Meditate

By fostering awareness, compassion, and presence, mindfulness helps individuals step back from habitual patterns of thought and behaviour, offering the opportunity to pause, reframe, and connect with a broader perspective. In this way, mindfulness grants the gift of lost time—a chance to reclaim moments that might otherwise slip away in automatic reactions or distractions.

This approach builds emotional resilience by reinforcing neural pathways in the brain that support emotional regulation and stress management. Over time, clients often notice the cumulative benefits of mindfulness, particularly in moments of intense pressure, where they are better equipped to respond with calm and clarity.

The integration of breath and body awareness is key, offering clients simple yet effective tools to anchor themselves in the present. These techniques not only improve focus but also provide a sense of grounding and stability amidst life’s demands. By slowing down and engaging fully with each moment, clients rediscover a sense of spaciousness in time—one that allows for greater intentionality and balance.

Mindfulness supports the holistic goals of occupational therapy by promoting mental well-being and empowering clients to engage more fully and meaningfully in their daily lives. It’s a practice that fosters self-discovery, resilience, and the capacity to navigate life’s complexities with composure and confidence. By reclaiming lost time through mindful awareness, individuals open the door to a richer, more present way of living.

My Story

My own foray into mindfulness began somewhat reluctantly in 2010, during my pregnancy with twins. At the time, I attended a mindfulness class, only to find it utterly insufferable. Sitting quietly with myself felt claustrophobic, and I resolved never to return.

Fast forward to 2012, when I found myself as the clinical lead for an addictive behaviours team in an inpatient psychiatric facility. Our team required someone to train in mindfulness—a leading treatment for our clients. Though I wasn’t meditating at the time, I saw an opportunity: the qualification required no written work. Perfect, I thought—this will be a breeze. Bangor University offered Level One training conveniently in London, and as a mother to young children, the eight-week format seemed manageable. I applied with confidence and was promptly rejected for lacking meditation experience. Rejected! Me! A seasoned mental health professional! The audacity!

This, I came to realise, was the first lesson mindfulness had to teach me: you simply cannot teach what you do not practise. Determined not to take no for an answer, I threw myself into daily meditation, even though it was an excruciating endeavour. My 13-month-old twins had the delightful habit of waking at 5:43 am (or 4:43 am after the clocks changed), yet I still carved out 40 minutes each day to practise. It was, without doubt, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.

By 2013, when I reapplied with 18 months of regular practice I was accepted, I was positively elated. The sense of accomplishment was profound, but even more transformative was the impact mindfulness had on my relationships and daily life.

Teacher training in mindfulness-based approaches is famously rigorous, forming the foundation of all the work I now do. I went on to train in Compassion Focused Therapy, which builds on the principles of mindfulness and deepened my understanding further. What began as a begrudging obligation has become an immeasurable gift—one that continues to enrich my life and my work every day.

Why Learn These Techniques with a Healthcare Professional?

The techniques of mindfulness and compassion-focused therapy are, in essence, disarmingly simple: sitting, breathing, noticing. Yet simplicity does not equate to ease. These practices ask us to sit quietly with ourselves—a task that can often feel profoundly uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. This is where working with an experienced mental health clinician becomes invaluable.

As an occupational therapist with extensive training, I bring a depth of understanding and expertise that provides an added layer of safety and security for clients. When we explore the body through these practices, we sometimes uncover sensations or emotions that feel overwhelming or unfamiliar. These moments require sensitive navigation, which I am equipped to provide.

My clinical background enables me to adapt these techniques to individual needs, ensuring that the process remains both effective and manageable. I can help you develop the resilience to engage with these experiences, guiding you with compassion and care. For those who may feel apprehensive about beginning such a journey, this professional grounding offers reassurance that you are in capable hands.

Mindfulness is not about erasing discomfort but learning to approach it with curiosity and gentleness. The presence of a skilled clinician can transform this process from daunting to deeply empowering, giving you the confidence to lean into the practice and, ultimately, into yourself.

Ready to make a change?