Welcome!
Whether you are beginning your wellness journey or seeking to deepen your practices & understanding, The Unburdened Body is a platform for individuals who are seeking to heal from trauma, chronic illness, and other physical and emotional challenges. I focus on the mind-body connection and how it can be used to achieve optimal health, based on my own experiences. By exploring topics such as nutrition, movement, spirituality, and mental health, The Unburdened Body offers its followers a holistic approach to healing. I'm glad you're here! Be sure to follow on Substack for bi-weekly blog posts and Facebook & Instagram for helpful tips. x

Hello and welcome to my little corner of the internet!
I'm Mickie, an American-British ACT/CBT/NLP Therapeutic life coach, positive change & self-healing advocate, trauma informed MBSR practitioner, psychotherapist & expressive writing facilitator. I'm also an imperfect follower of Christ. I am deeply passionate about raising awareness on the topics of: abuse, trauma, chronic illness & radical self healing.In 2008, my world nearly came to an end after contracting neurological Lyme disease, Tick Borne Encephalitis and multiple other co-infections whilst on holiday in Scotland. I was undiagnosed and gaslighted for nearly 10 years by the NHS (England), which left me to fend for myself, with debilitating, seemingly irreversible symptoms as well as spiralling anxiety & depression. I was sick & scared with minimal help. This is where my passion for truth, advocacy, self-healing and my personal journey of reformation began - from my bed; surrounded by stacks of books, medical journals, a laptop, relentless prayers & a whole lot of tears.
For nearly 20 years I’ve been fighting for my own well-being and advocating for others facing similar challenges. Follow me to join in this journey of creating change! x

Education

BSc Counselling & Psychotherapy
CertHE Arts & Humanities (Psychology & Sociology)
Diploma Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Practitioner (MBSR)
Diploma Advanced Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Diploma Positive Psychology Practitioner
Certificate Professional Life Coaching
Certificate Neurolinguistic programming
Certificate Trauma-Informed Coaching
IOATH Accredited Certificate ACT Therapy
Certificate in Human Health - Diet and NutritionOther interests:
Neuroplasticity
Neurogenesis
Neurotheology

Services (Coming Spring 2025!)

What is a therapeutic life coach?

A therapeutic life coach is a professional who helps individuals make positive changes in their lives through coaching and therapy techniques. They focus on improving mental health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life by working with clients to set goals, develop action plans, and provide support and accountability. Modalities commonly used by therapeutic life coaches include cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness practices, guided visualization and positive psychology techniques. These modalities help clients overcome challenges, manage stress, improve self-esteem, enhance communication skills, cultivate resilience, and build healthier relationships. The health benefits of working with a therapeutic life coach are vast and include reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, increased self-awareness and self-compassion, improved coping skills, enhanced problem-solving abilities, greater sense of purpose and fulfilment in life. Overall, a therapeutic life coach can empower individuals to create positive change and achieve their personal growth goals. So, if you're feeling stuck or struggling with any aspect of your life right now, therapeutic life coaching could be beneficial in guiding you towards a happier and healthier future.

My Goals:

● Assessing clients issues through various therapeutic techniques.
● Implementing individual or group coaching sessions.
● Utilizing evidence-based practices to help clients manage their emotions and behaviours effectively.
● Creating mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques to help individuals cope with stress, anxiety, and chronic pain.
● Working with clients to explore their thoughts and emotions through creative writing exercises, promoting self-awareness & emotional healing.
● Assisting clients in setting and achieving personal goals by providing guidance, support, and accountability.
● Providing services remotely through various platforms, giving clients access to support from the comfort of their own homes.
● Encouraging individuals to improve their well-being and achieve personal growth.

What is Expressive Writing?

Expressive writing is a form of therapeutic writing that allows individuals to delve deep into their thoughts and emotions through the act of putting pen to paper. It involves tapping into one's innermost feelings, exploring past experiences and expressing oneself in an unfiltered and authentic way. The benefits of expressive writing are wide-ranging: it can help increase self-awareness, reduce stress levels, improve mood and enhance overall mental well-being. By externalizing and processing their emotions through writing, individuals can gain clarity on their thoughts and feelings, make sense of difficult experiences, and ultimately find catharsis. Additionally, research has shown that regularly engaging in expressive writing can boost immune function, decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety, and even improve physical health outcomes in some cases.

What is MBSR?

MBSR stands for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, which is a program designed to help individuals manage stress and improve overall well-being through mindfulness practices. This approach was developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn in the late 1970s and has since gained popularity for its proven benefits. By incorporating meditation and body awareness techniques, MBSR aims to increase self-awareness, focus, and relaxation while reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Participants in MBSR programs often report decreased levels of stress, improved concentration, better sleep quality, and enhanced emotional regulation. In addition to mental health benefits, MBSR has also been linked to physical improvements such as lower blood pressure and reduced inflammation. Overall, MBSR offers a holistic approach to self-care that empowers individuals to cultivate mindfulness in their everyday lives for lasting positive effects...... And YES! Christians can also use Mindfulness; a specifically adapted version.

Modalities Used

What is ACT Therapy?

ACT therapy, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on accepting the difficulties that come with life while committing to making positive changes. It emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance and values-based living to help individuals develop psychological flexibility and resilience. By learning to accept their thoughts and emotions without judgment, clients can gain a greater sense of control over their lives and make choices aligned with their values. Ultimately, ACT therapy aims to help people improve their mental health by teaching them how to respond more effectively to challenging situations. The benefits of ACT therapy include reduced anxiety and depression symptoms, increased self-awareness, improved relationships and a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment in life.

What is CBT?

CBT therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is a type of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thinking patterns and behaviors. This approach helps individuals identify and challenge their irrational thoughts and beliefs, ultimately leading to improved mental health outcomes. One of the key benefits of CBT is its practicality - it equips people with the tools and techniques to cope with stressful situations in a healthier way. Additionally, CBT is a short-term treatment option, making it accessible and effective for those looking for immediate relief from anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns. By addressing both thoughts and behaviors, CBT helps individuals develop skills to manage their emotions more effectively and navigate life's challenges with greater resilience.

What is NLP?

NLP, or neurolinguistic programming, is a fascinating field that delves deep into the intricate connections between our thoughts, language, and behavior. Created in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, NLP offers powerful tools and techniques for reprogramming the mind to achieve personal growth and success. By understanding how language influences our perception and emotions, NLP teaches us how to communicate more effectively, build rapport with others effortlessly and make profound changes in our beliefs and behaviors. With its focus on modeling excellence from successful individuals, NLP empowers people to break free from limiting beliefs, overcome mental barriers, and create lasting change in their lives. It’s no wonder why NLP has gained popularity worldwide as a valuable resource for personal development enthusiasts and professionals seeking to enhance their communication skills and achieve peak performance.

What is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology is all about focusing on what makes people happy and fulfilled. It's not just about fixing problems or analyzing what's wrong, but rather emphasizing strengths and virtues to enhance overall well-being. By shifting the focus from pathology to positivity, positive psychology helps individuals thrive and live their best lives. Some benefits of practicing positive psychology include increased resilience, improved relationships, greater sense of purpose and meaning in life and enhanced overall mental well-being. By incorporating techniques such as gratitude exercises, mindfulness practices, and goal setting, individuals can cultivate a more positive outlook on life and ultimately lead happier and more fulfilling lives.

How these methods compliment each other......

MBSR, coaching, expressive writing, positive psychology, NLP, CBT, and ACT all work together seamlessly to create a powerful and holistic approach to personal growth and well-being. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) helps individuals cultivate presence and compassion, while coaching offers guidance and support in setting and achieving goals. Expressive writing allows for emotional release and self-reflection, complementing the principles of positive psychology which focus on building strengths and cultivating gratitude. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) enhances communication skills and mindset shifts, which are further reinforced by cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques for challenging negative thought patterns. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) then ties it all together by promoting acceptance of difficult emotions alongside action towards values-driven goals. Together, these approaches offer a comprehensive toolkit for personal transformation and empowerment that is truly exciting to explore!