My Story

ABOUT ME

I know what it’s like to feel stuck.

At twenty-two, ME/CFS put me in a wheelchair. The physical suffering was extreme. I couldn't work, socialise, or even watch TV. The isolation was profound.

Recovery was very difficult. Every small gain was followed by relapse. It took eighteen years to walk thirty minutes pain-free.

Now, I am 70% recovered. 

And everyone always asks…

What was the turning point?

ME/CFS is complex.

Recovery demanded discipline and perseverance. But I want to share some mindset changes that were crucial for me.

I’m not saying that if you apply these principles you can recover from an illness.

But they may resonate if you’re feeling stuck or scared in areas of your life.

My Mindset Changes

Working with Fear, Not Against It

Radical acceptance was key. I learned to work with my fear, not against it, and ultimately find a path forward. 

Focusing on Gains, Not Loss

This was the hardest: accepting tiny victories when I'd lost everything.  I had to retrain my brain to notice progress, not the gap between where I was and where I wanted to be. 

Acknowledging the Pain

I had to allow myself to grieve, to feel the frustration and anxiety fully.  This wasn't resignation, but a way to be kinder to myself, to acknowledge the reality before moving forward.

Finding a Good Coach

ME/CFS has no easy answers, so finding experienced coaches was vital.  They offered guidance, support, and helped me navigate the complexities of this illness.

Embracing Self-Compassion

I had to learn to work with my inner critic and be kind to myself.

Qualifications

Interpersonal Communications (Dept of Psychology)

University College Cork | 2019​

First Class Honours​

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Higher Diploma Business Studies, Smurfit School of Business (HDip)

University College Dublin | 1997​

First Class Honours​

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Bachelor of Arts European Studies, French, Spanish (BA)

University College Cork | 1996​

First Class Honours​

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LD&I/QQ Level 6 Training Delivery and Evaluation (Train the Trainer)​

Learning and Development Institute, Kildare| 2023​

Grade: Distinction (98%)​

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Professional Coach ICF

Aspire Training Ireland | 2024​

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Coaching Skills for Organisations (Certificate)

Aspire Training Ireland | 2024

Inner Relationship Focusing Trainer and Professional,

The International Focusing Institute, New York, October 2023.

Accolades

Achievements

  • Achieved > 94% satisfaction rating from clients from the public and private sector including those working in KPMG, Deloitte, Bord Bia, Failte Ireland, DIT, Aer Lingus, Diageo, Mastercard, FireEye, Eli Lilly, Dell, PayPal.​

  • Design and deliver bespoke training programmes for the Irish Stammering Association, resulting in >92 % satisfaction rating from participants.

Notable Engagements:

  • Guest Speaker at PayPal​

  • Guest Speaker at Dublin City University​

  • Winner of Several Speaker Awards, including Second in Toastmasters UK and Ireland Humorous Speech Contest, 2014​

  • Wrote, performed, and directed my own monologue for No Drama Shindig, October, 2023 in Pearse Street Theatre

Let’s Chat

If you would like to find out more about how I work and the work that I do. Book in for a free 20 minute discovery call.