I particularly work with leaders in organisations – because we all know that leadership responsibilities don’t go away when life happens.
We talk a lot more about mental health & wellbeing at work these days, which is a fantastic step forward. But, as I learned during my career, when you’re faced with a life storm, you need a lot more than a few comforting words and some sporadic wellbeing techniques to guide you to calmer waters again…
You need a more intentional, strategic and evidence-based approach.
I specialise in helping you learn the skills to figure out how to navigate your life storm, while continuing to show up as an effective leader.
I’m passionate about this work because I’ve been there.
Having graduated top of the science faculty at St Andrews University and achieved a maths doctorate, I embarked on a successful 15-year career. I became a senior civil servant and charity leader despite enduring several life storms: including PTSD from a traumatic hospital stay, two forms of OCD, chronic anxiety and insomnia, and tough work situations. And, overshadowing it all, an emotionally abusive and alcoholic father.
I kept showing up at work and achieving successes and promotions, but the toll on my health was high. Like many others, my instinct was to keep pushing through, but over time I discovered better ways to honour my needs.
I love supporting and encouraging you to find the treasures at the other side of your life storm!
There IS a way out of the storm
You can get to the other side – the path may not be clear right now, and it’ll probably take some time to get there, but take heart from those who have successfully made the journey!
You matter & your wellbeing matters
As a leader, I know you are responsible for juggling so much inside and outside work, which often means you put yourself last – I can help you find achievable ways to look after yourself.
We need to dig deep during life storms
This means embracing our mind, emotions, body and spirit – we aren’t alone on the journey, and reaching the other side is worth every second of time and every ounce of effort we invest!
Our innate creativity helps us survive the storm & thrive again
We’re all creative in our own unique ways, and harnessing this gentle power will give us greater insight, clarity, peace and direction.
There is always hope and life is an adventure!
Our bravery to step out will be rewarded – true healing can take time, but more is possible than we often imagine and, believe it or not, we can also have fun along the way!
On the Threads and Bones podcast with Bec Forde, we explored how creativity can support us to survive a life storm and thrive afterwards!
On the Aspiring Psychologist podcast with Dr Marianne Trent, we discussed my experience of complex trauma and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & my recovery journey (also available on Spotify)
On the My Movie podcast with Brian McAleer (also available on Spotify), I shared how my three favourite movies link to my storm journey
I spoke with iNews about my story of parental emotional abuse
I shared my experience of two types of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Yahoo Life
Premier Christianity published a feature about how I reclaimed the Christmas season as my own after emotional abuse had ruined it. You can also find out more about this in my book, Reclaiming Christmas - while it has a festive theme, it is fundamentally about how we can use a tailored wellbeing toolkit to support ourselves in difficult times
I’m committed to lifelong learning and I take training seriously so I can serve ethically and knowledgeably.
I am an Accredited Member of the ACCPH - Accredited Counsellors, Coaches, Psychotherapists and Hypnotherapists. You can find my profile page here.
I hold the following qualifications and certifications:
Level 5 Diploma in Nutrition, Health and Wellness Coaching with Well College Global
Women’s Health and Wellness Coach Certification and Holistic Coach Certification with Well College Global
Somatic trauma-informed coaching certification from the School of Trauma Informed Positive Psychology, accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Certified practitioner in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT tapping), accredited by EFT International
Certified Grief Educator, having completed renowned grief expert David Kessler's certificate program
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