Sometimes in life we simply need space, to pause, breathe, and feel supported.
You Are Held is a gentle, presence-led wellbeing experience created by Denise, offering a calm and nurturing space where you can slow down and be met exactly where you are.
During this time you are held here, by the space, by nature, and by gentle presence.
Your time may gently weave together conversation, quiet reflection, mindfulness-based practices, meditation, supportive therapeutic touch, or time spent walking in nature in the peaceful surroundings of the glen.
This experience may be especially supportive for those navigating times of uncertainty or change – including those on a cancer journey, during cancer recovery, recovering from illness or surgery, experiencing heightened stress, or simply needing time to gather their thoughts and reconnect with a sense of steadiness and calm.
Everything unfolds intuitively and is shaped around what feels right for you on the day.
My Story
You Are Held was born from a very personal moment in my own life.
Following recent surgery, I found myself in a place of vulnerability and uncertainty. Thankfully, my outcome was positive and I did not require further treatment, but that time brought a deep realisation.
What I longed for most was not advice, solutions, or fixing.
What I needed was simply to feel held.
Not always physically, but emotionally and energetically. To feel safe, supported and cared for in a quiet, gentle way. Sometimes that meant sitting with a shawl wrapped around my shoulders, allowing myself to soften and breathe.
It was in those moments that the words You Are Held came to me.
Through many years working in holistic wellbeing, including supporting people living with serious illness and those receiving palliative care, I have seen how powerful it can be when someone is given the space to simply be – without expectation or pressure.
This offering has grown from that understanding.
You Are Held is a quiet space at Maycroft where people can come exactly as they are – especially during times of change, challenge or uncertainty.
A space to pause. To breathe. To feel supported.
Because sometimes what you need most is simply to know that ‘you are held’.
Taking the first step can feel big – you are welcome to get in touch whenever it feels right.
My experience
I have been working as a complementary therapist for more than 30 years, supporting people through times of illness, recovery and change.
My own journey into this work began through personal experience of illness, where I found great support through complementary therapies. That experience sparked a deep interest in how gentle, supportive approaches can help people restore balance and wellbeing.
Following the loss of my beautiful mum, I began volunteering within a palliative care hospice setting. This work felt deeply meaningful to me, and over time my role grew into a contracted position as Lead Complementary Therapist within the NHS Specialist Palliative Care Team in Fife, where I worked for 13 years supporting people living with serious illness and those receiving palliative care.
Over the years I have trained in a wide range of therapies. I am a qualified clinical hypnotherapist and have extensive training in many therapeutic touch therapies, including reflexology and oncology massage. I have also undertaken specialist training in adaptive therapies for people with cancer at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.
Alongside this, I completed teacher training at Bangor University in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Cancer. These approaches help people develop simple and practical ways to calm and regulate the nervous system and navigate periods of stress, uncertainty or illness.
All of these experiences have shaped the way I work today. I bring together the knowledge and skills I have gathered over many years, creating a calm, compassionate space where people can simply be themselves and feel supported.
Who this may support
This experience may be supportive for those who feel the need for a little more care and space in their lives.
It may be particularly helpful for those on a cancer journey, those recovering from illness or surgery, or individuals living with long-term or life-limiting health conditions.
At times in life we can find ourselves navigating uncertainty, heightened stress, or moments where we simply feel overwhelmed. During these times, having a calm and supportive space to pause, reflect and breathe can make a meaningful difference.
This experience is also for those who feel the need to step away from the pace of everyday life, gather their thoughts, and reconnect with a sense of steadiness and calm.
You are welcome exactly as you are.
What to expect
Before your visit, we will usually have a short conversation by phone. This helps me understand a little about what has drawn you to this experience and how I might best support you.
When you arrive at Maycroft, we will begin gently, often with a cup of tea and a chance to sit and talk. From there, your time unfolds naturally and is guided by what feels most helpful for you in that moment.
I draw on a range of practices depending on what feels right for you on the day. This may include supportive conversation, simple breathing practices, mindfulness or meditation, therapeutic touch or guided relaxation.
At times we may step outside into nature, perhaps for a gentle walk or to simply spend time in the fresh air. If appropriate, the sauna may also be included as part of your experience.
My intention is to create a safe, calm and supportive space where you can pause, breathe and feel held.
You may also leave with simple practices or strategies that can help support you beyond your time at Maycroft.
Presence – led Experience
2 hours | £195
A gentle and supportive experience offering space to pause, talk things through if you wish, sit quietly, reflect, or simply rest.
Herbal tea is offered during your time together.
Half-Day Sanctuary
4 hours | £360
A deeply nurturing half-day at Maycroft, allowing time to fully step away from the pace of everyday life and simply be.
Your time may include gentle practices, quiet reflection, time outdoors in nature, and a nourishing lunch.
Extended Experience
3 hours | £275
For those who feel called to spend a little longer in this calm and supportive space.
With more time to settle and reflect, this experience allows for a deeper sense of ease and spaciousness.
Herbal tea and a light snack is offered during your time together.
A Gentle Note
This offering is designed to support wellbeing during times of illness, recovery or personal challenge.
It is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should be viewed as a complementary form of wellbeing support. If you are currently receiving medical care, you are encouraged to continue following the guidance of your healthcare team.
Denise works with care, compassion and professional integrity, creating a safe and supportive space for each individual experience.