For an Authentic You

Whilst working with adults with intellectual, physical and  multi-sensory disabilities I realised that something more than just drama was occurring. This led me to research and subsequently achieving a Masters in Dramatherapy,  This was possibly the most difficult two years of my life, as I worked full time, had four young children, a husband, dog and home to maintain, whilst also ensuring my academic assignments were up to scratch I also had to undergo psychotherapy, as to work therapeutically there is a requirement to take your 'skeletons out of the closet'.  Not only to be able to identify what are your own issues within the therapeutic alliance with the client, but also to know how it is to be a client, to unravel your life and experiences, to begin and continue your healing journey. My continued gratitude to  my family for there support. 

My interest in humanity as whole led me to continue learning more about how we maintain a sense of balance and well-being, achieving further qualifications in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Management. I also became a Mental Health First Aid trainer. 

During a few years of living with depression I studied more and began a practice of Mindfulness and Meditation, which has continued to enhance my life in so many ways. I was surprised and yet not to acknowledge that I had long utilised the techniques of Mindfulness & Meditation in my creative work without knowing that this was what I was doing, so I see myself as not only qualified but also a 'natural' practitioner as it was something that was always with me.  Bringing my two passions together in a more meaningful focused way.  

How well do you know yourself?

Or more aptly how well do you think you know yourself?

Each and every one of us has history, how you perceive your history is in the most part down to how your personal history unfolded and the environment you evolved in.  

Most of us know what happened to us or around us in our childhood. Some of us have sent some experiences into the recesses of our internal filing cabinet and placed them under lock and key, to never see the light of day.  Or that is what we think and hope we have done.  

In every moment of our lives we create ‘files’ we create ways to understand our experiences. Those we would rather not visit have a tendency to seep out in ways that we usually do not connect with past trauma and hurt. What happens to you when you think about your history, more specifically things that were difficult, traumatic or hurtful? What happens in your mind, your body, your soul – are you aware of the tummy turnings, or the inability to think rationally, do you become emotional, either laughing or crying, do you snap at people and become aggressive, or are you a people pleaser and always happy, do you negate your experiences as not that bad, or not as bad as someone else's?  Are you aware of how your history impacts or impedes your current reality?

The brave and broken have gone on a journey of discovery into themselves. Some choosing to remain positive and forward focused, believing that it will eliminate any negative perceptions of experiences. Some choosing to delve into, acknowledging pain, acknowledging and releasing the hold that those past experiences may have. This is not an easy exploration, it may be painful, it is absolutely worth, it. Healing past hurts and traumas enables you to fully embrace who you are and create a future designed by you. There is no quick fix, and one size does not fit all.  

The ‘Getting to Know YOU’ programme is an intensive exploration into you. As you open your closet and look at your skeletons, you will be able to feel the pain, look at the situations from an alternative perspective and choose what to do with those experiences. Utlising a variety of modalities and approaches Authentic Discovery will guide you through the labyrinth that is you, challenging and holding you within a loving vibration.

It is good to remember that you have survived and hopefully thrived with the tools that you created to live. Some of these may no longer serve their original purpose and may be getting in the way of full expression. The ‘Getting to Know YOU’ programme will ensure that these coping mechanisms remain viable as they will be transformed to work with and not against you.

Here is the programme:

The full duration of the programme is 3 months:

Week One:

Prior to first session you will complete two documents, you will be given 3 days to complete these documents, these may not be easy documents to complete, an earlier appointment may be required:

Consultation form

Work/life balance exploration – to see where you are NOW.

Day one: 2.5 hour session

Day two: 2.5 hour session

Followed by 4 x 90 minute sessions @ weeks 2, 4, 5, 9 with the final session in week 12. 

During the three months, should you require further support YOU must request this, YOU must acknowledge where you need help, this is both necessary and healthy. YOU are responsible for your well-being. This programme is designed to empower you to seek the help you need. It is not a babysitting service. You will be held, but not mollycoddled.  You may avail of 2 mini sessions of 45 minutes, these will be at YOUR request.  

By the end of the programme:

You will have begun to peel back the layers on any past hurt & traumas experienced.

You will have begun to process any impact or residue from those experiences.

You will have made a choice whether to keep the shackles created in your past or release them.

You will have clearly identified any limiting beliefs or blockages to growth.  

You will have an understanding of where your current behaviours originate.  

You will have begun to create a toolbox of coping strategies that you will support you moving forward in your chosen life.