CKTherapy thoughtful reflections
You wouldn’t shame a baby when they’re learning to walk, so why do you shame yourself when learning something new ?
Could you give yourself the same encouragement?
Pride?
Warm compassion?
The “it’s okay if you fall, you can try again”?
You deserve that too.
#thoughtfulnotes #psychotherapy #compassionfocusedtherapy #ashbydelazouch

Ck Therapy Book recommendations
My parent the peacock by Kathleen Saxton was one of our CPD books this year. And as a result we have and would highly recommend this book to clients, therapists and supervisees who want a better and or a clearer understanding of narcissism and the impact it can have on families navigating narcissism. A word so many of us are aware of now but maybe not acknowledging the pain and seriousness of narcissistic abuse and its consequences.
We really do recommend going gently with this book as it can be hard when you see examples that might echo your own or someone close to you.
It is clear and beautifully written, carefully crafted to give comprehensive and easy-to-understand explanations, examples and interwoven theories, whilst equally balancing the need for a compassionate voice throughout. As well as some practical ways to work through how to heal.
For more recommedations and our genuine hand picked resources visit our resources page;
https://www.ckpsychotherapy.co.uk/resources.html

We love hearing feedback ! And we have this wonderful review from a client who worked closely with our compassionate partner Abbie.
“I am very pleased to leave a positive and heartful review after the excellent support I received during my recent period of counselling. I am a man in my 50’s , so from a generation, where in the past it was not common place for men to discuss, share or seek support for the emotional well being. However, following a sudden family bereavement, I found myself facing a challenging time and eventually recognised and acknowledged that I needed professional support. Everything from my initial contact with CK Therapy, Ashby de la Zouch, to meeting with Abbie, was smooth, compassionate and efficient. I never felt pressured and was pleased that I was offered tools to help me practically and emotionally. I have now completed by sessions but feel totally comfortable that if I needed further help, I would not hesitate to return. Sometimes, it’s ok to recognise we need a little bit of extra help from caring professionals.
Thank you.”
If you have worked with one of our team we would love to hear your feedback!
Visit the link in our bio or visit;
To submit a google verified review;
https://g.page/r/CQUUqyupMp3pEBE/review
Review anonymously email us at;
[email protected]
#compassionatepartners #client testimonial #psychotherapyreviews #ashbydelazouch

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Ck Therapy thoughtful reflections
Sometimes self-esteem begins with letting something kind about yourself stay a little longer
Many people find it easier to absorb criticism than kindness.
Not because positive things are untrue,
but because the brain is naturally wired to notice potential threats more than reassurance. This is part ofis referredto as the brain’s “negativity bias” an adaptive survival response designed to help us scan for danger, rejection, or mistakes.
Over time, especially if someone has experienced criticism, shame, inconsistency, or low self-worth, the brain can become even more practiced at filtering for the negative while dismissing the positive.
Compliments get minimised.
Achievements get brushed aside.
Kindness feels uncomfortable or undeserved.
Strengthening self esteem is not about forcing yourself to “think positively.”
It is about slowly helping the brain build familiarity with safer, more balanced ways of secing yourself.
Sometimes healing begins with small moments:
letting the compliment land, accepting the reassurance,
or resisting the urge to immediately dismiss something kind.
The more we practise noticing and holding onto positive experiences, the more we create new patterns for the brain to return to.

CKTherapy Book recommendation: ADHD A to Z by Leanne Maskell
A really accessible and practical read for anyone wanting to better understand ADHD, whether personally, professionally, or in supporting someone else.
What we loved most about this book is how easy it is to engage with. The chapters are clear, concise, and easy to dip in and out of, so it doesn’t feel overwhelming or like something you have to read cover to cover. You can simply pick up the sections that feel most relevant to you at the time.
It offers simple, realistic advice alongside psychoeducation in a way that feels compassionate, validating, and genuinely useful.
As psychotherapists, we really appreciate resources that make complex experiences feel understandable without being overly clinical and this book does that well.
For more genuine resource recommendations (not adverts) visit our resource page on our website ;
https://www.ckpsychotherapy.co.uk/resources.html

We'd Love to hear your feedback on our podcast. learn more on about Twice Translated on our podcast page ;
​https://www.ckpsychotherapy.co.uk/podcast.html

Ck therapy testimonials
A review from a client who’s worked with Catherine.
“Catherine has been nothing but warm and professional since the moment I spoke to her.
She has guided me through a really difficult time in my life and I am so thankful for all
that she has done for me.”
if you’ve worked with one of our therapists we’d love to hear your feedback.
Read our reviews or write your own review;
https://g.page/r/CQUUqyupMp3pEBE/review

“Doing your best” is not a fixed standard.
Some days it looks like being productive, present, and motivated.
Other days it looks like resting, setting boundaries, getting through the day quietly, or asking for support.
Your capacity will naturally change depending on stress, grief, burnout, emotional load, physical health, and life circumstances.
We often judge ourselves unfairly for not functioning at the same level every day, without considering how much we may be carrying internally.
Doing your best does not always mean doing the most.
Sometimes it means responding to yourself with honesty, flexibility, and compassion instead of pressure.
Progress is not measured only by productivity.
There is also strength in slowing down, recovering, and continuing gently.
#selfcare #progress #therapy #psychotherapy

Emma Barnett’s documentary on endometriosis left us reflecting in so many ways . Especially this one particular quote:
“Why am I a warrior? I’m not well.”
​
As therapists, this statement felt incredibly powerful.
We often hear people described as “warriors” when they are living with chronic illness, pain, loss, trauma or other invisible struggles. While often intended as praise, the word can sometimes carry an unspoken expectation: to keep fighting, keep researching, keep explaining, keep proving.

Many of the people who sit in our therapy room are exhausted. Not only from what they are experiencing, but from the effort of trying to be heard. They have become experts in their own conditions, symptoms or circumstances because they have felt they needed to gather evidence, learn the language, and advocate tirelessly just to have their experiences recognised.

Whether living with endometriosis, chronic illness, mental health difficulties, grief, neurodivergence, or another hidden struggle, there can be a deep loneliness in feeling that your suffering is invisible to others.

Perhaps the question is not why someone isn’t fighting harder. Perhaps the question is why so many people have to fight so hard to be believed?
And wherever you are in your experience fighting, grieving, coping, resting, or simply trying to get through the day...

YOU DO NOT NEED TO PROVE YOUR PAIN TO DESERVE SUPPORT.

Documentary recommendation;
Emma Barnett’s: Fighting Endometriosis
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002x8nb

For further recommendations, visit our resources page A collection of tools and information we genuinely value, with no advertising or sponsorship;
https://www.ckpsychotherapy.co.uk/resources.html

#endometriosis #emmabarnettfightingendometriosis #chronicillnesswarrior #chronicillnessawareness #psychotherapy