Paradisefold Blog

With Spring in full bloom, it’s hard to avoid the feeling of joy and optimism that this season brings. That’s why many cultures traditionally see Spring as a time for rebirth (think Easter eggs, and the resurrection of Jesus in Christian culture); and some therapists think this is the ideal season for self-care and setting new goals. For the same reason, April is a great time for Stress Awareness Month.  Self-care isn’t selfish - it’s essential. Between work, social commitments and the endless to-do list, stress sneaks in before we even notice. It is a natural part of life, but when left unchecked, it can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being. That’s why in this month’s blog,...

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mummies here in the UK! (And if you’re in the US, why not take this excuse to celebrate twice! 🤷‍♀️) With many of us straddling cultures, faiths and countries, to celebrate Mother's Day we’ve sponsored this Third Culture Therapy podcast episode with parent coaches, Sarah Raslan and Karen Abou Joude. Sarah and Karen discuss the beautifully complex interplay between identity, community, and mothering across cultures.

Across cultures fasting has been embraced for its profound impact on the body and mind. Whether practiced intermittently by tech-bros wanting to detoxify and focus, or spiritually to prompt reflection, fasting has been taken up by many wanting to make some change to their lives.  For many around the world, this month has deep cultural and religious significance. This March, Lent and Ramadan coincide, so over the next 40 days (for Lent) and month (for Ramadan) we know that some of the lovely ladies in our community may be fasting. 

Last year, during the Paris Olympics, we had the privilege of sitting down with Katie Simmonds, Chief Operating Officer of the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) and Managing Director of SIGA Women. As the driving force behind the largest global organisation for sport integrity, Katie is one of sports' few senior female leaders. Her work spans governance, accountability, and transparency across every sport, in every country (wow!). But beyond systems and policies, Katie is passionate about people - especially women's inclusion in sports leadership. That’s why she launched the SIGA Women mentorship scheme: a dynamic network built to empower, uplift, and guide women in sport. 

This February, many of you wonderful ladies in our community based in the US will be marking Black History Month - a time to honour the resilience, brilliance, and contributions of Black individuals who have shaped history and continue to influence our  world today.  But celebrating black history isn’t just about looking back; it’s about recognising the ongoing struggles against racism and inequality. True celebration means uplifting voices, advocating for change, and ensuring that black excellence isn’t just acknowledged for a month, but woven into the fabric of our collective future.