I qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 2005, but long before that, my understanding of illness and vulnerability had already begun to take shape. In my early twenties, I was given a life changing diagnosis that altered how I saw myself and the world around me.

That period became one of the defining experiences of my life. It exposed me not only to uncertainty and fear, but also to the power of emotional support and practical compassion. The steady presence of family and friends became a foundation I still speak about with gratitude.

Some of the most shaping challenges in my life have been my own health experiences from a young age, including receiving a life changing diagnosis in my early 20s. What got me through that time was the support around me, my amazing parents and friends, their positivity, steady and practical support and belief that I would be ok.

Rather than separating my personal experiences from my professional identity, I allowed them to deepen my understanding of what people often need most during difficult times. I came to recognise that healthcare is not only about treatment plans and physical care. It is also about identity, fear, hope, relationships and the emotional disorientation that illness can create.

Alongside the diagnosis, I also experienced significant losses within my family and friendship circles. These experiences did not lead me toward simple answers or neatly packaged lessons. Instead, they taught me that grief is something people learn to carry rather than conquer.

Over time, I became increasingly interested in the ways mindset, language and therapeutic approaches could support emotional wellbeing and self-management, this curiosity led me into further training, including NLP to Master Practitioner level, advanced communication, Level 5 ILM Coaching and Mentoring, reflective practice and arts therapies. These additional pathways expanded the way I worked with people, moving me beyond a purely practical model of occupational therapy into something even more holistic and relational.