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Sally Golightly

The Mindful Family Doula

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Corporate work - Sally Golightly

Blooming In Adversity: Reflections From A Facilitator

November 14, 2025 Sally

I have recently had an article published in issue 3 of The Art of Insight which is the journal of the Association for Person Centred Creative Arts.

You can buy the full version of this issue here (not just my article!)

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1:1 coaching and mentoring sessions. Most of the

1:1 coaching and mentoring sessions.

Most of the 1:1 sessions I run are online. Today was the first time in A LONG TIME that we met face to face and it was great to be back!

The sessions I run are varied. I offer mentoring as part of the Doula recognition process, but I also offer sessions for those who want space to reflect and find a way forward with their work/life.

This can range from finding space to be present (knowing when and how to press ‘pause’), or explore creatively ideas for moving work forwards.

Often it is not the absence of ideas that stall small business owners, but the overwhelming number of options available.

Sometimes too much choice can lead to paralysis and we can get in our own way a bit!

The sessions provide space to reflect, breathe and navigate a way forward.

Sometimes we use the colour pens, sometimes we create and sometimes we pull a card to think about after the session.

❤️

It can always take a while to ease into a new near

It can always take a while to ease into a new near (maybe time to ‘defrost’ with all the recent snow).

Spring can be a nice time to start contemplating new beginnings, to start to see things blossom and grow, to begin something new…

Over the next few weeks I’ll be getting ready to send the Creating Circles packs out to the first participants of our Spring course 🙌

it’s exciting.

I like it almost as much as receiving things through the post.

The Creating Circles packs include:

⭐️ An A4 hardback journal to record your journey, develop your ideas and reflect on your practice. Everyone’s circle will be unique, your journal will become the recipe book for YOUR circle.

⭐️ The ‘Creating Circles’ workbook - a workbook that guides you in your journey 🤓🙌

⭐️ An organic tote bag to keep everything in.

⭐️ A pack of prompt cards that will help you create your own circles.

The Spring course begins in May on Tuesday at 7pm.

⭕️

See link in bio to register your interest or to sign up!

Sally x

*Creating Circles is an interactive, thought provoking course for those who would like to hold their own circles or who would like to deepen their existing practice.

#arttherapist #birthworker #leader #creativewriting #facilitationskills #redtentcircle #redtentuk #birthkeeper #arttherapy #doula #creativeuk #redtent #spaceholder #storycircle #creatingcircles #leadershipdevelopment

Spring should be the new year, don’t you think? t

Spring should be
the new year,
don’t you think?
the gentle blooming
of your soul anew.

🌸🌸🌸

@alixklingenberg

Maternal Journal is BACK tonight after a little break last week.

Please join us when we will be celebrating everything Ostara, the Spring Equinox, the balancing of light and dark, welcoming of the light and longer days 🌞 and Spring’s slow awakening.

Magic on the page ✨

#journallove #art #pregnancy #duein2023 #maternity #maternaljournal #art #creativity #mentalhealth #artjournal #creativejournal #mindfulness #pregnancy #postnatal #perinatal #pregnancyjournal #yorkshire #wellbeingworkshops #creativewriting #community #creatingcircles #womenscircles #circlework #holdingspace #doula #doulalove

On Creating Circles we ask: “How do you want your

On Creating Circles we ask: “How do you want your circles to feel?”

“What do you want people to feel when they are sat in circle”

“What do you want people to feel when they leave?”

This helps shift the focus, from what we give to how we want others to feel. The value in circles is not necessarily about what we provide (the buffet), but what happens as a result of creating that space:

🙏 The conversations that flow

❤️ The connections with others

🦝 A new perspective or way of looking at life

📖 Stories that have been shared

⭐️ Confidence as a result of being ‘seen’

⭕️ Rippling out and into relationships outside of the circle.

This does not mean we don’t think very carefully about the content of our circles - of course we do - but we don’t hold on SO tightly. To use the weaning analogy, it can be messy, playful and wonderfully unpredictable.

➡️ Scroll for Creating Circles’ Spring dates.

Holding space, facilitating circles and groups can

Holding space, facilitating circles and groups can be so rewarding but it can also be demanding and lonely. The drop in sessions are a place to:

⭕️ be heard and held

⭕️ explore the challenges of circle work

⭕️ reflect on current practice

⭕️ feel energised about holding space receive group mentoring

⭕️ explore whether circle work is right for you

⭕️ learn more about the Creating Circles' course.

Our next one is this week:

Thursday 23 March 10-11.30am

Link in bio to register 👆

🙌 look forward to seeing you there!

Sally x

***The drop in sessions are currently FREE of charge and are for current and aspiring circle holders. These sessions are open to those who have attended the Creating Circles’ course as well as those who are curious…

#arttherapist #birthworker #leader #creativewriting #facilitationskills #redtentcircle #redtentuk #birthkeeper #arttherapy #doula #creativeuk #redtent #spaceholder #storycircle #creatingcircles #leadershipdevelopment

Mother’s Day night run. Zero kids. One cat.

Mother’s Day night run.

Zero kids.

One cat.

Happy Mothers’ Day to those celebrating today. Lo

Happy Mothers’ Day to those celebrating today.

Love to all of those for who today is hard, bittersweet or just another day.

Pictures of my mum who puts up with A LOT. @kezw55

❤️

First pic is of when we went on holiday together and I forced everyone to journal (I know, my dad had left the table at this point, mid wine 😳).

Second picture - a rare meal out for grandmas retirement. That’s my “let me eat” face. Always loved food.

“I did the Creating Circles’ course with Sally and

“I did the Creating Circles’ course with Sally and it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say it changed my life!

Not only did Sally create a completely safe and nurturing space for us to learn about all things circle(!) but the other women on the course were just wonderful humans. I left inspired in every way and have made so many changes since finishing.

Most significantly my mothers’ circles are now blossoming and happening three times a week. Highly recommend this course and Sally as a human in generally.”

❤️ Words

As facilitators we’ve all had those moments. As pa

As facilitators we’ve all had those moments.
As participants we’ve had those moments.

Too much chat.
Too much silences.
Uncomfortable moments.
The awkward moments.
Themes that have flopped (sure there’s a tongue twister there).
Spaces that don’t feel safe.

When the wheels fall off (and they will because no space can be safe all the time) it’s hard to know how to respond. It is relatively easy to open circles up but much harder to know how to respond when thinks are wonky.

How do we create space for groups to lead but also have boundaries?

How do we make sure everyone leaves a little better than when they arrive?

How do we talk about trauma without triggering those listening?

How do we respond when something just doesn’t feel right?

Circles have the propensity to heal but they also have the propensity to do harm.

Creating Circles is a course which provides the theory and practical skills needed for circle work. Aimed at those already holding circles as well as those looking to start their own circles. You will also explore holding circles with tenderness.

Link in bio for more information or to sign up ☝️

Sally x

If you would like to hear more, or you would like to spend time with other circle holders join our drop in session next Thursday (23 March) 10-11.30am. #wellbeingcircles #yorkshireworkshops #womenscircles #creatingcircleswhat #antenatal #birthworker #saferspaces #cpd #yoga #onlinespaces #groupwork #maternaljournal #inclusivespaces #connection #creativespace #community #doulalove #yorkshire #yorkshiredoula #doula #hypnobirthing #redtent #wellbeing #creativity #postnatal #creatingcircles #creatingcirclestips

Welcome back to moon room! 🙏 Our theme today was

Welcome back to moon room! 🙏

Our theme today was Time ⏰

Thank you to Tamsin for reading to us from her poetry book!
@tamsinspoetrykitchen

Thank you to Rachel @rachelwrightathome for baking 🥣

Thank you for everyone for coming and sharing! It was so good to be back (after what felt like a lifetime).

“When I’m 80 in I’ll be taking little cat naps in the afternoon… or will I be in a hurry?”

⏳

Creating Circles: The drop in sessions. Back on

Creating Circles:
The drop in sessions.

Back on Thursday 23 March at 10am.

This is a place to:

⭕️ be heard and held

⭕️ explore the challenges of circle work

⭕️ reflect on current practice

⭕️ feel energised about holding space receive group mentoring

⭕️ explore whether circle work is right for you

⭕️ learn more about the Creating Circles' course

The drop in sessions are for anyone interested in circle practice.

You may be currently holding circles or simply be intrigued to how circles could fit with your current practice.

These sessions are open to those who have attended the Creating Circles’ course as well as those who are simply curious…

Link in bio to register.

🙌 I look forward to seeing you there!

Sallyx

#wellbeingcircles #yorkshireworkshops #womenscircles #creatingcircleswhat #antenatal #birthworker #saferspaces #cpd #yoga #onlinespaces #groupwork #maternaljournal #inclusivespaces #connection #creativespace #community #doulalove #yorkshire #yorkshiredoula #doula #hypnobirthing #redtent #wellbeing #creativity #postnatal #creatingcircles #creatingcirclestips

Creating Circles is ideal for you if you’ve never

Creating Circles is ideal for you if you’ve never held a circle before or if you regularly hold space for others.

So far we have had…
Teachers
Birthworkers
Hypnobirthing teachers
Yoga teachers
Artists
PHD students
Writer
Social worker
Art therapist⁣s
Antenatal teachers
Psychotherapist
Life coach⁣⁣
Leaders
Counsellors
Healer
Social prescriber
Psychotherapist
Health visitor⁣
Holistic practitioners
…and many more.

We have had those with lots of ideas as well as those at a crossroads. We have had those busy in work as well as those in caring roles or between work.

⭕️

Creating Circles provides the skills and confidence to those who wish to deepen their existing practice or create their own circle.

Dates for Creating Circles Spring 2023:

Tuesday 2, 9, 16, 30 May 7-10pm
Tuesday 6 and 13 June 7-10pm

Join the drop in sessions if you would like to reflect on your current practice or if you feel the pull to join Creating Circles and would like to hear more.

See link in bio for more information on how to sign up 👆

#wellbeingcircles #yorkshireworkshops #womenscircles #creatingcircleswhat #antenatal #birthworker #saferspaces #cpd #yoga #onlinespaces #groupwork #maternaljournal #inclusivespaces #connection #creativespace #community #doulalove #yorkshire #yorkshiredoula #doula #hypnobirthing #redtent #wellbeing #creativity #postnatal #creatingcircles #creatingcirclestips

It’s been a week since I returned to Bradford Volu

It’s been a week since I returned to Bradford Volunteer Doulas, this time to facilitate a staff AND volunteer well-being session.

I love these spaces, there is always time to chat, be still, create and play.

Absolutely no pressure and lots of fun. It is time to press pause on busy lives.

I love the amazing work that this service do in Bradford, and it was an honour to be invited back. If you feel the pull to volunteer and make a really difference to birthing families then Bradford Volunteer Doulas is an excellent project.

They also have some job opportunities coming up ❤️ and would be a fabulous place to work!!!

⭕️

If you are interested in creative well-being days for your organisation, staff or place of work then please DM me. I run these sessions across the voluntary, public and private sectors, in person and online. They really are quite special!

When you reach the end of what you should know, yo

When you reach the end of what you should know, you will be at the beginning of what you should sense.

- Kahlil Gibran

⭕️

The Creating Circles Course is about finding your way to circle work in a way that is authentic to you.

When you sign up you will be given…

Links, reading, videos and resources to deepen your knowledge of circle work and facilitation skills.

Self led study pack with space for reflections, doodles and notes.

A blank journal for you to curate your own circles.

A collective of amazing women to hold, guide and support.

If you are looking for CPD to extend your current

If you are looking for CPD to extend your current offerings, move in a different direction or to fill the requirement of your professional body then Creating Circles is ideal.

“Creating Circles” is a certified course, which means that after attending the sessions, completing the self led study and producing a final piece to demonstrate your learning you will get a certificate to confirm your journey. Not only that but as an IICT (Approved Course International Institute for Complimentary Therapists) Course it means that an external body has looked in detail at the requirements, content, course plans and APPROVED IT!

Creating Circles is ideal for those who want to lead circles of their own. It is a combination of self led, reflective study and zoom group sessions, with an option of 1-1 coaching (where I walk alongside as you set your own group up). During our six weeks together you will be gently nurtured and guided through the skills needed to lead your own groups as well as the next steps for creating a circle of your own.

See link in bio to sign up, hear more or register your interest ☝️

Sally x

#wellbeingcircles #yorkshireworkshops #womenscircles #creatingcircleswhat #antenatal #birthworker #saferspaces #cpd #yoga #onlinespaces #groupwork #maternaljournal #inclusivespaces #connection #creativespace #community #doulalove #yorkshire #yorkshiredoula #doula #hypnobirthing #redtent #wellbeing #creativity #postnatal #creatingcircles #creatingcirclestips

I did four things for myself today: 1. Went out f

I did four things for myself today:

1. Went out for brunch with Hannah @practicaldoula.

Running a small business can be lonely. Hannah and I alway’s feel inspired when we meet and hug ❤️

2. Wore my new dress.

This shall be my uniform for the next 3 years now because I’m like that.

3. Got the car valeted.

The board said a full valet was £18 but he opened my door and said it would be £20 because of the mess - truth is, it was tame by my standards 😆🧼.

4. Went for core with one of the mamas I first supported as a Doula and was pulled about a bit.

I never thought having someone else’s finger on the roof of my mouth for so long would would feel so good. I love being feckled. She also told me she remembered me humming was during her birth and how important that sound was. So there you have it. Sometimes I hum as a doula sound not smell #essentialdoulaskill

What have you done for yourself today?

I feel like I’ve crammed all my treats into one day. Shall do a bit of mothering now.

The Journal Circle @ Moon Room was cancelled last

The Journal Circle @ Moon Room was cancelled last week because of the snow ❄️ so I set up a mini journal with pancake breakfast for the family.

They ate the pancakes.

No one journaled, because they are beasts.

Yep that’s my new brass monkey candlestick holder.

We are on a BREAK from Maternal Journal online this week but we will be back at Moon Room this week (and for the next 3 WEEKS!!) with my brass monkey🐒

Can’t wait to see everyone… it’s felt like a loooong time!

Sally x

connections you cannot save people, you can only

connections

you cannot save people,
you can only love them.
- Anais Nin

⭕️

Circle work is about creating connections. As the facilitator you come alongside, sit in the circle and then step back. It’s about listening and holding space, gently guiding discussions through questions and handing over the conversations so that people feel nurtured, safe and loved.

People need people,
they don’t need to be “saved”;
they need to feel heard and witnessed.
They need tenderness.

The Creating Circles course is for those who want to lead circles of their own or deepen their existing circle practice.

It is a combination of self led, reflective study and zoom group sessions, with an option of 1-1 coaching.

During the six sessions together you will be gently nurtured and guided through the skills needed to hold your own circles as well as the next steps for creating a group of your own. We will cover;⁣
⁣
⭕️ Beginnings... creating spaces with intention and purpose, exploring ‘safety’ and how to creat tender circles

⭕️ Connections... exploring the skills needed to build communities⁣

⭕️ When things get tricky... how to avoid common mistakes⁣

⭕️ Guiding circles... how to hold, let go and facilitate discussion⁣

⭕️ Endings... closing circles and saying goodbye⁣
⁣
The course combines theory, practice and reflection . It is an IICT Approved course with certification on completion of the final piece. This course has literally changed the trajectory of people’s lives ❤️

Interested in joining us in May?

See link in bio ☝️ to sign up or register your interest.

Sally x

#arttherapist #birthworker #leader #creativewriting #facilitationskills #redtentcircle #redtentuk #birthkeeper #arttherapy #doula #creativeuk #redtent #spaceholder #storycircle #creatingcircles #adhd leadershipdevelopment

Yesterday was a day of firsts for me. First time

Yesterday was a day of firsts for me.

First time I’ve changed my mind about running on the back of someone else’s race food (@andygib1982 #foodofthegods)

First time I’ve run UP the cobbles at the start of the Haworth Hobble

First time on the hobble without my race buddy @chellesuit82 😭

First time I’ve not serenaded anyone (I know 😳)

First time I’ve not taken the shot of whiskey mid race 🥃

First time I’ve asked someone to tell me about chiropodists

First time I’ve managed not to pee for 17miles

First time I’ve had to apply sun cream for the hobble

NOT the first time I’ve ended up thigh deep in a bog

❄️🌞☃️

I can confirm that the 21 mile hobble route is a far better Ultra race distance.

*I’m still awesome at star jumps

#haworthhobble #topwithens #pennineway #ultrarunning #haworth #haworthmainstreet #trailrunning #trailrunningviews #nopaperplanes

There’s a Facebook group where you send in picture

There’s a Facebook group where you send in pictures of your cat and people photoshop it for you.

My favourite is no. 1

R’s favourite is the bat 🦇

I think she would choose no. 6

Im going to print and frame one, although I might end up having a gallery.

Which one’s your favourite?

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