When My Body Said ‘No’
I’ve always given 100% in everything, even when it wasn’t something I enjoyed. I didn’t want to let anyone down, so I’d say “yes” when I really meant “no,” and I often made choices based on what I thought I should do, rather than what I truly wanted. On the outside, I seemed confident and in control, but inside, I wasn’t.
A number of years ago I went through a particularly difficult period of stress and anxiety, when it felt like every aspect of my life was falling apart and unknown. At the same time, I also started dealing with some concerning health issues; extensive discoid eczema, heart and respiratory irregularities, and desperation about facing each day. I was often in tears and got so angry, with certain situations triggering all the symptoms of what I now know to be panic attacks. I began talking with my hand over my mouth, and constantly clearing my throat, as if my body didn’t have the courage to be heard anymore. Looking back, I realised I’d been dealing with most of these symptoms to varying degrees on and off for years, including periods of chronic fatigue, all brushed off at the time.
It became clear that my strategies to date were not helpful or healthy, so with much support and encouragement from my husband, I decided to investigate what was really going on. This is where my journey began…
A Journey Of Discovery & Recovery
A family member suggested Mickel Therapy, a mind-body approach I’d never heard of before. Within a few sessions I was learning to reconnect with my authentic self, and tune into my ’emotional brain’ and the results were fast. I quickly started to feel like ‘me’ again, my symptoms started to reduce then disappear altogether, whilst my energy and zest for life began to shine. I had finally learned to listen to what my body was trying to tell me, and surprisingly, very small changes led to big results, yet I still had questions.
That curiosity led me into a world of mind-body research that completely fascinated me including books, podcasts and talks by experts like Dr. Gabor Maté, Bessel Van Der Kolk, Marc Brackett, John Sarno, Peter Levine, and Lissa Rankin. The more I learned, the clearer it became why my body had reacted the way it had.
Interestingly, as a massage therapist, I realised around 85% of my clients cited stress as the main cause of their muscle tension. While I could help with the tension, I often wished I could address the deeper causes of that stress.
Wanting to share these proven methods of recovery, I was introduced to the MindBody Reconnect (MBR) programme, developed by Clare Caldwell, who had taught and developed Mickel Therapy for years. Clare had integrated the latest research and her own extensive training with Gabor Maté and other experts into a powerfully successful programme. I continue to integrate the MBR tools and techniques into my own life, and remain symptom-free and more aligned with my authentic self.
Photo Credit: Husband!
Helping Others Recover
As an MBR Practitioner and Health & Wellness Coach, it is my privilege to help others navigate their journey of discovery and recovery.
The Mind Body Bridge has become my portal to share my knowledge (always growing!) and a conduit to assist those who may be looking for a mind-body therapy that has had exceptional results with people that experience symptoms of Anxiety, Depression, Panic Attacks, IBS, ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Post Viral Fatigue, Long Covid and many other auto-immune, inflammatory and stress-related conditions.
I truly believe this programme can help anyone, whether they are struggling with symptoms of illness or just feel lost, angry, stressed or unfulfilled. If any of this resonates, please get in touch.
