The Holistic Butterfly

26/04/2026

Overthinking is like being stuck in the cocoon, going over the same thoughts, trying to figure everything out before you move.

In CBT, this can look like loops of:
“What if I’m wrong?”
“What if I missed something?”

It feels like problem solving, but often it just keeps you stuck.

Like a caterpillar, your mind is trying to protect you, scanning for danger, looking for certainty.

But you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.

Therapy can help you gently step out of these loops, understand your thought patterns, and build trust in yourself again at your own pace.

And over time, like a butterfly, you begin to move forward with more confidence and clarity 🦋

20/04/2026

Still some places left for this weeks workshop. This one is open to the general public 🦋

LAST CHANCE TO ENROL!

This workshop is designed to support wellbeing through practical, evidence-based approaches to managing anxiety and stress.
These supportive sessions will be delivered by Carol Watkins, a BACP-accredited counsellor with over 10 years’ experience working in mental health and wellbeing.

✨ What to expect:
· Practical tools and strategies you can use in everyday life
· Insight from an experienced healthcare professional
· A calm, supportive learning environment

📍 NWRC DIAL Centre, Wednesday 22nd April, 6-9pm
💷 £15 per person

Book here: https://shorturl.at/LZ53v

19/04/2026

Self love is more than just loving yourself.

It’s showing up for yourself.
It’s meeting your own needs.
It’s creating healthy boundaries.

It’s choosing yourself even when it’s uncomfortable.
It’s giving yourself the same care, patience, and respect you give to others.

Self love isn’t always easy.
It’s hard work. It’s growth. It’s healing.

And most importantly it’s a lifelong commitment.

Keep choosing yourself, especially on the hard days. 🦋

I have a limited number of counselling spaces available from this week. Pm or call to book or for more information.

14/04/2026

Another session is coming up next week Wednesday 22nd April for the general public see link below for details. Tomorrow evenings CPD workshop for counsellors is now fully booked.

Tickets are now available for Understanding Anxiety workshop at NWRC (Public Event) at NWRC DIAL Centre, Derry~Londonderry on Wednesday 22nd April 2026. Click the link for further information and to secure your tickets now!

12/04/2026

As I sit here this morning with the diary opened planning the week ahead. I am reflecting on how it’s funny you don’t realise how much you needed to rest until you finally stop.

Somewhere along the way, “busy” became normal. Being a bit tired felt expected. Running on low energy just became life. Then you take a break.

At first, you slow down. Then you properly switch off. And only then do you notice how much you were carrying.

Now I’m coming to the end of that time and although I love my work if I’m honest, I’m feeling not quite ready to jump back into “normal life again.”

But maybe that’s the point.

Maybe the goal isn’t to return to exactly how things were, but to take something from the pause, a bit more awareness, better boundaries, a reminder that rest isn’t a reward it’s a requirement.

Normality can return but it doesn’t have to look the same as before.

Anyone else ever feel this at the end of a break?

08/04/2026

Such lovely feedback from the loveliest group of ladies. It was such a privilege and honour co write and facilitate this beautiful 4 week workshop alongside my friend and colleague Flourish Counselling NI on a topic we are both so passionate about ❤️

Perfectly Imperfect Programme - Feedback

Please see some feedback from our recently completed Free to Be Me Anxiety Management Programme

This 4 week programme supported participants to explore themes of self-acceptance and self-love, helping building self-esteem and confidence.

Many thanks to everyone who took part. We hope you found it enjoyable and useful.

This programme was delivered as part of the Empowering Change Project which is supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. Thanks to the them to to Lottery players who support make it possible

08/04/2026

Looking at this picture released yesterday, I’m honestly in awe. It’s a glimpse into everything happening all at once, every birth, every death, every laugh, every tear. People just starting their day, others ending theirs, all of us sharing the world at the same time.

A quiet reminder that every single day, with all its ordinary and extraordinary moments unfolding side by side, is still kind of miraculous. Maybe that sounds a bit cheesy, but it’s made me feel reflective.

There’s something peaceful about looking at it and yet, somehow, we still struggle as a human race to find peace ☮️ with each other.

30/03/2026

Lately, life has been moving a little too fast. I am taking a well earned break for a few weeks and have escaped to my favorite place. Beautiful Donegal ❤️

There’s something about being here, the crashing of the waves, the open space, the feeling of everything slowing down that always helps me reset. No schedule, no pressure, no diary, just a moment to breathe and be present.

Sometimes, that’s all we really need. A pause. A change of scenery. A reminder that it’s okay to step away and recharge.

Whilst I am so grateful for my work, I am also grateful for this little escape that helps me to keep my Jug full so I can keep pouring.

15/03/2026

Mother’s Day

Today we celebrate mothers, their quiet strength, their patience, their love woven gently through our lives for generations.

For many, today is filled with gratitude, warm embraces, wise words, and the countless small ways a mother’s love shapes who we become.

But this day carries many different stories.

For some, there is a space at the table for a mother remembered and deeply missed or maybe for a relationship that’s strained or distant. For some, there is a longing for a child hoped for but never held or the painful ache for a child taken too soon. For others, love remains in memories, in photographs, in the lessons still guiding their way.

So today, let us hold one another with compassion.

I dedicate this to my own amazing mummy, my sisters, my friends, my mother law and for every heart celebrating, every heart remembering, and every heart quietly carrying its own unique story.

I like to believe that love given, hoped for, or remembered, still leaves its light in the world.

07/03/2026

It’s okay to move gently through this hour, this day, this week, or even this month.
You don’t have to rush or force your way forward.

Take a moment to notice what your body and soul might be asking for right now, rest, quiet, a breath, or simply a pause.

There is no need to have everything figured out today.
Go at the pace that feels kind to you.

Be patient with yourself.
You are allowed to take life one soft step at a time.

02/03/2026

Sometimes the best thing you can do for your wellbeing is be a little spontaneous.

Random adventures: get in the car, pick a direction, start driving, then Google nearby places and discover new, unexpected spots along the way. No pressure, no big plan just curiosity leading the way.

You might not find anything life-changing, but you will feel more alive. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.