Interview with Olive

I draw on 22 years of experience as an Occupational Psychologist. I am a Coach and a Chartered and Registered Psychologist.

The most common issues I see with clients are people who have been hijacked by fear, struggling with self-doubt and beliefs that no longer serve them. They are often struggling to make changes in their careers and personal lives. Their fears and doubts mean that they allow opportunities to pass them by and find it difficult to see the wealth of possibilities that are open to them.

Creating a trusting relationship with my clients is one of my greatest strengths. I am able to bring clarity to their issues and focus on increasing their awareness. I work with them to develop strategies to define and take their next steps. These steps may be in the areas of life-transition, leadership development, career choices, recruitment and selection challenges. The goal is for them to be unapologetically their True Selves, while enjoying a peaceful and fulfilling life.

A little bit about my professional background:

As an Occupational Psychologist, I began working for Recruitment and Assessment Services (RAS), which was part of the UK Cabinet Office. This later became Capita RAS for whom I worked for four years. I then worked for Right Coutts (now Right Management) for one year.

I loved working with people and seeing them become more confident in demonstrating their skills and abilities at interview or in giving constructive feedback, delegating or putting themselves forward for promotion.

However, wanting to be my own boss, I chose to leave, and have now been self-employed for over 16 years. Five years ago, I rebranded my business to “Ignite Your Brilliance” reflecting the more integrative and developmental approach (mind, emotions, body and spirit) my work is now taking.

They tend to be professional men and women, some working in the helping professions, service industries or local and central government.

Some of the organisations and companies I have worked with include:

Department for International Development (DIFD), the British Council, the National Health Service (NHS), HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Veolia, BT, the BBC, Barclays Group, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Health and Safety Executive, Southwark Council, Cranfield School of Management and the British Library. I have also worked with Humanitarian Organisations and companies that prefer to maintain their confidentiality.

I am a recommended MBA careers coach for a Business School.

People often confuse Occupational Psychology with Occupational Therapy. Occupational psychologists apply their skills and expertise to work. The range of work is vast, from supporting organisations in selecting the best people for jobs, interview training, leadership development, organisational change, coaching and personal development, well being in the workplace and designing healthy work spaces and practices.

I work with my clients in a holistic manner. The mind, emotions, body and spirit are all connected. I realised through doing my own inner work (which is still an ongoing process) and working with my clients, that through talking about one’s feelings, experiences and struggles, we are often able to come to a better understanding of ourselves. We can also develop new ways of viewing things, and begin to consider new alternatives. However, I found at times talking was not sufficient to get to the root causes of emotional blockages. This brought me to Energy Psychology.

Emotions can be thought of as energy in motion. Emotions can become trapped in the body as balls (knots) of energy, disrupting our natural energy field.

Energy Psychology techniques correct this disruption in the energy system. They can bring complete balance to a disturbed internal pattern and “re-wire” the inner world, making fast, deep and enduring changes in thoughts and feelings.

Because we are unique, I do not adopt a one size fits all solution for my clients. I am aware that different approaches work for different people. So I have invested in learning a range of approaches and techniques that give me an effective toolbox to meet my clients’ needs.

I love working with people who are:

• Open to new ideas and ways of doing things
• Eager to learn
• Open to working with the mind, body and spirit
• Willing to invest in their emotional health
• Willing to confront their doubts and beliefs that no longer serve

Yes!  But there is a caveat. Transformation is a very individual process and it comes from within. I have seen some people have breakthroughs after a couple of sessions, and others longer.  We will work together to reach your goals, but it is up to you to do the work and take responsibility.

I am here to facilitate, guide and champion you. I hold up a mirror  to you and reflect your brilliance, especially during the times you are not able to see it yourself.

• Get clarity about your capabilities, your unique gifts and strengths and how best to leverage them
• Understand and live by your values
• Develop the courage to take the steps to change your career
• Resolve workplace conflict
• Grow your confidence in seeking promotion and remove self sabotaging doubts
• Develop leadership skills (confidence to delegate, give developmental feedback)
• Become an effective contributor at Board meetings
• Interview effectively
• Develop a sense of inner peace
• Learn to seize opportunities at work or in your life
• Overcome uncomfortable feelings
• Stop procrastinating
• Feel more self directed and assured in your work and relationships
• Be willing to take initiatives and risks

Ask yourself how much is it currently costing you to stay stuck where you are:

• Is it costing you a fulfilling life?
• A career that you love?
• A promotion?
• Your confidence?
• Your potential to serve and support others?
• Your peace of mind?