Around 2015 I assisted, as a gardener, in the delivery of a wellbeing programme for people experiencing social anxieties.  The course blended basic horticulture and self development coaching.  I was struck by the absence of any reference to horticulture, growing or nature in the coaching aspect.

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Since then I have trained and qualified in various science based and evidenced approaches that provided me with the skills, knowledge and ability to bring nature into the work of well being and help other people blossom.

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My work with people involves physical and 'metaphysical' gardening, horticulture and working with natural materials. This approach reminds us that remembering our place within nature is of fundamental importance to our emotional wellbeing.  With an increasing understanding of how the brain, our emotions, bodies and thoughts are all connected like an internal ecosystem, people can begin to nurture and support the growth of healthy habits that work for them. At the same time they can weed out the less helpful but often attractive habits- like the incredibly pretty but smothering Bindweed, or 'Grandmother, Grandmother Pop out of Bed' that I constantly have to keep in check.

Having been diagnosed as an adult with ADHD and Autism I naturally turned my (hyper)focus to this area of lived experience and have most recently tremendously enjoyed putting together and delivering a programme to support adults with ADHD. Now called 'Mind Matters, Naturally' and delivered for One Planet Matters.com to local authorities and health providers, I lead groups in carving greenwood (whittling) spoons from fruit tree trimmings as we explore the ADHD experience, share stories and gain awareness, skills and tools that make everyday living much smoother.  Initially using materials from Liminal Coaching Ltd I have now written guided relaxations that address specific common ADHD issues. For me it exemplifies my values and goals of helping people to use head, heart and hands as a way to enjoy themselves and their lives better.  It has been so rewarding to see the friendships that have grown from these sessions.

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It excites me to think about the journeys, friendships and conversations ahead as I understand my own existence more deeply and get to enjoy the experience of seeing other people gain increasing peace, freedom and joy as I walk with them for a few steps on their own journeys.