Hazel McCartney Therapy - Massage & Counselling

Name it to tame it 💚

Today is World Mental Health Day, and this year's theme is about lived experiences being heard. It's something I think about a lot in my work.

Over the years, sitting with people in my studio on the Southside, I've learned that being heard isn't only about words.

Our bodies carry our stories too. They show up as tight shoulders, a clenched jaw, a tiredness that doesn't lift no matter how much we sleep.

So this weekend, I'd love to invite you to give both your mind and your body a little space to be heard:

🌿 Name it to tame it. "I'm tired" or "I'm not OK" counts. Saying it out loud can take away some of its weight.

🌿 Notice where you're holding it. Your shoulders, jaw or stomach often speak first.

🌿 Let someone listen without fixing. A friend, a partner, a counsellor.

🌿 Give your body a pause. Hand on your chest, three slow breaths, shoulders down.

🌿 Make room for both. Talk it through, then let yourself rest. None of this needs to be big. Small moments of being heard add up.

If you know someone who carries a lot for everyone else, please share this with them.

Hazel x

A wee radio reminder 📻

What does massage have to do with the mind? And what can our bodies tell us that we don’t always pay attention to?

That’s what I’m contemplating on the show this Wednesday 16th September alongside some great tunes and a ‘Guest Who Do You Love’ chat with my good friend and incredible photographer Ross Gilmore.

Curious? Tune into Sunny Govan Community Radio from 1–2pm: https://tunein.com/radio/Sunny-G-Radio-1035-s81227/

Some exciting news from me! 😍 My lovely volunteers have been busy designing flyers and putting them up in some popular spots around Glasgow’s Southside.

Can you spot where they’ve put them? 👀

Keep your eyes peeled - they’ll be popping up in more places over the next few days!

I’m on the radio (again!) 📻

A little behind the scenes. I’ve been doing my own show on Sunny Govan Community Radio on 103.5 FM and I still can’t quite believe I get to say that. I’m back behind the mic today from 1–2pm.

Today’s show is about the experience of love, loss and grief. The feelings that come with change and endings, but also celebrating life and the people who matter to us.

I’ll be playing songs to make us think and feel a little more deeply, alongside a conversation with a good friend about love, loss and the late Glen Hansard.

Listen now: https://www.mixcloud.com/SunnyG103/hazel-mccartney-contemplation-compilation-ep7-19-08-26/

Welcome to my little studio space - now with my own flyer on the door (thank you Laura for designing it) 😊 Every Tuesday, I am in Studio 70 for in-person sessions. Those can be:

💬 Counselling
💆🏻 Talk & Massage
✨ Reflexology
🌿 Reiki

You can book your appointment here: https://www.hazelmccartneytherapy.com/

Need a session this week? ⭐

I have a few last-minute spaces available for new and existing clients.

💆🏻 Talk & Massage at Studio 70 (in-person)
Tue 30 June • 12:15pm
✨ Get £5 off this session

💻 Counselling or Reiki (online)
Wed 1 July • 2:00pm or 6:30pm
Thu 2 July • 12:00pm
Fri 3 July • 3:00pm

Sometimes an hour to talk, reflect or simply unwind is all you need.

Book online: https://hazelmccartneytherapy.setmore.com

PS: Can't see the time you want? Message me and I'll check if it's available.

Recovery isn't just for athletes!

Whether you're spending your days at a desk, behind the wheel, chasing after little ones, training hard, or simply juggling the demands of everyday life, your body works hard for you.

My Talk + Massage sessions help ease tension, restore balance, and give you time that's just for you 🙂‍↕️

You can book my services through this link: https://hazelmccartneytherapy.setmore.com/

For Mental Health Awareness Week, I’ve been revisiting some of Brené Brown’s early work on vulnerability. And one idea still really sticks with me:

Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s the courage to be seen when you can’t control an outcome.

So many of us were taught to avoid discomfort. To fix, perform, people-please, or stay guarded. But avoiding small moments of vulnerability like difficult conversations, asking for help, being honest about how we feel can often mean avoiding deeper connection too.

One thing Brené Brown says that I love is:
“When I see you do [thing], the story I tell myself is [story].”

It shifts us away from blame and toward honesty, accountability, and understanding.

16 years on from her TED Talk, her message still feels true: vulnerability is where connection, belonging, creativity, and joy begin.

Spring recharge? 🌿

I have a few massage and counselling appointments available on Tuesday 12th and Tuesday 19th May at Studio 70 Yoga & Reformer Pilates on Victoria Road.

If you’ve been feeling tense, tired or just need to slow down for a bit, this is your opportunity to take some time for yourself.

Spaces are limited and usually book quickly.

Book here: https://hazelmccartneytherapy.setmore.com/

I tried pottery for the very first time! Getting my hands gloriously muddy and learning how to shape clay on the wheel. Safe to say I have a whole new respect for anyone who makes it look easy!

There’s something so calming about slowing down, focusing on the clay, and just giving it a go. My bowls may be a little wonky, but I’m very proud of them 😌

Making space for creativity, and for mistakes, felt surprisingly humbling. And freeing. If you’ve been telling yourself you “can’t” do something creative, maybe this is your nudge to get messy and try anyway.

It’s the same energy I bring to counselling work. Not chasing perfection or trying to get life “right”. Just showing up with attention, curiosity, and patience.
Leaning into mistakes is an underrated relief.

If you’ve been avoiding something creative because you might not be “good” at it, go and be messy at it. See what happens ✨