Catherine Rowley Ollie Coach

24/10/2026

I've been creating behind the scenes!

Isn't it interesting how we sometimes feel like we are not quite doing what we want to be doing or what others are expecting.

Like we need to explain ourselves. That can weigh heavy on you.

Because that just is not true. We've created that narrative. And we can choose any narrative we like. It's your life and your script - each day a new opportunity to decide what works for you.

If I'd been giving you a "piggy back" whilst I lived my life the past 3 months you'd have witnessed the ups and downs. The down downs, you know the ones and the up ups.

Every emotion given it's time and space. To do what they are meant to do. Sometimes one was out in front protecting another emotion - until I gave myself that time and self compassion to let sadness or shame or guilt sit with me and listen to what it needed. To be heard, understood, accepted and processed.

Being present. Giving negative thoughts an external outlet in order to reframe them and reduce their power - pif paf puff.

Unlock how you want to really be. I can guarantee - you are wonderfully unique - we all are. We all matter.

Learning about your own team of emotions and how they work for you, the impact they can have on your reality - how to feel empowered over them. Getting them to work for YOU - that's where I can help.

Reach out for a discovery call.

Very excited to share with you my next few nuggets of learning and reflection over the coming weeks.

10/10/2026

Love that we have a day annually - though I believe every day should be mental health awareness day x

I'm fine - a beautiful human once said to me, sometimes it can mean "feelings inside not expressed" - I often hear that and will lean in with kindness. Creating for someone space where they feel seen and heard.

Respecting of course when someone is in a space where they just want to continue holding it all together. They then know they are not alone.

22/09/2026

Yay an opportunity to meet Ali in person.

Find out more about Ollie and becoming an Ollie coach.

Any questions, please ask.

🚨 BOOKING IS NOW OPEN 🚨

Come and discover the Ollie Model with Ali Knowles at one of two inspiring live events this October.

This evening is for you if you:

💛 Want to understand how the Ollie Model could help your child or family
🏫 Would like to bring Ollie Coaching into your school or organisation
🌟 Are curious about becoming an Ollie Coach
🧠 Want practical tools for understanding emotions and behaviour

Ali will explain how the Ollie Model helps children and adults understand what is happening beneath their emotions, take back control and create lasting change.

You will also meet trained Ollie Coaches, hear their honest experiences and have the opportunity to ask questions.

📍 Wednesday 7 October at 7pm
The Hemingford Pavilion, Hemingford Grey
Book here: https://bit.ly/OllieHEMINGFORD

📍 Thursday 8 October at 7pm
WEDGE, Kenilworth
Book here: https://bit.ly/OllieKENILWORTH

🎟 Tickets are just £5.

Please do not leave it until the last minute. Choose your venue and reserve your place today.

Come curious. Leave seeing emotions completely differently.

27/08/2026

Love this great technique from Ollie HQ.

I was actually feeling similar this week - not about going back to school but about doing a new activity this week and next that I'd not done before.

I was nervous and excited. So I separated the two of them and noted what was it about this new experience that I was excited about
🩷 Excited said - travelling to town each day, meeting new people, doing something not many people do (a honour)
🤔 Nervous said - what if you get bored, what if you make a mistake, what if town isn't like it use to be, what if you are late, what if noone likes you.

Giving them both space helped them shrink back down to size x

Let me know how you get along. Oh and if another feeling comes up and you have 3 or 4 - just do the same with them all

Back to school can bring two feelings at once 🎒

A child can be excited to see their friends and nervous about walking through the school gates. They can look forward to a new classroom and worry about whether they will fit in.

This little ritual gives both feelings somewhere to go.

Draw two boxes on a piece of paper:

⭐ Excited about
💛 Nervous about

Then let your child fill them in with words, pictures or even just colours. One box might be overflowing while the other stays almost empty. That is absolutely fine.

Try not to fix, reassure or talk them out of what they are feeling. Just listen, stay curious and help them put a name to it.

When you name an emotion, it often feels less overwhelming. When you push it away, it can grow louder.

A small Sunday-night ritual that could make Monday morning feel a little easier.

Save this for the weekend and share it with a parent who might need it. 💛

05/08/2026

Next Monday 10th August - sign up to find out more about becoming an Ollie coach.

Join Ali as she fills you in. Best decision I made.

If you want to know more or even if a spark of intrigue has lit up for you please do get in touch.

https://www.facebook.com/share/19RH37grtw/

06/07/2026

Thinking of becoming an Ollie Coach? We've another webinar coming up.

We are not just the emotion or behaviour that is in charge at any given point in our day…. we are made up of a team of emotions that we are in charge of.

This simple take on behaviour and emotional wellbeing is winning the Ollie model awards for the work we do with kids teens and adults.

Our Therapists ( or as we preferred to be known - Ollie coaches) are everyday peps just like you that have a driver in them to help be the change we all want to see for ourselves and our families in regard to mental health provision.

If you have always wanted be part of something special, to give something back , to help others or maybe just have the tools to really help your own family then join us on our next Intro to Ollie webinar.

Its free, Its informative, it explains who we are, what makes us so very different and how you could be wearing your own red Ollie shirt regardless of previous experience or education.

For more information email [email protected]

You have nothing to lose and may just gain more than you dared believe.

05/07/2026

How do you push your comfort zone?

Even at the grand old age of 47 I still find ways to push my comfort zone. To grow with courage.

To try new things.

To do new things.

Things that feel uncomfortable.. that makes my fear superpower get massive. Get massive until I take back control and do something a part of me wants to do.

Sometimes we do things for others. Sometimes we do things with others.
Our connections to those who believe we can make all the difference that we need.

No-one takes away your choice. You always have choice. You have the autonomy. Your uniqueness gives you that.

So this week I pushed a comfort zone - riding a rollercoaster that I've never been on before. In fact I rode 3. Each one I had my daughter with me. She knew I'd be ok. She knew I'd be safe. That's all it took to take those leaps and allow my body and mind to enjoy a new experience.

Loved it. I took fear with me. I took calm with me. I took excited with me. They made courage grow. And it was exhilarating. Grow courage over comfort.

Will I do them again? Yes. I've got boxes in my library now that are filled with that steady feeling of courage I can use next time I'm pushing my comfort zone.

03/06/2026

What makes you stop?

What makes you really slow down?

Today I decided to take a moment to rest in the day. To step away from doing. Step away from thinking. Step away from planning to do something. Whether to plan what to do next or who to contact or what else on the to do list needed seeing to.

I really struggled.

Until my dog laid on me. I felt her breath steady. Her heart rate slow. Her muscles relax. Her eyes closed.

I felt her warmth on me and in that moment at I watch her body gently gently rising and falling, heard her soft breath out her nose and felt her weight on me. In that moment I actually stopped and enjoyed the peaceful relaxation.

My calm super power got big and my breath slowed and softened. My muscles relaxed. And my mind settled.

I'd love to know what helps you relax, slow down and relax.

27/05/2026

A really good session to sign up for tomorrow 2-3.

Understanding how to support mental ill health in the workplace.

Sign up and join in x link below.

Tomorrow at 2pm, Ali Knowles will be joining an incredible panel discussion as part of the Disability Confident / DWP Webinar Series.

The conversation will focus on something every workplace is navigating right now:

🧠 Mental Health Adjustments in Practice
How do we genuinely support people struggling with mental ill health at work, in a way that feels human, practical, and sustainable?

Ali will be sharing insights from the Ollie and His Super Powers approach, including:
✨ Psychological safety
✨ Compassion-led communication
✨ Neurodiversity and identity
✨ Building confidence in difficult conversations
✨ Why understanding people matters more than simply following process

This is such an important conversation for employers, managers, HR teams, educators and anyone passionate about creating healthier, more inclusive workplaces.

📅 Thursday 28th May
⏰ 2pm – 3pm

🔗 Register here: https://www.microlinkpc.com/event/mental-health-adjustments-in-practice-understanding-how-to-support-mental-ill-health/

We’re so proud to see Ali bringing these conversations into spaces where real change can happen. 💛

02/05/2026

Intentionally seeking out Joy!

Today I realised that I'd not been intentionally seeking joy. That is not to say that I've not felt joy this past year, because I have.

What's different when you intentionally seek joy?

- You stay present with your senses.
- You align all of you, together.
- You put on your goggles that are honed into finding those moments of joy.
- You wake up each morning with a choice.
- You can still hold hands with sadness and/or scared or frustrated when seeking out things which joy likes.

Joy is all around us. Joy for me may be different to joy for you. Note down what brings you joy, what makes joy grow inside you. Pick 5, 6, 7 ... You choose. Even just 1 thing to start.

Joy for me is bluebell woods, snow capped mountains, smell of my favourite perfume, birds tweeting, a warm drink, time with family, time with friends, the gentle motion of Ella beans sleeping, puddle paddling, the smell of lemons, candles, a warm bath, a dance class.

Share what brings you joy, so when things get a bit dark and heavy you can be reminded of those things which brings light for you.

If you aren't sure, give me a bell, together we'll find what brings you joy and how you can intentionally seek joy.