Debbie Thurlow Complementary Therapist

Debbie Thurlow Complementary Therapist 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!

This week has started with some new routines. They have been floating around for a while but they are now officially tie...
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.

Would you like to celebrate the winter solstice surrounded by:~a circle of women who know how it feels to be navigating ...
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.

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 acros...
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.

I created midLife circle at a really challenging time in my life. My Dad had dementia, I was going through a divorce, I ...
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.

How was your weekend? Or even your half term if you are getting back to “usual routine” today. Mine was a mix; teens, ho...
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!

Leaf of the week! This leave caught my eye at the start of the week. I loved the green veins contrasting with the orange...
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 💚

Did you spot a favourite leaf this week?

Samhain has arrived as the wheel of the year turns again. A pull to rest and to strip away what we no longer need. A cha...
31/10/2025

Samhain has arrived as the wheel of the year turns again.

A pull to rest and to strip away what we no longer need. A chance to journey inwards with the darker days and longer nights.

I love this time of year. The leafy mulch beneath my feet reminding me that somethings are done and can now be composted. The frenetic energy of summer truly left behind. And time to embrace the darker half of the year.

On this particular night along with ghost hunting, bobbing for apples and carving pumpkins there is also a time to pause and remember what and who has gone before. Gathering in the grief and joy of life.

However you choose to celebrate or mark this time of year I hope you can listen in to what you need for the coming months.

How to work with me in November midLife circleDate: Saturday 22nd NovemberTime: 2.30pm-4.45pmVenue: Clifton, York Cost:£...
31/10/2025

How to work with me in November

midLife circle

Date: Saturday 22nd November
Time: 2.30pm-4.45pm
Venue: Clifton, York
Cost:£22 (pay as you can rates available)

Maximum of 8 spaces.
Please note midLife circle is held in a first floor room via a set of stairs.

To book your place please see booking link in the comments.

Women's outdoor nature circle

Date: Thursday 27th November
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Venue: Lakeside at Pool Bridge Farm
Cost: £25

Maximum of 8 spaces and the cost includes an optional *swim once the session is over. *It is not a guided swim and you swim at your own risk.

For more information go to the Pool Bridge Farm website or follow this link to the booking page www.ecom.roller.app/poolbridgefarm/onlinecheckout/en/home

Both circles welcome both cis and trans women, and non-binary folks too.

Sometimes things in nature are easy to see. They are so obvious they catch our eye immediately. Other times things are s...
29/10/2025

Sometimes things in nature are easy to see. They are so obvious they catch our eye immediately.

Other times things are so tiny we don’t notice them until we slow right down and get up close.

Have you had chance to slow down and notice recently? If so, what did you see?

I’m following The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron at the moment under the compassionate guidance of Kate . Although I have...
28/10/2025

I’m following The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron at the moment under the compassionate guidance of Kate .

Although I haven’t been able to fully engage each week, I am doing my daily morning pages and have prioritised going on a few artist’s dates.

On Sunday I made it to The Hepworth gallery just in time to see Life Pleasures by Helen Chadwick and Mothering by .

Both of these exhibitions resonated deeply with me in different ways and I’m so glad I made space to get there.

Reconnecting to things that bring me joy, make me feel alive and inspire me has really helped me tune into my creative side. With that comes a knowing there is more to say and more to feel.

Stories we are told, or tell ourselves about who gets to be creative, what creativity is and how it can be used can be really unhelpful. For me, I’m trying to rewrite those stories so my creativity can flow and be embraced.

There’s always a journey with any type of relearning or retelling and right now I’m here for it.

Address

York

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

+447767142401

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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.