I grew up around instability, parental alcoholism, domestic violence, abuse and neglect. Safety was not always consistent, and I learned early how to adapt, stay alert and try to be what was needed.
Learning to adapt
At school I was bullied and struggled academically. It was only in adulthood that I discovered I was dyslexic. By then, I had already absorbed a powerful story: that being different meant being behind, less capable or somehow not enough.
So I became a prover. A pusher. A performer.
The drive to prove myself
I worked hard, reinvented myself, entered new careers, took on challenges and pushed myself physically too. Yet achievement did not automatically silence self-doubt or heal the younger parts of me that had learned to question whether I belonged.
Life later brought profound grief and experiences that changed me forever. Through that journey I learned that strength is not simply about carrying everything alone. It can mean allowing support, feeling what needs to be felt and continuing even when life has changed you.
Finding my voice
I learned to say yes to opportunities that frightened me. Those yeses took me into rooms I once believed were not for someone like me, including writing, international speaking and recognition for my work.
Speaking about difficult truths helped me understand that different was never bad. Different could be perceptive, resilient, creative, intuitive and strong.
Recognition and the work
My work grew from the meeting point between lived experience and professional practice. I dedicated years to clinical training, qualifying as an accredited counsellor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and specialising in trauma and EMDR.
In 2020, I was honoured to receive an MBE for services to families, community and mental health. The recognition affirmed a commitment to bring trauma-informed safety, dignity and empowerment to my work.
Life beyond the practice
Therapy is one expression of who I am. Running and regular physical movement give me the grounded vitality to hold space for others and to keep showing up.
Today, through Therapy, RECLAIM™ and Coaching, I help people understand what shaped them, reconnect with who they are and create what comes next. Lemmy Lou & Friends grew from the wish to give children emotional language, tools and permission to feel.
Evolution doesn’t end at survival.
It begins there.
Healing your past and building your future do not have to be separate. I continue to learn, grow and become—and I welcome you to explore which kind of support may fit your next step.