Sarah PriestI remember watching my mum struggle with depression and anxiety when I was younger. It left a deep impression on me, and I couldn’t help but think, “There must be another way to live.” This thought sparked a lifelong journey that led me to where I am today – a coach passionate about helping others find their way through creative expression and, ultimately, to better self-care.
The winding path to self-care
Many of us know we should be taking better care of ourselves, but knowing and doing are two different things. It isn’t always at the top of our priority list. In fact, for many of us, it’s easy to dismiss or ignore amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life.
I’ve been there. I used to think self-care was selfish, that I needed to put everyone else first. But you know what? That path led to burnout, frustration, and a feeling of being lost in my own life. It wasn’t until I started prioritising my own well-being that things began to change.
It’s never too late to be who you could have been
Ernest Hemingway
Now, when I talk about self-care, I’m not just referring to bubble baths and face masks (though those can be lovely). I’m talking about the fundamental acts of kindness we can show ourselves every day. Getting enough sleep. Moving our bodies. Finding moments of quiet in the chaos. These simple acts can work wonders, quieting our minds and lowering our stress levels. They give us the strength to face life’s challenges head-on.
The unexpected joy of collage
But self-care isn’t just about the basics. It’s also about reconnecting with our passions and dreams. And this is where things get really interesting – enter collage coaching.
I was introduced to this technique through training with art therapist Andréa Watts, and founder of UnglueYou who pioneered the Collage Coaching Technique™ (CCT). It’s a method that beautifully marries the creative power of visual arts with the transformative potential of coaching.
What I love about Collage Coaching is how it helps us break free from mental ruts. It’s like a key that unlocks doors in our minds we didn’t even know were there.
As you sift through images and create your collage, you’re actually exploring the hidden psyche – the experiences and beliefs that shape your thoughts and actions.
Before you know it, you’ve created a collage that captures feelings and desires you couldn’t quite put into words. That’s the magic of collage coaching. It’s not about creating a masterpiece for your wall (though you might!). It’s about allowing your subconscious to speak through images. It’s amazing what can emerge when we step away from words and let visuals guide us.
A journey of discovery
I remember working with a client – let’s call her Natasha. She came to me feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from herself. We started with small self-care practices, like taking five minutes each morning to journal or going for a short walk during lunch breaks.
Then, we delved into collage. Natasha was sceptical at first, but as she started flipping through magazines and choosing images, something shifted. She created a collage that was full of vibrant colours, nature scenes, and images of people writing.
As we explored her collage together, Natasha realised she had become stuck, and had lost her spark for writing poetry. With a little encouragement, she took her notepad to a café and started writing again. The change of scenery and the simple act of prioritising her creativity worked wonders. And you know what? Two of her poems were accepted into an anthology! But more than that external validation, Natasha found a part of herself she thought she had lost.
The power of support
Now, I’m not saying that self-care and collage are magic bullets. Change takes time, effort, and often, support. That’s where coaching comes in. Sometimes we all need someone to listen without judgement, to help us set realistic goals, and to cheer us on when things get tough.
I believe everyone could benefit from a coach at some point in their lives. It’s one thing to read about self-care, but it’s another to have someone walking beside you, helping you navigate the ups and downs of personal growth.
Your own path
Your journey won’t look exactly like Natasha’s, or mine, or anyone else’s. That’s the beauty of it. Self-care and personal growth are deeply individual experiences. What works for one person might not work for another.
But I do believe that everyone has the capacity to change, to grow, to rediscover parts of themselves they thought were lost. There will be days when it feels like too much effort. But in my experience, it’s always, always worth it.
Let collage coaching unlock your inner story
Through my collage coaching, you’ll learn to interpret your unique visual creation. As we explore each image using the Collage Coaching Technique™ (CCT), you’ll draw insights that can shape your path forward, creating a deeper understanding of who you are and who you want to become.
You may find yourself face-to-face with thoughts and feelings you didn’t even know you had and you might just be surprised at the story your subconscious is trying to tell. Whether it’s identifying areas for self-care you’ve been neglecting, or uncovering passions you’ve long forgotten, this process can be the catalyst for transformative change.
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