Out with the old in with the new …….

If only it were that easy.  However with the correct guidance it is achievable. Finding a therapist that will work with you, to help you become the person you want to be, is the first step.  The client therapist relationship has to be right.

The initial consultation, whether face to face, on line or telephone, enables both the therapist and the client to decide if the relationship is the right one to evoke positive change.

As an integrative therapist I offer a range of approaches, to enable the client to find the route that suits them.

Once you embark on that journey of self discovery and change, it is both exciting and scary.  It is true, however, that we will never know inner peace, without self acceptance.

So lets reinforce the cliche, and start the new year with the determination to look after ourselves, enabling us to become who we want to be.

We all need a break …. What is a break ????

Avoid burn out!!

A break is time taken for you, in a way that enables you to completely recharge your batteries, clear your mind of all  everyday concerns, and return to a mindful way of thinking.

To be alone and to view that as a positive experience, a time to do as you please, is a healthy perspective. If you are fortunate to have people in your life that “feed” you emotionally and spiritually,  that is wonderful, but learn to hold your own hand.

What ever it is that allows you this time and space, learn to recognise and utilise.

Its very easy for me to write this, I am fortunate enough to be taking time out this week to recharge, with wonderful friends that have my best interests at heart. Sometimes we don’t realise we need a break, until we are either poorly or when we take time out it becomes apparent it was long overdue.

We are not indispensable! people will cope without us. A well intentioned, inflated sense of responsibility, is common. Especially with those that work in the health/caring sector.

You can not care for others if you are working on empty yourself.

Remember the airplane safety procedures, You give yourself oxygen FIRST, to enable you to help others.

What if I Fall? Oh Darling What if you Fly?!

Many of you will have heard this well known quote. It is, of course, very true. Unless we change what we are doing , our circumstances won’t change.

Taking control, getting help and becoming self aware is empowering.

My journey started four years ago. I had, for want of a better phrase, “lost my mojo”.

Well after a long, sometimes painful, at times amazing, journey, I think I have found it!

This weekend I jumped out of an aeroplane !!! extreme I know 🙂

It puts a different twist on wanting to fly, but to me it was symbolic. I did it to raise money for the charity “little Miracles” of which I am humbled to be a part. I am one of the counsellors there, and I see first hand the amazing work they do.

I felt amazing, I was flying!!!! I had faith in the poor guy I was attached to, and I let it happen.

Could I have done this four years ago? Not on your life!!!!

Take Your Time To Reach Your Goals

My journey started later in life than would normally be the case. After many years raising a family, fostering babies and preparing them for adoption, my life took an unexpected change of direction.
Sadly my marriage ended, my father passed away, and I found myself at a real cross roads. Firstly I needed to support myself, so I decided to begin studying, my original goal was to be able to work as a counsellor in schools. This seemed unobtainable, too “big”.
However by breaking things down into more achievable goals I began my journey. And what a journey that has been!!
I do work with children in schools, in my roll as counsellor for the charity Little miracles. I also work with adults both for little miracles and my private practice.
I feel humbled and immensely proud to be in a position to help those people who find themselves in a bad place emotionally, to see people blossom in their own time is extremely satisfying.
So if you find yourself at a crossroads, or in a position of change, wanted or otherwise, get help and focus on your goals.

Hypnotherapy vs Mindfulness ???

I will be the first to admit that initially, I thought these two approaches were contradictory. However, the more I have practised both therapeutic approaches, I have been able to reconcile the differences within my own mind.

It has resulted in me re-wording some of my hypnotherapy scripts to be less “push it away” to more”notice it, then let it pass”.  A small adjustment but to me its progress.

I also use mindfulness as a way of equipping my clients to become more independent, it provides them with a new approach to life and an effective way of coping with stress and anxiety.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact me.

What is holding you back?

When a client comes to see me, I ask them “what brings you here?” Sometimes the answer is “I don’t know but I just don’t feel right” often they say that are stressed, anxious or depressed. Although the here and now is the starting point, the lead up to the unsettled feelings need to be examined. There may or may not be hidden trauma, but when there is and the trauma is addressed, it is like starting life afresh, the cloud lifts and we can move forwards.

Season of Goodwill all a bit too much?

I am happy to notice that this year, the run up to Christmas is a busy time for me. Maybe we are at last realising that self care is imperative to our own happiness and of those close to us.

Expectations run high. The past can creep up on us. For some this is a good thing, for many it is the opposite.

Whether you need help coping with everyday stress, complicated relationships or you want to embark on a more long term process of healing, don’t wait, give yourself the present of self care. You may never need a new years resolution again!

Understanding Anxiety

I will be hosting an Introductory FREE seminar Saturday 30th September 2017 from 4pm until 5pm. This seminar will help you to have a good understanding of why we suffer from anxiety and how it affects us both mentally and physically. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. This will enable you to understand both yourself and those around you, enabling you to take appropriate action.

This will be followed by a course “Handling Anxiety” this will run over two weeks Saturday 7th and 14th October from 2pm until 4pm. The aim of this course is to give healthy coping mechanisms and strategies for handling anxiety. These skills can be transferred to others in your family, particularly children during times of stress.

On completion of the course you will be better able to manage your anxiety and have the knowledge and techniques to help your children.

Both the seminar and the Course will be held at our premises 10/12 Culley Court, Orton Southgate. Peterborough. PE2 6WA in conduction with Abacus Tutoring Academy.