Passionate about holistic healing and fuelled by her own quest for support and self-discovery, Catherine McMahon created Thriving Mama Hypnotherapy to help women embrace motherhood with more ease, confidence and enjoyment, support women through every stage of motherhood. As well as offering practical tools and techniques, her mission is to remind mothers that they are more than the roles they fulfil. Through tailored hypnotherapy sessions and holistic support, she facilitates a profound inner transformation, helping women reconnect with their authentic selves and integrate the complexities of motherhood into their identity with grace and confidence. Here Catherine talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the passion behind her business, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
The inspiration behind founding Thriving Mama Hypnotherapy is deeply rooted in my personal journey towards emotional well-being. As someone passionate about holistic healing, I embarked on a path to explore various modalities, including hypnotherapy, in pursuit of inner balance and fulfillment. However, upon entering motherhood, I noticed a glaring gap in the support available for women navigating the multifaceted challenges of this transformative phase. While there were abundant resources on parenting and child development, there was a notable absence of tailored assistance for mothers grappling with the immense physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual changes that accompany motherhood. Fuelled by my own quest for support and self-discovery, I established Thriving Mama Hypnotherapy as a sanctuary for mothers like myself-a place where they could find solace, guidance, and empowerment on their journey to reclaiming their sense of self amidst the demands of motherhood.
At its core, Thriving Mama Hypnotherapy is a labor of love-an embodiment of the nurturing and compassionate spirit that drives me to uplift and empower women. Beyond offering practical tools and techniques, my mission is to remind mothers that they are more than the roles they fulfill. Through tailored hypnotherapy sessions and holistic support, I strive to facilitate a profound inner transformation, helping women reconnect with their authentic selves and integrate the complexities of motherhood into their identity with grace and confidence. By providing a safe space for self-exploration and growth, I aspire to empower mothers to embrace the full spectrum of their being, honoring both their individuality and their role as caregivers, as they embark on the beautiful journey of self-discovery and self-fulfillment.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
The inception of my journey into holistic therapy and emotional well-being stems from a deeply personal place. Growing up in an environment marred by unhealed trauma and toxic dynamics, I witnessed firsthand the profound impact it had on individuals’ lives. Determined to break the cycle and make a meaningful difference, I embarked on a quest to find healing and empowerment for myself and others. Recognising the transformative power of holistic therapies, I immersed myself in self-healing practices that yielded profound and life-changing experiences.
Driven by a passion to empower individuals to unlock their full potential, I underwent extensive training in various therapeutic modalities that had profoundly impacted my own healing journey. Through this process, I discovered a natural aptitude for holistic therapies and supporting others in their quest for emotional well-being-the cornerstone of thriving in all aspects of life. Despite the challenges of balancing entrepreneurship with the demands of motherhood, I remained steadfast in my commitment to building a business that could serve as a beacon of hope and healing for women worldwide.
Now, with my children a bit older and more independent, I am able to devote more time and energy to nurturing and expanding my business. Every step of this journey has been imbued with patience, perseverance, and a deep sense of purpose. As I continue to evolve and grow, I am honored to be of service to the beautiful souls seeking healing, transformation, and empowerment on their own unique paths to well-being.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The most significant breakthrough for me in my business journey was the realisation that my experiences and insights were invaluable contributions to the world. It was a profound shift in mindset-an acknowledgment that I possessed unique gifts and a vision larger than myself. Embracing this belief ignited a newfound sense of purpose and conviction in my mission: to support women worldwide in feeling seen, heard, validated, and empowered through their journey of motherhood.
As I wholeheartedly embraced my vision and trusted in my ability to facilitate positive change in women’s lives, everything began to align in remarkable ways. Doors opened, opportunities flowed, and connections deepened. It was a testament to the power of belief-in oneself, in the vision, and in the transformative potential of the work I was doing. This breakthrough not only propelled my business forward but also fueled my passion and commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of women, fostering greater ease, confidence, and joy along their journey.
Ultimately, this shift in perspective was more than just a business breakthrough-it was a profound realisation of my purpose and calling. It reaffirmed my belief in the transformative power of support and empowerment, inspiring me to continue striving toward my vision of a world where every woman feels empowered to embrace the fullness of her journey with grace and confidence.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Balancing work and family as the primary caregiver for my children, while my husband commutes for work three days a week and living interstate from family, has been a journey of acceptance and adaptation. I’ve learned to allow things to unfold naturally while maintaining structure around non-negotiable commitments. Surrendering to the present moment has been key, especially when unforeseen events like children getting sick or school obligations arise.
My approach to managing both roles has taught me the importance of patience, commitment, and perseverance. It’s a delicate dance of prioritising tasks and understanding that while I can have what I want in life, I may not be able to have everything all at once. This realisation has helped me embrace the ebb and flow of life, finding harmony between my responsibilities as a mother and my aspirations in business.
Ultimately, it’s about finding balance through flexibility, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing demands of both work and family life. By staying grounded in my values and priorities, I strive to create a harmonious blend of yin and yang, ensuring that both my family and my professional endeavors thrive.
