Relational Best with Amanda Williamson

Examining lifestyle factors is a part of how I work; particularly looking at how the influence of our surroundings intertwines with our well-being. I find inspiration in the insightful podcasts of Andrew Huberman , where he deep-dives into the link between science and the human experience. Huberman is a Professor of Neuroscience and Opthalmology at Stanford, so is superbly placed to comment on the impact of light on our wellbeing. Last week, Huberman released a podcast which included the latest scientific understanding on the impact of light on mental and physical health (as well as fascinating insights on the latest treatments for cancer). A summary of this information on light has been published in his online magazine Neural Network , entitled " Using Light for Health " . The role of light exposure extends far beyond mere illumination; it is a key player in shaping our mood, motivation, and sleep patterns.  The importance of light... Huberman's article is particularly t...

This post has been inspired by a post on LinkedIn by Yannick Jacob, an Existential coach and author of the refreshingly accessible  Introduction to Existential Coaching.  In the post he poses the question:  "...both coaching and therapy can involve deep inquiry, holding space, and active listening. So, where do you draw the line?" Transitioning from therapist to coach As a seasoned therapist of over 12 years, and more latterly as a coach, this is a question on which I have much to say. After many years in private practice as a therapist, I embarked on a transformative journey into coaching. When looking at coaching training courses over a period of years, I felt unsatisfied with many of the offerings. When I discovered specialist Therapist to Coach training with Dr Trish Turner , at a robust Level 7, I felt that this was what I had been looking for.  Part of the training involved delving deep into the distinctions between the two professions. This exploration, enr...

My aquatic journey began in childhood, where my father, despite his water phobia, instilled in me a love for swimming. Those early days at the local swimming baths laid the foundation for a lifelong connection with the water. From Tatton Mere to the beaches of Devon and the meandering River Bollin, swimming was more than a recreational activity; it was a tapestry of some of my most cherished childhood memories. For as long as I can remember, breaststroke has been my chosen stroke  Delving into literature and scouring YouTube for insights on perfecting my breaststroke, I cultivated a very steady and efficient technique that allowed me to keep pace with many of the front crawlers.  I had never undergone a formal swimming lesson. Any endeavour into front crawl felt woefully inadequate, and my attempts were pitiful. In those moments, I resigned myself to the belief that excelling at the front crawl was an unattainable feat for someone so deeply ingrained in the art of breaststroke...

In the dynamic realm of personal development, today's students are seeking a fresh, modern approach that resonates with their unique experiences and challenges. The integration of therapy and coaching is a powerful solution, providing students with a tailored, supportive environment to navigate the complexities of university life. Embracing a Modern Approach to Student Support For students, the traditional approach to therapy can sometimes feel outdated and disconnected from the fast-paced realities they encounter. A blend of coaching techniques with therapeutic principles offers a contemporary and student-centred solution, recognising the need for a dynamic and flexible approach to personal growth. Click here to read more about my blended, therapeutic coaching approach . Student-Centred Goal Setting Central to my way of working with students is a focus on goal-setting. Unlike traditional therapy that may dwell on past issues, this approach propels students towards future success b...