Cleavers/sticky willy. The ultimate spring tonic!
…my journey…
But something was missing. Despite all the clinical tools, evidence-based interventions, and years of experience, I kept feeling drawn to something more ancient - the healing power of seasonal rhythms, earth connection, and the wisdom my ancestors carried in their bones.
Never buying in to the whole medical-pharma-CBT-DSM (basically ‘health’ care as commonly known), the events of 2020 onwards confirmed to me the need for autonomy, courage and alternative ways of living.
The turning point came when I began exploring how our nervous systems naturally regulate through connection with the natural world. I discovered the Celtic wheel, started practicing forest bathing, and watched as my own overwhelmed system found its ground.
Combining clinical expertise with ancient wisdom.
I am half Irish (my mum and was born in Letterkenny, Donegal and all generations before from the same county) and delved into the celebrations, goddesses and herbal allies used for thousands of years in Ireland. I integrated my trainings in Somatic Experiencing and Polyvagal Theory meaning I could link what was going on when I embraced Mother Nature from a neurobiological level. This was truly where science meets the sublime! This and the increasing number of medics, health professionals and moral driven others leaving their jobs and giving up their registrations to pursue their true heart work led me to breaking free of my work role. In 2022, I left the NHS to follow to work as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) while I pursued courses in The Celtic Wheel.
However, my break for freedom was short-lived. What was initially dismissed as muscle pain was the start of a horrific decline. Equipped with all my neurology knowledge, I found myself not being the clinician but the patient.
Hawthorn has my heart!
I was hospitalised for over 4 months and after much medical gaslighting/negligence, diagnosed with a rare illness effecting my peripheral nervous system (yes we have many nervous systems!). I was unable to stand and treatment resistant for months. It was the park beside the hospital that friends used to take me out to in my wheelchair, the small garden with cleavers in neuro rehab, the co-regulation of others that had the capacity to be present to my tears and triumphs and somatic plus sensory resources that were my life line.
Medics believed a virus had went on over drive, attacking healthy myelin sheaths and axons (nerve insulators and messengers). I had a different theory. Trigger warning: abuse, suicide. I grew up in an abusive home & was the child of an abusive marriage. I have experienced first hand the devastating effects of my mother’s suicide, being hurt by family and being let down by services meant to protect you.
Hamish; my nervous system nourishment!
The field of psychoneuroimmunology and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE’s) on adult health is well researched. I truly believe my system had reaching breaking point and something had to give at some point. However, Iet’s get back to post hospital. My long recovery; learning to stand, walk etc was aided with the park next to my flat. I spent time crying on its benches, slowly and fearfully walking its paths, watching as our seasons changed together, sought guidance from my flat balcony with my Celtic oracle cards, the hawthorn tree protecting me and the ancestors at my back. Where I asked permission and picked the elderflowers and returned for berries come winter to make medicine without the side effects! Ultimately thanking Mother Nature with all my heart for it had been my refuge to healing in so many ways.
Why do I share these parts of me with you? Definitely not for pity as I am above it. I divulge to show you I am human. Yes, I hold specialised skills, knowledge and experience related to all things nervous system related. However, I am also the living, breathing embodiment of the power of nervous system nourishment, the healing power of nature and a living testimony of how one can carry on despite…
So, with my personal journey, trainings and learning, I have expanded and changed how I work. This is aligned action from a place of grounded presence as my passions, dreams and skillset has shifted. Namely, the inclusion of the spiritual so the holy trinity of mind, body and soul is weaved in to my work. Now, I blend nervous system science with earth-based practices. I work with overwhelmed souls who are craving slower rhythms but feel too activated to access them. I am here as your guide on this messy journey we call live. With heart felt warmth and reverence .
Angela.xx.
Post Graduate Diploma in Occupational Therapy
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner training
Mastering Polyvagal Theory for Trauma Professionals
Certificates in Psychodynamic and Humanistic (Person Centred) Counselling
Master of Arts (Joint Honours) English Literature and Italian
Additional courses: Next Stage Celtic Wheel with Mari Kennedy (in progress), Moon Mná Circle Facilitator modules, working with shame, trauma and the body
I have 8+ years experience in NHS and private practice throughout London, Manchester and Glasgow. I have undertaken years of personal therapy (Psychodynamic, Art Psychotherapy and Somatic Experiencing) and attended numerous courses, retreats and learnings related to mind, body and soul healing.
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I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I hold an enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) adults plus children and Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) certificate. This means I hold no criminal convictions and can work with adults and children. I have professional and personal indemnity and public liability insurance. I have undertaken advanced life support training. I am committed to Continued Professional Development (CPD) and undertake regular trainings, read relevant research and meet with a supervisor.
education, training and safety
Flowing wild and free
Elderflower
“We also resolve overwhelm through the natural cycles of expansion and contraction. This tells us that no matter how badly we are feeling right now, this contraction will be followed by an expansion toward freedom.”
what l love
Welcome to my world…as well as everything I touch on in this website, here are some other things that feed and sustain me…
Hamish
Creating
Learning
Intrepid adventures
values
Curiousity
Approaching your healing journey with gentle wonder rather than force, staying open to what wants to emerge without needing to control the process
Connection
Recognizing that healing happens in relationship - with yourself, others, the natural world, and the ancient wisdom that lives in your bones
Attunement
Learning to listen deeply to the interplay between your inner and outer landscape; honoring the wisdom of your body and the natural rhythms that want to guide you
Reclamation
Taking back your natural rhythms, authentic pace of being, and the earth-based practices that nourish rather than deplete you
Grounding
Finding your stability through embodied connection with the earth, seasonal practices, and in time the felt sense of safety in your own body
Emergence
Trusting what wants to come through when you create spaciousness and safety, allowing transformation to unfold organically
