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Debbie Thurlow-Circle Holder & Nature Bathing Guide

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Debbie Thurlow-Circle Holder & Nature Bathing Guide

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!

13/02/2026

There has been a lot of rain here in York over the past few weeks. A lot.

Despite another wet day I went out for some fresh air and noticed raindrops hanging off the plants and trees like tiny baubles.

There are lots of ways the rain can help you to tune into your senses and experience a mindful moment in nature. Here are a few ideas:

-observe rain drops on petals, leaves or branches and notice the shape, size or colour.

-feel the rain on your hand or face and notice the temperature or rhythm.

-listen to the rain falling on different surfaces and notice how it sounds or whether there is a pattern to it.

-smell the fresher air that often comes after a rain shower or notice stronger aromas coming from the earth or soil.

Have you tried any of these? Maybe you could pick one to focus on next time you’re out in the rain.

And if you’re interested in spending guided, mindful time in nature keep an eye out for the return of my forest bathing sessions and nature circle.

10/02/2026

One of the reasons I set up midlife circle was because I wanted the unseen to be seen and the unspoken to be spoken.

I wanted to create a space where judgments and expectations could be challenged, dropped and replaced. I wanted people to feel fully seen without advice or answers being offered.

There is something truly powerful about having our stories witnessed. To be seen and heard is a human need. It helps us to feel supported, understood, safer and less alone,

At the moment I’m spending a lot of my time in ways that are unseen (even more so than my usual levels of parenting) and it is challenging and frustrating and absolutely crucial.

Whilst it isn’t my story to tell I’m holding space in a different way right now and I’m recognising how many people are doing the same behind the scenes.

So I don’t have any lovely photos of recent midlife or nature circles to show you, instead I’m sharing some of the places I’ve been holding space in recently.

I very much hope to be back holding my regular circles next month.

In the meantime I will keep posting about nature and connection to remind you of the benefits of both and to prompt you to keep noticing the small things.

09/02/2026

February always feels like a liminal month. Many of us are wishing winter away and longing for spring to arrive.

Out in nature it’s a time of decay and new life. Blackened leaves, dried out grasses and empty seed heads sit side by side with vibrant green shoots, brave snowdrops and bright anemones.

I see it as a reminder that life can’t be neatly arranged. Often a new phase starts before the old one ends. Transitions overlap. And no matter how much we want an outer or inner season to be over we have to be patient.

If the greyness is getting your down, try noticing the colours that are showing up a little stronger each day.

01/02/2026

I always feel a spark of joy when I see the first snowdrops appear. They remind me that the days are getting lighter and longer.

These clusters of snowdrops seem to take strength from each other as they huddle together for protection against the wind, rain, snow and frost that winter may still send our way.

The wheel of the year is slowly turning again and if you look closely you’ll see the first gentle stirrings from below ground.

Maybe we can take a lesson from the snowdrops as they brave the cold and stand strong. If ever there was a time for courage it’s now.

Happy Imbolc if you’re celebrating today 💚

28/01/2026

Despite the cold, damp and grey afternoon there was much to see in the woods today. It felt like a series of messages had been laid out for me.

Inner and outer worlds feel full of uncertainty and turmoil at the moment. It is hard not to question what the hell are we doing. Despair is on the tip of my tongue and yet I keep hoping for things to be different out there.

Today the absolute joy of breathing in woodland air and looking at lichen, pine cones and leaves helped to soften the noise and was a much needed antidote to the trap of doom scrolling.

This world is scary and beautiful right now. I’m trying to tend to what I can change and hold space for what I can’t.

Remember to keep noticing the small things. And remember we only have each other. Show up how and when you can. It will make a difference.

23/01/2026

Tools for navigating liminal spaces ❤️

Liminal space; the in-between place, a threshold, where one stage ends and another is yet to begin.

Liminal spaces are part of life. They can occur at any time when something changes or is about to change.

We often step into liminal spaces during big life events; before giving birth, preparing for the death of a loved one, approaching menopause….They can also open up at times of illness, or when circumstances change unexpectedly.

One of the most challenging aspects of being in a liminal space is the not knowing how long it will last. Time can stretch out without an edge or boundary and in my experience time seems to slow down.

Uncertainty often accompanies us in a liminal space and we can feel ungrounded as our “usual” way of life is put on hold or is about to take a new shape.

I’ve found myself in a liminal space again recently. There’s no real end point in sight and there is no easy solution to it.

I’m not good with uncertainty but here I am. Moving with it and seeing what unfolds.

I’m also wondering when does a liminal space stop being liminal and just become life as we now know it? (Answers on a postcard please)

To help me navigate this current liminal space I’m using the tools that I offer out to others:

✨time in nature
✨noticing the small things
✨journaling- with my pen or paints
✨trying to take each day as it comes
✨connection-messaging and seeing friends

If you’re currently in a liminal space that feels uncomfortable I hope you can find ways to nourish and support yourself while you’re navigating through it.

Have a look through the images below and see if anything there appeals to you.

19/01/2026

As we reach day 19 of January there is no hiding from the fact that the calendar year has well and truly turned. We are still in mid winter though.

I sent some gentle reminders to my email list yesterday. I’ll share a few of them below.

1. You don’t have to have your entire year planned out already despite what some people might tell you.

2. Instead of setting a list of must do things or resolutions, instead think about how you would like to feel this year and let that guide you where possible.

3. Winter is a quieter time for many of us and that space can allow us to hear difficult emotions or feelings that are sometimes blocked out by the distractions of busier months. It can feel challenging so go gently with what comes up for you and reach out to friends or family if you need to talk.

4. The light is slowing returning however the days are still short. Where you can, allow yourself to hibernate and rest.

5. Nature shows us that we can’t constantly be doing. It is ok to slow down and let things die back or quietly germinate.

The external push for new ideas, new plans, new energy at this time of year can often make us feel out of synch with the season we’re experiencing.

Please don’t forget we’re still in the darker half of the year. If you’re not raring to go, there is absolutely a reason for that. Go gently out there. There is no rush ❤️

11/01/2026

I’ve been trying to ease into this new calendar year as slowly as life will allow.

As usual I haven’t set out any big declarations, resolutions or promises about what I will do. January is no time for that as far as I’m concerned.

Instead I’ve dabbled in following The Omen Days in my journal and done lots of gentle noticing.

On Wednesday at journal club however I unexpectedly found myself furiously scribbling down the following:

This is the year to be.
A year without striving.
A year to live with softness
& self compassion.

This is the year to learn, to really know,
believe and accept,
that my worth is not linked to how productive, useful or helpful I am.

This has been brewing for a while and it seems now is the time to allow myself to simply “be” and see what unfolds. I’m going to stick this on my wall as a reminder.

I hope this first week of January has been as easeful as possible for you. 💚

Check out for more info about The Omen Days and .england.therapy for info about online journal club.

05/01/2026

The wolf moon is still shining down on us.

Monday morning moon while the traffic passes and the kettle boils.

01/01/2026

Happy New Year!

Wishing you a year of connection, joy, calm and balance. May 2026 be full of things that nourish you.

Thanks for supporting me over the last 12 months. I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if you didn’t show up ❤️

I’m still very much in hibernation mode so see you back here in a while.

Until then keep noticing the small things, keep being human and keep choosing love 💚

31/12/2025

Ending the year under the moon in one of my favourite places. 💙

It’s hard not to reflect on the last day of the calendar year…

💫2025 saw the end of one part of my business and the beginning of another.

💫 I held midlife circle, nature circle and co hosted my second residential retreat.

💫I qualified as a forest bathing guide and laid the foundations of some new ways of working.

💫 I broke my wrist, turned 50 and confirmed my suspicions when I got a diagnosis of ADHD.

💫 I joined a choir, went on my first holiday with only myself and had lots of swim adventures with friends.

💫 I also experienced crippling anxiety, hot flushes and brain fog as I navigate ever closer to menopause.

💫 I tired to make a difference in the wider world through small actions, showing solidarity and making certain choices over others.

💫 I did another ton of single parenting which has been joyful and challenging.

Who knows what 2026 will bring. I hope it will be full of connection, nature and circle magic.

Address

York

Opening Hours

Tuesday	10am - 4pm
Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	2pm - 6pm

Telephone

+447767142401

Website

http://www.debbiethurlow.com/

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Self-care made simple

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.