Around 2015 I assisted, as a horticulturist, in the delivery of a wellbeing programme for people experiencing social anxiety.  The course offered basic horticulture and self development coaching.  I was struck by the absence of any reference to horticulture, growing or nature in the coaching aspect. It seemed, to me, to be a massively overlooked opportunity.

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Inspired by this, I trained and qualified in science based, clinical approaches which provided me with the methods & skills to bring my love of nature (and metaphor) into the work of well being to help other people flourish & blossom.

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My work with people involves physical and 'metaphysical' horticulture and working with natural materials. This approach reminds us that remembering our place within nature is of fundamental importance to our emotional wellbeing. 

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With a greater understanding of how our brains, emotions, bodies and thoughts are all connected as an internal 'cross-platform' ecosystem, we can nurture and train the growth of habits & behaviours.

At the same time we can prune the less helpful, but often very attractive, habits- like the incredibly pretty but smothering Bindweed that I constantly need to keep in check, or spending an hour on my phone in the morning drinking coffee before starting work.

Having been diagnosed as an adult with ADHD and Autism, I naturally turned my (hyper)focus to this area of lived experience and have since had an immense amount of fun and emotional reward developing and delivering a programme which supports adults with ADHD. 

'Mind Matters, Naturally' is delivered for local authorities and health providers, I lead groups whittling spoons as we explore the A(u)DHD experience, share stories and gain awareness, skills and tools that make everyday living a little smoother. 

For me it fills my heart and day, helping people to use head, heart and hands in ways to enjoy themselves and their lives more.  It has been also been so rewarding to see friendships and connections grow from these sessions.

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A growing community has sprouted from this. There is so much support, compassion, humour and wisdom shared freely between the people in the 'Whittling Wafflers' that I often forget that I'm working.

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It excites me to think about the conversations, friendships and achievements ahead as I continue to explore & understand my own existence more deeply, walking together with other people as we nurture increasing understanding, peace, freedom and joy in our lives.