One of the foundational approaches I found quite early on – both from my own health and wellbeing and my personal training work – is that a practitioner is not in control of the healing – the client is.
Living a sustainable, healthy and fulfilling modern life doesn’t just happen on its own. It requires us to make conscious choices – choices based on a heightened awareness and connection between our brain and body. It was this mind-shift that saved me from my own personal catastrophe; and it’s the reason why I’m still here today. It’s what underpins my work and fuels my passion to help others.
My approach is to help clients understand the intention of a movement e.g., reaching for the top shelf and how the brain then instructs the body to achieve that – does the upper body do it alone or does the lower body give support? Our goal is then to discover the most efficient way of achieving an integrative movement in a way that maximises range, power and ease; and minimises pain or discomfort.
Some personal trainers, physios and movement coaches work on a one-dimensional physical level, looking at muscle movement in isolation. My approach incorporates a biopsychosocial model, understanding that biology, psychology, social and environmental factors are interconnected and influence our movement patterns and wellbeing.
I draw on credible current scientific research to explain my approach. I avoid ‘pain-splaining’ or an over emphasis on education with clients. Instead, I use techniques and methods that embody change and are grounded in research. In this way you learn about your body and brain experientially rather than just conceptually, thereby becoming more proactive and effective in looking after yourself.
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