you truly unwind and reconnect with yourself.

The relaxation I provide gives clients a taster of the Progressive Muscle Relaxation technique we often use in Hypnotherapy — helping the body relax bit by bit, easing tension and calming the mind.

Because true relaxation isn’t a luxury. It’s fuel. It helps us show up better at work, at home, and in our own minds.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or just need space to breathe, you're welcome to reach out.

30/07/2025

The new office is finally painted!
Yes, I know Sarah—it’s been nearly a month! 😅

It’s been such a busy time, and I honestly wasn’t sure when I’d finish it. What got me through? Asking for help—and receiving it. The biggest parts of that help were simple: someone holding me (literally and emotionally) and keeping me company.

The ceilings are really high, and I’m definitely not the tallest person! Climbing up on a ladder that felt a bit wobbly had me feeling anxious. So, I asked Phoebe (the "P" in C.P.G. and also my daughter) if she could help. And she said yes.

She held the ladder. She stayed by my side. She made it feel safe. And with her support, I finished painting the edges around the top of the walls.

It felt so good—not just to finish the job, but to feel supported. To be reminded that we all need that sometimes.

As therapists—and as humans—this is one of the most powerful things we can do for others: be there. When someone is struggling, they don’t always need fixing. They need someone to sit beside them, hold space for them, and listen.

That presence can make someone feel lighter. It creates room to reflect, to breathe, and to eventually figure out the next steps.

That was Phoebe for me yesterday.
She held me—her mum—and helped me finish something I couldn't have done alone.

So, here’s my question for you:
When you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure… what helps you move forward?

25/07/2025

This week has been full of firsts, lasts, and reflections — both personally and professionally.

At the start of the week, I experienced a very special first — being aired on Erewash Sound Radio! Hearing my own voice come through the Alexa at home was a surreal moment, especially seeing my children’s faces light up. Their "Well done, Mum!" hugs were everything.

The messages and calls from friends, family, and even business connections made it an experience I won’t forget.

There have also been new client conversations, exciting plans forming for September, and a real sense of momentum building for what's next with the business — all very positive.

On the personal side, two of my children are leaving their schools — one heading into Juniors and another starting Secondary in September. So, we’ve had the full range of end-of-term moments: leavers' plays, shirts to sign, parties, hoodies, and more. Lots of emotions — mostly from me!

Today, we’ve had some deep conversations about what’s ahead. The unknowns, the nerves, the excitement. Will I make new friends? Will I find my way around? What’s lunch like? The questions that come with every new beginning.

I reminded them — and myself — that uncertainty is part of life. Whether it’s starting a new school or navigating change in business or our life, we don’t need all the answers right now. What matters is knowing we’ll find them, with the right support, one step at a time.

So for now: deep breath, pause, and let’s enjoy making some memories this summer.

New beginnings always come with a mix of nerves and excitement — in life and in work. And that’s okay. That’s growth.

23/07/2025

Tuesday was a big day of growth for me — both as a professional and as a person.

I took part in Su***de Bereavement Training with , and it was one of the most insightful sessions I’ve attended. It gave me a deeper understanding of how grief affects people after a su***de loss — and how different that grief can be from what we might think of as “normal” bereavement.

Grief is never easy. Whether it’s after a long illness or sudden loss, the pain, confusion, and sadness that come with it are valid and very real. But su***de bereavement can bring added layers — feelings of guilt, anger, unanswered questions, and even shame or isolation. It’s complex and often misunderstood.

One powerful word I learned during the training was “Postvention” — the support that comes after a su***de loss to help reduce the risk of further mental health struggles or su***de. People affected by su***de are, sadly, at higher risk themselves. That’s why this kind of support matters so much — it’s both healing and preventative.

If you’ve been affected by su***de in any way and need someone to talk to, please know you're not alone — I’m here if you ever want to chat, and there is help out there.

Please also check out the incredible work being done by Harmless and at The Tomorrow's project. They offer support, advice, and also provide training for professionals working in mental health, su***de prevention, and self-harm.

This experience reminded me how important it is to keep talking about mental health, grief, and how we support one another through the hardest times. 💚

***deBereavement

21/07/2025

So here it is….tomorrow is the big day when I hear this for the first time and you can too, if you would like too. Please see the post from LinkedIn.

If for any reason you can’t access the link, I’ll be on Erewash Sound - the Business Hour tomorrow from 7pm 😬

Hi everyone, So here it is…….tune in tomorrow at 7pm if you fancy a listen. I would like to say thank you for your lovely comments last week and positive reactions. Aaaahhh I’m feeling excited and still a little nervous.

17/07/2025

After my radio interview with Erewash Sound on Tuesday, I popped back in on Wednesday morning and had a lovely chat with Jeff Martin. He shared more about the amazing work they do — and it's so much more than just great music on the radio! 🎶📻

Erewash Sound offers media training like podcasting and radio broadcasting, volunteer opportunities, and work experience for young people. It’s a great place for anyone looking to build skills or explore a new path.

I also learned they first went on air in 2015 — and fun fact: they used the same office space that C.P.G. is moving into (which I’m currently decorating!). 😊

You could really feel Jeff’s passion for what he does, especially when it comes to helping others.

I wanted to share this in case you or someone you know — maybe a young person in your life — could benefit from what they offer.

They also support local businesses through interviews, sponsorships, and networking (like their 100 Club). So if you’re a business in the Erewash area, it’s worth getting in touch with them!

16/07/2025

On Tuesday, I did something totally out of my comfort zone — I went on the radio for an interview 😬🎙️ airing next week.

In the days leading up to it, my head was full of questions like:
👉 What will they ask me?
👉 What if I freeze or say the wrong thing?
👉 Am I even ready for this?

It really got me thinking about how similar this is to how many people feel before starting therapy.
That fear of the unknown… the vulnerability… wondering if you’ll be judged or if you’ll even know what to say.

But just like therapy, growth starts with showing up — even when it feels scary.

I’m so glad I did it. It pushed me and reminded me how powerful it is to lean into discomfort. That’s often where the real change happens. ❤️

If you are thinking of accessing therapy and have questions, don't hesitate to contact me.

15/07/2025

Remember my post about "Money vs. Happiness"? Well, I wanted to give you all an update on the goat situation! 🐐 Here’s a little backstory: my nearly 11-year-old daughter has always dreamed of having goats as pets. Since we can’t make that happen right now, I thought it would be a good idea for her to volunteer and get a feel for the responsibility that comes with caring for animals.

Honestly, I was kinda hoping she’d see how much work it really is and change her mind (so I wouldn’t have a herd of goats eating everything in sight, haha).

Well, fast forward to now... Update: She’s still LOVING it! 🥰 And it’s clear it’s not about the money, it’s all about her passion for the animals. She now understands what goes into taking care of them, and even though she knows it’s a lot of work, she’s still dreaming big.

What’s been amazing to see is how much her confidence has grown. A few months ago, she would run around the paddock when one of the goats tried to butt her. Now? She confidently tells him to "go away!" 🤣

I’m sharing this story because I can totally relate it to starting my own business. When I first started, I didn’t fully understand all the responsibilities and challenges that came with it—but you never truly know until you take the risk and dive in.

For both my daughter and me, it’s about living our dream. It’s hard work, we’re learning new skills, and it’s driven by passion. It’s a reminder that you can do anything you set your mind to! 💪

🐐