News from direction, Spring 2016
www.direction.org.uk 0845 034 5644

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direction Newsletter, Spring 2016
www.direction.org.uk | 0845 03456 44

Facing your Fears

What is it like to face a fear?… scary, frightening, anxiety provoking? Having recently travelled to Thailand from Bangkok to Koh Tao, I faced one of my biggest fears, sharks. ‘Der de, der, de‘– does the music from ‘Jaws’ put you on high alert too? I had always dreamt about doing my Open Water Diving course, but knew only too well what was stopping me. So, I went to Michelle Winter who runs her own ‘Thrive’ programme from one of our consulting rooms at direction. It was one of the best things I have ever done for myself, to help me achieve my dreams and overcome my fears. Thanks to her coaching I wasn't scared at all when I dived into the ocean. Not only was I not afraid but I actually wanted sharks to be there. Overcoming fear is much easier than our imagination tells us. An extra bonus for me, she has also helped me with my blood and spider phobias! I'm so pleased that working with Michelle has broken down so many barriers. Michelle is holding a free Thrive event tonight, Tuesday 3rd May in Edinburgh, call for more info 07594 025398 to find out how it could help you.

Upcoming mindfulness events

If you would like to find out more about mindfulness and have a go yourself, come along to one of our FREE introductory sessions:

Saturday 14th May 4.00-5.00pm
Monday 6th June 7.30-8.30pm
Monday 8th August 7.30-8.30pm
at Yoga Stable in central Edinburgh.

And our full 16 hours Mindfulness Based Living Course will begin in August, you can find full dates and details on our website.

And our full 16 hours Mindfulness Based Living Course will begin in August, you can find full dates and details on our website.

Contact us on 0845 03456 44 or email us for more info or to book your place.

We also have some exciting plans for later in the year including a ‘Mindfulness and Compassion Deepening’ weekend retreat as well as a cheeky long weekend in Europe, so keep your eyes peeled for our upcoming newsletters to find out more!

Try one of our 3 minute mindfulness practices here

What is all this Self Compassion Stuff we’re talking about?

It’s one of the most difficult things that you can do for yourself. When Dr Kristen Neff (Associate Professor, Human Development and Culture, University of Texas at Austin) talks about self- compassion she says, ”With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we'd give to a good friend”. However this proves to be much more challenging than it sounds… imagine never criticising yourself or giving yourself a hard time, imagine never looking at your faults and just accepting yourself as you are. Isn’t this just as scary as facing one of your greatest fears? What if we didn’t isolate or withdraw when we experience one of life’s inevitable crises. Self-compassion is about having a gentler, more tolerant, kinder attitude to yourself as you face difficulties or suffering. Have a look at Kristin Neff’s website and try the self-compassion questionnaire and maybe even the meditations... you could become a convert!

Getting to know us....
Angie Cameron

Angie Cameron is the Managing Director of direction and lives in Leith with her two daughters. We asked Angie about her time as a therapist and her own passions too.

How long have you been a therapist Angie? I have been a therapist for almost 24 years now and have run direction since 2001.

What type of therapist are you? I am a humanistic and existential therapist and a mindfulness and compassion practitioner. People are whole human beings but sometimes though dealing with struggles in life they can lose parts of themselves along the way. I work in depth with people so they can find these parts of themselves again. Problems can relate to fertility or anxiety or a whole host of other reasons but therapy is always about coming back to your own truth and rediscovering yourself. I know this journey can be a real struggle for people, but it is always worth setting out on.

What do you enjoy about your work? I really enjoy working with people who are open to the idea of making the best of their lives and being really happy, which is not as easy as it sounds! I thrive on emotional openness and honesty in relationships and see that, even in difficulty; people can really move a long way and make a big change in their lives. I have always felt humbled and honoured that people are comfortable sharing parts of their lives with me, it is such a privilege. In short, I love the variety and fulfilment that my work brings.

And what are you passionate about yourself? I am really passionate about cooking, I love talking about food, growing fruit and veg at my allotment, shopping and choosing produce, the tastes, the smells, and I love nurturing others through my cooking. Bringing together friends and family and having that connection over food and sharing is real happiness for me. As well as cooking, I love having fun with my two girls and also enjoy tennis, music and the arts. Of course I am also still fascinated by the ocean and all the creatures that inhabit it!

In our next newsletter we will introduce another of our therapists.

Room Hire at Dundonald Street, Edinburgh

direction’s consulting and meeting facilities are situated within a smart Georgian area in the New Town of Edinburgh. The rooms are available during the day, evenings and at weekends and are comfortable and welcoming with natural daylight. Each has relaxed seating and benefit from a waiting area for your clients. Rooms can be booked on an ad hoc basis or block bookings can be made.

We are easily accessible by bus, car and train and a short distance between Waverley train station and the bus station in St Andrew Square. There is on street parking and a rail for bikes available directly outside the building.

For more information and photos please see our website.

Book your room now

We offer our services throughout Scotland.

Head Office: 5 Dundonald Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6RX
www.direction.org.uk
enquiries@direction.org.uk
0845 03456 44

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direction · 5 Dundonald Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom · Edinburgh, EH3 6RX · United Kingdom