The Wellbeing Atelier Story
Walking down one of the many beautiful streets in my corner of the world here in the south of France, I happened upon a beautiful shop front simply titled ‘Atelier’. Atelier means workshop in French and it became the catalyst for a pipe dream of running a space that would bring a community together, a space to offer activity based workshops supporting wellbeing, somewhere beautiful, somewhere to talk, or simply soak up the atmosphere. And so from here The Wellbeing Atelier was born.
A global health crisis put paid to a physical space for the time being, and for the moment sessions are currently primarily offered online. Interventions draw on a range of clinical tools and techniques including, but not exclusively, Compassion Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy which both have strong foundations in mindfulness based approaches. Underpinning all of the sessions offered is the use of meaningful and purposeful activity as a baseline for supporting people to develop their wellbeing. It has been a delight that the services are now so accessible with clients from different continents and time zones with varied needs.
Though this little place on a quiet street in Pézenas that currently housing a lawyer remains on the wishlist…..
Josephine Dolan-Dufourd BSc/OT
APE: 8690E - SIRET: 88454417200015 - ADELI: 349405647
How we spend our moments, is how we spend our days and this in turn becomes how we spend our lives.
I am an Occupational Therapist (OT) based in the south of France with over 23 years clinical experience in supporting mental wellbeing, substance use and mindfulness.
On qualifying in 2000 from the University of Wales College of Medicine (now Cardiff University), I moved to London and worked in psychiatry, specialising in women’s mental health then on to clinical service lead of a substance use support service. In 2016 in search of a simpler life I moved to France with my husband and young family.
After mountains of bureaucracy and a lot of determination, I became a French registered érgotherapeute. I specialise in supporting people to effectively adjust and balance their wellbeing within the fluctuating demands of everyday life. Through tailored online individual and group sessions I can support your to create the conditions within your daily life that have the potential to improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Making some small and bigger changes to my life, navigated through the lense of my profession, have afforded me the simple and slow life I now lead in the south of France. If this is something you too are seeking, please have a look at my offerings, individual here and group sessions here.
Prices range from £0, upwards, please do reach out if you have any questions. You can read more about my approaches and training HERE.
What People Are Saying
“I started working with Josephine a few months back when I was emotionally at an all time low. She helped me work through my problems in a patient, friendly and nonjudgemental manner. Josephine shares her knowledge and tools freely, however I really appreciated that I wasn’t made to feel that I had to complete all the exercises if I didn’t have time, or feel that I needed to at that point. They are there for me to use as and when I need them.
I am now in a much better place, and although the problems have not gone away I am mentally stronger and able to cope that much better.
I highly recommend Josephine, she is highly qualified, but more importantly for me, someone that cares and listens and adapts to your needs.
Many thanks for your generosity of time and knowledge. ”
— Anonymous