SAL

I’ve been a counsellor and coach for over 20 years, a clinical supervisor for more than 10, and after navigating my own turbulent journey through perimenopause, I recently qualified as a Menopause Coach too.

Over the years I’ve worn many hats. I’ve been a youth worker, art worker, drama facilitator and teacher. I’ve worked in schools, residential homes, health and care services, community settings and online. I’ve supported young people, young offenders, parents, families and women from all walks of life.

I’m a mother, daughter, sister, auntie and wife, and like most people I’ve had to navigate the joys and challenges that come with those relationships. I’ve lived on three continents and in more than thirty different homes, although moving around wasn’t always by choice.

At different times my life has been chaotic, unsettled, dysfunctional, adventurous, boring, joyful, heartbreaking, extraordinary and completely ordinary.

None of that makes me an expert in living life or getting it right. But it does mean I’m no stranger to change, uncertainty, loss, growth and starting over. Perhaps that’s why I’ve found my way to this work.

I recently set up Be More You – which came from a moment of clarity after I’d hit a wall during perimenopause – I was exhausted, my confidence was at an all-time low and I’d completely lost touch with myself. I wanted to change my whole life — reinvent myself, be more like those confident, outrageous, hilarious women I saw in films. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d danced wildly, actually pissed myself laughing, or done something ridiculously silly.

The task of becoming someone new felt impossible and overwhelming — I mean, why wouldn’t it? I just ended up feeling worse and even further away from myself.

So I took some time, and found some support to help me work out what the hell had happened and what I needed. And in that process, I remembered that I used to be funny, outgoing, and really quite fucking fabulous …I didn’t need to be someone else. I needed to be more me again.

I’ve worked hard to make peace with being perfectly imperfect. And that’s exactly where I’ll meet you from — honestly, with no airs, and absolutely no judgement. I won’t pretend I’ve got my life all figured out all the time, and I won‘t expect you too either. We’re all just doing our best including me.