A woman with wavy light brown hair and closed eyes holding a bouquet of large pink lilies and a purple rose. She is wearing a green dress with thin straps and jewelry, with a warm yellow background.

I was barely functioning…….

I was suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) following a unique and tragic trauma case for which I had been the Vascular Surgeon on call.

The previous 4 months I had been haunted with nightmares, flashbacks, self-doubt, shame, guilt and exhaustion. It took another 4 months of treatment with eye-movement desensitation reflex (EMDR) therapy and deep self-compassion, before I could return to work, and eventually learn to love my job again.

But that wasn’t the end of the story, in May 2020, near the start of the Covid pandemic, I attended another unique and tragic maternity emergency case. My PTSD was re-triggered, and I had another period of leave and EMDR therapy.  

Once I had pulled back from the depths of despair, I chose to work with a coach to explore my future path.

On a Spring Day in 2014, I was sat in a clinic room about to start my day as a Consultant Vascular Surgeon, when all of a sudden, I felt a complete sense of overwhelm. Unable to contain my emotions any longer, I burst into tears, and turned into a helpless, unrecognisable wreck.

Woman in a white dress sitting on a large rock by a creek, surrounded by greenery, with her arms extended as if reaching out.
Woman in a white dress sitting on a large rock by a creek, surrounded by greenery, with her arms extended as if reaching out.

Coaching changed my life!

I had always prided myself on 'being authentic' at work. People often commented that I was ‘not your typical vascular surgeon'. I wanted to show that it was possible to break the stereotype, however, now I recognises that it came at a cost.

Through coaching, I learnt that there is another way, and I am so excited to be able to offer more people the gift of ripping off the mask and armour to reveal their true purpose, talents, and identity.

This is me, this is who I am

By fostering a culture of compassion and support within the healthcare community, I create a positive ripple effect, that benefits both patients and healthcare professionals.

I continue to nurture my curiosity, lean into my emotions and seek knowledge that fuels the fire within my soul.

I live my life in rhythm with the seasons, guided by nature, embracing all that I am. I am a healer at heart, and my new path is born of all that I have experienced so far, in this thing we call life.

You too, can find hope, love and joy.

Learn to trust your intuition and

LEAD WITH COURAGE.

Work with me