Hi,
I know it can be difficult deciding who is the right person to work with. Hopefully, this post will help, alternatively feel welcome to send me an email and arrange a time to chat. Also, I was recently interviewed for “People So Bold” on Spotify, which you might find useful.
The Founding Blocks of my Coaching
My teaching and coaching is founded on regulating the nervous system through developing self-compassion skills and a growth mindset. The two books “Self-Compassion” by Dr Kristin Neff and “Growth Mindset” by Dr. Carol Dweck, changed how I related to myself from one of self-pity to one of curiousity, kindness and personal growth. And there are thousands of research papers on self-compassion and growth mindset and their benefits.
Another key concept is, “You are not your behaviour”. Your social and physical environment, skills, capability and beliefs all affect behaviour. So when those elements change, our behaviours change. Looking back on my past, I wish I had behaved differently and in the same circumstances now, I do behave differently. I’m not talking about ages ago. Some things occurred just the other day. I am still developing into the person I want to be.
I think it’s important that you realise that I am not perfect. I am a work in progress. I don’t want you thinking I am perfect. We are here on a journey together.
Shame
Shame is often this hidden set of beliefs that are extremely painful to look at. Self-compassion is the antidote to shame. It is never my intention to shame my clients. So the plan is to develop Self-compassion skills before looking at issues that trigger shame. We all feel shame about all sorts of things. Please don’t feel shame about feeling shame.
My Background
I have a Masters degree in Applied Anthropology and Youth and Community work. I have done lots of training around mental health and working with gangs. I also have training as a Hypnotherapist, Master NLP Practitioner, Life Coach, Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, Motivational Interviewing and Mental Health First Aid. I have helped train beginner coaches and run my own sessions for qualified coaches on listening skills. I have completed short courses on Mindful Self-compassion, Shame and Self-Compasion and Compassion Focused Therapy. All this training has influenced me to create something that is my own, but has respect, care and compassion at the heart.
Some personal info that might be helpful. I have found Breathwork and 5 Rhythms dance good for my mental health. Other than that my life is ruled by and, most of my income goes on – 3 mischievous dogs. One of which taught me that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved. Who else is a recovering perfectionist who needs to be reminded of that?