About me and how understanding myself changed my life:
Before I discovered coaching, I had my own challenges with low self-worth, an inner critic on steroids, inferiority complex and the stress associated with being a deep feeling empath and taking everything on my shoulders.
This stress was felt physically and mentally and instead of showing myself kindness and allowing time to recover when life got tough, I pushed and criticised myself even more. Unsurprisingly, this resulted in sadness, low self-worth and periods of anxiety from an overloaded nervous system, as well as missed opportunities to live my life to the full due to fear and overwhelm.
In my early 40’s I read about the personality trait of the ‘highly sensitive person’ which explained a lot about my deep thoughts and emotions and how my nervous system could quickly tip into ‘fight or flight’ mode. Rather than a ‘label’, I believe this is a useful framework in which I now understand and value myself so much better.
I realised I had been trying to ‘fix’ myself and fight against who I was. The transformation came when I adapted my life and implemented a toolbox of mind and body well-being practises to honour and respect my needs rather than suppress them.
It is not that I never have times when I feel low or experience negative feelings, life naturally involves experiencing the broad spectrum of emotions, but it is how I manage these times that makes all the difference. I now see myself as equal to others, and believe it is essential I look after myself to support everyone else. This has resulted in a calmer, happier and more authentic me. Every area of my life has improved, and I am achieving so much more than when the inner critic was in the driving seat but this time from a place of authenticity and joy rather than fear and exhaustion.
I have changed my life, are you ready to change yours?
Qualifications / Credentials:
I have a BA (Hons) in Social Science and a BSc (Hons) in Clinical Language Science.
I am an experienced NHS professional (Paediatric Speech and Language Therapist) with over 18 years’ experience of working in the NHS.
I am married with two teenagers and as a working parent I am aware of the pressures women experience day to day.
I have been coaching clients regularly since 2023.
I am a certified Professional Life Coach.
I am also a certified Highly Sensitive Person Professional Coach.
I am a member of the IAPC&M (International Authority for Professional Coaching & Mentoring).
I seek regular coaching supervision and continuing professional development
I am also currently working towards a level 5 coaching apprenticeship.