MY STORY
My journey to become a Certified Trauma – Informed Coach
HOW I GOT HERE
On my journey to become a Certified Trauma Informed Coach, I’ve witnessed the profound, life-altering impact that comes from uncovering the hidden wounds of trauma and learning to regulate and understand the nervous system.
When my son was born in 1999, I suffered with bad post-natal anxiety, depression and severe sleep deprivation. Eighteen months later, he was finally diagnosed with cerebral palsy. I was devastated and thought it must have been my fault. I found it so daunting and difficult to come to terms with this and again struggled with depression. This was the turning point in my life, which made me determined to help other people who were feeling isolated, overwhelmed and lost and set me on a journey of personal healing and growth.
In 2010, I developed, launched and grew a new befriending service in Leicestershire, Face 2 Face (Scope) aimed at offering much-needed emotional support to parents of children with disabilities. This then led me to do further training in Counselling and Psychotherapy, after many years of being a carer to my disabled son.
After working as a counsellor in a school for 11-16 year olds, and then as a counsellor for staff and students at the University of Warwick, I decided to focus on growing my own private practice in 2018. Since then I have continuously added to my training and now specialise in helping adults as a therapeutic coach, psychotherapist and hypnotherapist, overcome anxiety, panic, PTSD, fears, phobias, childhood and recent trauma, childhood emotional neglect, and the unique challenges of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP).
More recently, since receiving a later-life diagnosis of ADHD, I work with individuals learning to come to terms with their own ADHD diagnosis. I have also delivered Neurodivergence awareness training to local organisations.
I also specialise in helping adults overcome anxiety, panic, PTSD, fears and phobias, childhood and recent trauma, childhood emotional neglect, and the unique challenges of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP). My practice extends a special focus to those feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or lacking purpose and direction in life.
Drawing from personal experience, I have a keen interest in assisting those with ADHD, especially those diagnosed later in life or suspecting they might have ADHD. Understanding the complexities and emotional turmoil accompanying such a diagnosis, I offer guidance through the assessment process and emotional support for feelings of grief, shock, anger, relief, shame, and anxiety. My goal is to help you cope with overwhelm, people-pleasing, and burnout, while fostering self-compassion and advocacy in both personal and professional relationships. I aim to empower you to unmask, embracing your true self with confidence.
MY MISSION
My mission is to spread knowledge in Leicestershire, creating safer, more compassionate spaces where individuals and communities can heal and thrive.
I am passionate about creating trauma-informed schools, workplaces, and communities. Through my partnership with The Mental Wellbeing Company, I’m committed to bringing together trauma-informed practices and positive psychology to make it accessible to all. As a Certified Trauma Informed Coach through The Mental Wellbeing Company, I’ve completed the ICF and CPD accredited Somatic Trauma Informed Coaching Certification and am part of the Trauma Informed Professional Network, which is the fastest growing community of trauma informed professionals in the world.
This high-level certification has equipped me with the knowledge and skills to deliver transformative workshops and 1:1 coaching sessions that prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of your team, your students or yourself.
“I will offer you an unconditionally open space, free of judgment and assumption, to share openly so we can define new narratives to move forward in ways that better serve you. ”
Fiona x
PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT
My Qualifications
Fully insured by Holistic Insurance Services and holding a current DBS Certificate, I welcome enquiries from clients who are neurodivergent or navigating the complexities of mental health and personal growth.
ICF Somatic Trauma-Informed Coaching Certification
Certified ADHD Practitioner
Foundation Degree in Person-Centred Counselling and Psychotherapy, University of Warwick
Open Studies Certificate in Psychology, University of Warwick
Diplomas in Master Hypnotist (D.M.H.) and Clinical Hypnotherapy (D.Hyp.), John Dewar Hypnotherapy School
Diploma in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (CPNLP)
Advanced BLAST Technique (fast EMDR) Practitioner
Certified Sleep Practitioner
EMDR with Hypnotherapy Certification
Level 2 Brainspotting Practitioner
EFT Practitioner-Level 2
BA in Business Economics & Marketing, University of the West of Scotland