About Me - Zana

I didn't set out to become a Counsellor, but then I set out not knowing what I wanted, although lots of other people 'told me' what I 'should' do. I didn't follow suit. I followed life's twists and turns for a few years, sometimes making clear, conscious decisions, other times not. Some things worked out well, others didn't!

 

Eventually, after a fair bit of 'life experience' counselling became the right pathway for me. Before counselling found me, my passion was (and probably still is) antenatal education, particularly from a personal empowerment point of view. I have spent decades doing my utmost to help new parents have a better birth experience. I seek to support, not to instruct, and to help people find what feels right for them. 

 

But, going back a bit... for many years I drifted somewhat. I used to enjoy learning languages and spoke French quite well so 'the plan' was to go to University and study something vocational with French, but at the time 'the plan' didn't fit with my own priorities.

 

Instead I worked in imports/exports for a French haulage company in the UK and then did a huge variety of temp secretarial/admin jobs and six months working abroad. Eventually I ended up as the PA to the Installations Manager at a double-glazing company!

 

After a couple of years I became pregnant (following two early pregnancy losses - one traumatic, and not at home in the UK) and I left work to be a stay-at-home mum to my son. I didn't enjoy giving birth, and the adjustment to parenthood was hard. I suffered with postnatal depression. Exactly 4 years after my son's birth, my daughter was born. 

 

Giving birth again, and making very different, more positive and empowering decisions for my second baby, inspired me to train to become an Antenatal Teacher. After almost 3 years of study and assessment I qualified with the NCT in 1998. I devised and taught antenatal classes (including early days baby care and baby feeding) for NCT for about 25 years. I've worked extensively with groups, couples and individuals. In 2012 I added a hypnobirthing qualification so I offer this kind of birth preparation too.

 

People have always interested me. I have always been curious about people's motivations and what shapes people to be as they are, alongside personal development, adaptation and growth. Feeling validated and heard is important to me and so I truly understand how important it is to others too. 

 

Eventually, 'the stars aligned' and back in 2006 I decided to study a 1-year Counselling Certificate course, just to help me work more effectively with antenatal groups. I had no intention of becoming a Counsellor at this point! When I realised I'd done rather well at Level 3, I felt more confident and decided to continue and tackle the two-year Diploma course, taking me to Level 5. I am proud to say I qualified as a Counsellor, with Distinction, in 2010 with the University of Winchester Diploma of Higher Education in Counselling. I've been working as an independent counsellor ever since. I also spent two years as a volunteer counsellor within the University of Southampton counselling service, and for the NHS.

 

I now offer intensive infrequent, or 'single-session', counselling/psychotherapy, and (when appropriate) I can combine this with EFT or Rewind Technique (both to help with effects of difficult experiences and emotions), antenatal education, relaxation and breathing (for birth and/or anxiety management), and hypnobirthing.

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I also offer training to other professionals focusing mainly on self-regulation through use of breathing/relaxation, and creative self-development.

 

I am passionate about working with people when they are undergoing transition in their lives. I want you to feel empowered to make positive changes and choices that are right for you.

 

If you're still here, perhaps now you'd like to tell me something about you? I look forward to hearing from you. There are contact details at the top of this page so please feel free to get in touch if there's anything that you think I might be able to help with.

 

Zana