Dr. Cate Howell is a GP, therapist, researcher, educator and author. She has over 40 years of training and experience in the health sphere, and is passionate about the areas of mental health, wellbeing and counseling. Currently Cate is mostly involved in education and writing related to these areas.  In the year 2000, a Churchill Fellowship allowed her to travel to the UK and Europe studying the primary care management of anxiety and depression.

Over the years, Cate developed a strong interest in women’s health, including mental health and wellbeing. She wrote a book about men’s mental health which was published in 2020, and whilst visiting communities and talking about the book in 2020-21, many women attended the talks. When Cate asked them about a need for a similar book for women, the resounding answer was ‘YES’

The Flourishing Woman is a unique, holistic guide to fostering women’s mental health and wellbeing, allowing them to overcome challenges and flourish in life. It emphasizes the influence of mental health and wellbeing on the prevention of ill-health (physical and mental), and on living a satisfying and meaningful life.

The book addresses many topics that are highly relevant to adult women, including why women often put themselves last; ways to overcome stress, overwhelm and anxiety; reproduction, menopause and mental health; and managing parenthood challenges and relationship issues. Other topics include the impact of trauma and physical illness on mental health, and strategies to manage these impacts; and how to silence self-criticism and grow self-worth.

In writing about these topics, Dr Cate Howell sees her role as not only gathering and presenting the key information, but also being a companion for the reader, having a supportive voice and giving plenty of encouragement, all of which can help at times of challenge and times of growth.

Above all, The Flourishing Woman is a guide to fostering our mental health and wellbeing, which includes getting in touch with our authentic selves, feeling connected, growing as a person (even at times of challenge), and finding a sense of purpose and meaning. In other words, flourishing!

Contents

Introduction 1
Let’s open the door to flourishing
1. Understanding women’s mental health and wellbeing 10
2. The foundations of mental wellbeing and flourishing 27
Overcoming challenges and growing mental health and wellbeing
3. Silencing self-criticism and enhancing self-belief 60
4. Taming stress and anxiety 82
5. Adapting to change and challenge 117
6. Overcoming depression and distressing emotions 134
7. Dealing with other emotions and self-harm 172

Dealing with issues across the lifespan
8. Managing menopause, hormonal and reproductive issues .. 208
9. Dealing with relationships and parenting 228
10. The impact of abuse and trauma 264
11. Managing other issues 284
12. Navigating later life 315
Final words on flourishing 328
Resources 333
Endnotes 335
Index 352

Platinum Magazine
 “revitalise your relationship”

Welldoing Magazine
 “7 Tips to silence your inner critic and overcome perfectionism.” 

Running to the Core – a podcast by The Pregnancy Centre
“Becoming aware and getting to know your values, what is truly important and meaningful to you, is critical to our sense of meaning, our sense of purpose, and our positivity and happiness” 

Med CPD
“ Above all, The Flourishing Woman is a guide to fostering our mental health and wellbeing, which includes getting in touch with our authentic selves, feeling connected, growing as a person (even at times of challenge), a sense of meaning and purpose. It is all about flourishing in life.”

New Zealand Woman’s Weekly
“Taming stress and anxiety.” 

Nine To Noon 
“As with the “old metaphor” of putting one’s own oxygen mask first, Dr Howell says it is possible to care for others while ensuring that you care for yourself – with awareness, dedication and practical strategies.”. 

Article Magazine 
“Self-compassion is central to flourishing, and I included as one of the key steps to mental health and wellbeing. Over the years, I have talked to thousands of women in my practice and in teaching, and my experience is that women quite often put themselves low down on their priority list, may be very self-critical about themselves or hold a ‘not good enough story’ about themselves.”

Grown Ups 
“Adapting the Change and Challenge”

Now To Love 
“Taming stress and anxiety.”

The Pregnancy Centre
“Becoming aware and getting to know your values, what is truly important and meaningful to you, is critical to our sense of meaning, our sense of purpose, and our positivity and happiness”

Mummy Matters | active parenting/lifestyle blog with 9.5k Twitter followers 
“I appreciated the author’s emphasis on holistic wellness, including exercises for mindfulness and relaxation techniques. This book is invaluable for anyone looking to improve their mental health and overall well-being.”