Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras & the Counselling Process

By John Warrington, Counselling Minds

(Yes… I really have written a blog connecting counselling and Pancake Day! Stick with me please!)

Shrove Tuesday is widely recognised in the UK as Pancake Day — that wonderful excuse to eat dessert for your main meal and call it tradition.

In the United States, the same day is known as Mardi Gras or “Fat Tuesday,” often marked by vibrant parades and celebrations, particularly in New Orleans where things are slightly more extravagant than my childhood frying pan attempts.

Across the world, this day carries different names and traditions — yet underneath the syrup, sugar and sequins, the theme is surprisingly consistent: preparation, reflection and transition.

As a child, I loved flipping pancakes with my mum. I’ll be honest — there is still something deeply satisfying about flipping a pancake successfully.

(Therapeutically speaking, it’s also a lesson in risk-taking and resilience. Drop it once, try again!!)

A Global Day of Transition

In Canada, Shrove Tuesday is often celebrated with pancake suppers in schools and churches. In places with strong French heritage, such as Quebec City, the Mardi Gras influence adds extra colour and festivity.

In Australia and New Zealand, Pancake Day is commonly marked by community gatherings — a mix of reflection, faith and flour.

In France, it’s Mardi Gras (literally “Fat Tuesday”), with cities like Nice hosting vibrant carnivals that make my lemon-and-sugar topping look decidedly modest.

In Germany, the season is known as Karneval or Fasching, with major celebrations in cities such as Cologne. 

Across much of Europe — from Belgium to Italy — similar festivities mark this turning point in the calendar.

Different countries. Different toppings. Same idea.

Taking Stock Before Moving Forward

Historically, Shrove Tuesday was about confession — clearing the slate before a new season.

Counselling often begins in a similar place.

Not with beads and brass bands — but with honesty.

Before meaningful change can happen, there is value in pausing to take stock:

• What are you carrying that no longer serves you?

• What patterns keep repeating in your relationships?

• What beliefs about yourself have quietly gone unchallenged?

• What emotional “ingredients” have been sitting at the back of the cupboard for years?

  
  

Counselling provides a safe, confidential space to look at those ingredients without judgement. No performance. No parade. Just thoughtful exploration.

The Space Between Celebration and Reflection

Mardi Gras can look loud and vibrant on the outside. And many people’s lives can look like that too — busy careers, full diaries, constant motion.

Yet internally, there may be fatigue. Anxiety. Disconnection. A sense that something isn’t quite right.

Growth rarely comes from constant noise. 

It often begins in stillness.

Counselling creates that stillness — a space to slow down, reflect and gently untangle what’s been building up over time.

Not Every First Attempt Is Perfect (Including Pancakes)

Anyone who has ever made pancakes knows the first one is usually sacrificed to the bin (or eaten quietly so nobody notices!).

Personal change is no different.

Opening up can feel awkward at first.

Challenging long-held beliefs can feel uncomfortable.

Sitting with emotions we’ve avoided can feel unfamiliar.

But with patience, support and self-compassion, something nourishing can emerge.

You don’t have to get it perfect. You just have to begin.

A Season of Renewal

Whether you call it Shrove Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Karneval or Fasching, the essence of the day is renewal — clearing space for something new.

Counselling offers that same opportunity.

A space to reflect honestly.

A space to let go of what is weighing you down.

A space to move forward with greater clarity and self-understanding.

And no pancake flipping skills required!

If Pancake Day prompts you to pause and take stock, perhaps that’s worth listening to...!!

Thank you for reading.

If you would like to arrange a confidential conversation about how counselling could support you, please get in touch by emailing counsellingminds@gmail.com or call 07941217483  to arrange to discuss how I can help you, as I’v been privileged to help so many other people over the last 13 years. 

John, Counselling Minds