Areas of Expertise

Organic Intelligence

Organic intelligence is a clinical practice of post- trauma growth based on systems theory. It is in our nature to heal if the conditions are right - how many cuts and scrapes have you had over the years that have healed over without you lifting a finger? This is our body organising itself. Organic intelligence taps into this innate healing capacity in two main ways:

- by providing better conditions - through the attuned and compassionate presence of a coach

- by recognising and reinforcing the signs of auto -organisation within the physiology of our system. This may be through words, through body language, through movement, through imagery - depending on what's happening in the moment.

As our systems become more organised we experience a greater sense of well being, less anxiety, more compassion and understanding (for ourselves and others) - life becomes easier to live, thriving not surviving.

https://organicintelligence.org/

Embodiment

Embodiment is a word with many different definitions. As a verb it's most simplified as the bringing together of body, mind and spirit, so that they are fully integrated. As a noun, it's the patterns of the mind that are reflected in the body and vice versa. The most common example of this is the sad person with the downward glance and the slumped posture - this is a pattern that we easily recognise. On a more subtle level an example would be how our emotional and mental stability is reflected in the level of tension we hold in our body. We can directly influence this stability by intentionally increasing or decreasing that tension.

So we can learn about ourselves through observing the ever-present patterns in our body, as well as facilitating change by changing how we use our body.

My favourite definition so far though is from Ann Saffi Bianetti. It is simple, and highlights our felt sense (the language of our body) which can be learnt and refined, no matter our starting point.

“Embodiment can be simply defined as living life informed through the sense experience of the body.”

Physiotherapy

The focus of my physiotherapy practice has been on neuroplasticity and motor control and how we can use these to improve how we function, particularly in the face of neurological challenges. Over the last decade in particular I have been exploring how we can influence our body by changing the sensory input to the body, this can result in decreased pain, greater range of movement and improved patterns of muscle activation. My main influences have been the Bobath Approach, Dermoneuromodulation (Diane Jacobs work), Kinesiology taping and Acupressure.

My Approach

Experience and Qualifications

I have 23 years experience working as an integrative holistic health professional using evidence based approaches, neuroscience, biopscyhosocial modelling and working with a wide range of health conditions.

This means I can help you by working with you as a team, offering a comprehensive and finely tuned assessment and stepping out of the box to help you problem solve, taking into account all aspects of your life and well being.

I have walked alongside over a thousand people as they have navigated the path of managing complex health conditions either for themselves of for their children, offering practical skills, empathy, understanding and a compass for the way forward.

I have the knowledge to help you come back into your body, re-establish relationships with your wider environment – both community and nature, find more ease in your body and your mental wellbeing so that you have the time, space and energy to have more joy in your life.

Qualifications
Bsc (Hons) Physiotherapy 2000
Buteyko Practitioner Training 2006
Bobath Basic Training 2014
Heart of Living Yoga Meditation Teacher Training 2019
Organic Intelligence Coaching Certification 2022
Therapeutic Taping 2022
Pilates Level 1 Training 2022

NHS Clinical Entrepreneur 2023

I am super geeky about learning! Over the past 23 years I have participated in extensive training, read research and done experiential exploring in the following areas: neuroplasticity, movement, pain, trauma, effective methods of healing, non-violent communication, mental health, mind-body-spirit connection, touch and it’s therapeutic effects, coaching, embodiment, sensory/body awareness, nutrition, mindfulness, meditation, martial arts and nature connection.

Key teachers/influences
Paul Linden – Being in Movement
Steve Hoskinson, Organic Intelligence
Peter Levine
Bessel Van der Kolk
Philip Shepherd

Loch Kelly
Gabor Mate

Marshall Rosenberg
Diane Jacobs
Esther de Ru

Berta and Karel Bobath

Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen

Moshe Feldenkrais

A bit about my own journey

I have come to focus on organic intelligence through my own journey with PTSD, parenthood and a chronic health condition. I found myself in seemingly endless cycles of therapy and still feeling stuck in survival method with my attention firmly fixed on what’s wrong: what’s wrong with me, what’s wrong with the world, what’s wrong with everything and everybody?

Using the framework of Organic Intelligence combined with embodiment skills has enabled me to step off the hamster wheel of therapy and start taking pleasure in the small things of everyday life, quiet the inner critic and have more freedom, joy and pleasure in existence. By doing that my PTSD, depression and pain have diminshed. I am able to discuss options with my consultant and family doctor with more clarity and discernment and make more empowered choices about my health and wellbeing.