You cannot stop the waves, but you can learn to surf. Jon Kabat-Zinn
Hello. My name is Barbara. I am a psychotherapist, a Breath Coach, a Life Coach and a Yoga and Mindfulness teacher.
I was drawn to these practices at different times in my life noticing that they are all paths of self discovery towards awareness, acceptance and contentment. They all share a fundamental belief that we need to pay attention to the present moment: to our breath, emotions, thoughts, body, habits, the world around us,... The simple act of paying attention make us fully present thus fully alive, which in turn, initiates a transformative process towards a more aware, fulfilling life.
My experience has given me a positive belief that we all have the potential to change, to grow and to find balance and joy in our lives.
I approach life with a sense of wonder, openness, and enthusiasm and I bring humour and passion to whatever I do.
I am very enthusiastic about my job as this is my life’s work. I feel privileged to be allowed into my clients' worlds while accompanying them on their journeys. I never fail to be touched and changed by these encounters.
My training:
Psychotherapy: I obtained an MSc in Integrative Psychotherapy from the Metanoia Institute in London, where I spent 5 years undergoing rigorous training from amazing teachers and colleagues and receiving counselling myself. I continue learning through various CPD courses about different subjects like depression, cancer, anxiety, etc. I have a particular interest in family relationships especially parenting. In 2021, I also completed a two year long training to work with Children and Adolescents . I have worked with adopted children and parents through a post adoption service in Dorset and with teenagers locally.
I am fully insured, and a member of the BACP.
Breathwork: I trained with Lucas Rockwood at Yogabody.com, and I continue to be fascinated by the power of the breath learning more about this natural practice with freedivers and breathing coaches alike. I have studied with Adam Stern, Australian record holder in freediving; with Wim Hof, known as the Iceman, an extreme athlete who uses a type of hyperventilation to withstand freezing temperatures and activate his immune system; with Rebecca Coales, who is now a Yoga teacher and Breath Coach and who previously set 5 UK records swimming underwater on one breath, including 145m breaststroke and 189m with a monofin.
Mindfulness: I first trained in Mindfulness with the amazing Dr. Lucy Clarke and Lana Jackson at the Special Yoga Centre, and I continue to learn and practice at every opportunity. I hold a specialist training in MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction), which is an eight week programme to assist people suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and pain.
Yoga: I trained as a yoga teacher in Mysore, India, with the most influential teachers of Ashtanga. Since then, I have integrated other styles of yoga into my practice while learning with inspiring teachers in England, India, America and Italy.
I also trained in Pregnancy, Postnatal and Early Years/ Family Yoga with the one and only Uma Dinsmore- Tuli at Sitaram through The Life Centre and The British Wheel of Yoga.
