Flourish Counselling NI

25/09/2025

The lovely Carol The Holistic Butterfly ❤️

Hi Everyone

I’d love to take a moment to introduce myself to new followers, and reintroduce myself to those who’ve been here for a while, as there have been some changes within my business.

My name is Carol Watkin, and I started The Holistic Butterfly back in 2018. What began as a dream of offering both counselling and complementary therapies has since evolved. Due to personal circumstances, I have stepped away from the complementary therapies side of my work.

Moving forward, The Holistic Butterfly will focus on counselling and workshops. I am a qualified and BACP accredited counsellor, deeply passionate about supporting people on their healing journeys, with over 10 year’s experience. I have also recently began a new role as a lecturer in counselling which I am enjoying and get to share all the knowledge I have gained with our future counsellors.

It is a true honour to walk alongside individuals as they reconnect with themselves, others, and the world around them. As an integrative therapist, I adapt my approach to suit each person’s unique needs. My aim is simple, that everyone who steps through my door leaves feeling lighter, more connected, more empowered and that I offer them a safe, confidential space.

Counselling appointments are now available if you’re ready to take the next step, please reach out to arrange a session or to have a chat to find out more.

Thank you for being here I’m excited to continue this journey with you 🦋

20/09/2025

Often we search for validation, love, or healing outside of ourselves. But real transformation begins when we pause, breathe, and turn inward

Looking inwards means:
💫 Noticing your emotions instead of running from them
💫 Asking yourself “What do I truly need right now?”
💫 Honoring your boundaries, even when it feels hard

Therapy can support us, but the real magic happens when we begin to listen to our own voice — the one that’s been waiting patiently beneath the noise. ❤️‍🩹

Self-love is not just about feeling good; it’s about building trust with yourself, even in the quiet, messy moments.

10/09/2025

World Su***de Prevention Day 2025

‘Changing the narrative’

For anyone in distress or despair, please know YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Please pick up the phone & speak to a counsellor on the Lifeline freephone helpline which is available 24/7. As well as the helpline, Lifeline can offer counselling support. It’s OK to not feel OK and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help 💖💖

07/09/2025

⚠️IMPORTANT INFO - HIDDEN PHONES⚠️

On Sunday 7th September 2025, the UK Government will be testing the Emergency Alert System, which sends loud alerts to mobile phones across the country.

If you have a hidden phone, it’s important to switch off these alerts, as they could reveal the phone’s existence.

👉How to video & instructions click the link
🔗https://www.womensaidni.org/emergencyalert/

06/09/2025

Ripples of Kindness

The world feels so heavy
with pain, uncertainty,
and division right now.

More than ever,
it needs love,
gentleness,
and healing.

We may not be able
to solve everything at once,
but we can choose kindness
in the spaces
where our lives touch others.

A smile,
a listening ear,
a patient word,
a helping hand,

these small acts of care
ripple outward
in ways we may never fully see.

If each of us tends
to our own little corner
of the world
with compassion,

those corners begin to connect,
and slowly
the light of kindness spreads.

One by one,
heart by heart,
we can help heal the world.

~ ‘Ripples of Kindness’ by Spirit of a Hippie

✍️ Mary Anne Byrne

~ Art by Mikenzi Mitchell

03/09/2025

I had a lovely conversation with a beautiful lady today that made me reflect on the privilege it is to be a therapist 🙏

Every day, I’m invited into someone’s most vulnerable moments—their fears, hopes, and healing. It’s an honor to hold space, to listen, and to witness growth. 🌱

Thank you lovely lady for the reminder 💖

13/08/2025

📢 Mental Health in Times of Injustice

What’s happening in Gaza is not just a humanitarian crisis—it’s a genocide. And for many of us watching, the grief, rage, and helplessness is taking a real toll on our mental health.

🖤 You are not “too sensitive.” Your empathy is a sign of humanity.

💔 It’s okay to cry, to feel angry, to step away from the news when you need to breathe.

🤝 But silence helps oppression. Rest, then return to raising your voice.

Ways to protect your mental health while staying engaged:

• Set boundaries with media — constant doomscrolling can retraumatize.
• Stay connected — talk to friends, join vigils, connect with support groups.
• Take action — channel feelings into petitions, protests, donations.
• Practice grounding — breathe, move, eat nourishing food, hydrate.

Our mental well-being matters because healthy minds can fight longer, louder, and with more clarity.

💬 Gaza’s people do not get to “log off.” 😢

We honor them by caring for ourselves and by refusing to look away.

🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸