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Sometimes, just sometimes – and never more so than in the midst of planning what’s billed to be the most important day of your lives – you just want to throw everything out of the window, scream loudly and curl up under the duvet where no one can find you.
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I’m having one of those weeks.
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Those who follow me on Twitter will know that we are officially in admin hell here at Brides Up North, preparing our tax and VAT returns. It’s all just part of the normal functions of a successfully operating business, but for someone who prefers to write about shoes and lace than fill in forms, it can get a little overwhelming.
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Stress, fear, nerves and panic. All nasties, and all possible side effects of any pressurised situation, even if that situation is meant to be an enjoyable process like planning a wedding. Sometimes, all we need is a huge glass of wine, a family sized slab of Dairy Milk and a natter with our best mate. At other times it might be wise to admit that we need a little more help.
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If you feel wrung out, that is where Brides Up North Featured Supplier Zoe of wedding therapy service Refreshed Minds can lighten the load.
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To be honest, I’m a sturdy Northern lass who doesn’t like to admit defeat and would sooner get stuck in than ask for help – but after just one taster session with Zoe (I thought that I should try out her services for myself and a “Relax & Refresh” session sounded too good to pass up on) I was feeling a lot calmer, ready to face the World and generally rather zen.
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I’m ready to eat my to do list for breakfast, how about you?
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Let’s meet Zoe.
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When did Refreshed Minds begin and what is your background?
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Refreshed Minds was launched in September 2011. Prior to launching the business I worked as a learning and development consultant for 02 with a particular interest in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) or, to put it more simply, learning how the language can be used to control patterns of behaviour.
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In 2008 I trained and qualified as a NLP practitioner and certified hypnotherapist. Then I planned my own wedding. I became conscious that this is a very stressful time and that the seeming pressure of the situation can exacerbate our worries into more serious anxiety. I decided to create a specialist service to assist brides, grooms and their families at this pressurised time.
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Tell Brides Up North about your wedding therapy services?
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Before taking on a new client I invite them to a free 20 minute consultation. This will be held somewhere where we both feel comfortable and our meeting will allow me to understand their situation better and to determine whether I am the right person for the job.
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Should we both feel ready to proceed, a booking will be made for our first session. This will generally be a one and a half hour appointment in which I learn more about their issues and background and how a particular problem (or set of problems) is impacting them. The session will always include some relaxation so that they leave feeling calmer.
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The number of sessions required will depend on the issue in question. Following our first in depth session I will prepare a treatment plan which I will then suggest to the client and discuss with them. It’s all about choosing the right techniques for the client and seeing what will work for them.
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Whether your wedding is next year or next week, I believe that I can almost always do something to help – whether that is a longer teaching coping and behavioural techniques to a client or just focussing on relaxation before the wedding day.
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Who needs to see a wedding therapist?
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My service can be of benefit to everyone that needs some assistance – from the best man to the wider wedding party – not just the bride and groom.
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What can you help with?
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The main issues that I address in my sessions with wedding clients tend to be nerves, stress, help with speeches, weight loss or pain management, but I can tailor a treatment plan to suit most situations.
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Can you give Brides Up North an idea on price?
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My initial consultation is free but after that I charge £40 per hour for relaxation sessions and £60 per hour for more in depth individual sessions focussing on a particular issue. The number of sessions required will depend on the individual issue, but this is discussed in the treatment plan. Payment plans are available.
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A lot of therapists will charge more for weight management or quitting smoking etc, but I believe in a more bespoke approach and focus on the individual triggers when designing a treatment plan. I don’t do “one size fits all” packages – because they won’t!
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Where are you located and will you travel?
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I have offices in both Leeds City Centre and the Ribble Valley but am flexible. I do find that therapy sessions are more effective when carried out in a neutral environment, away from your usual surroundings.
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What can Brides Up North expect when they use your service?
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Since my service is bespoke, my success rate is higher. The sessions are tailor made rather than generalist. It’s not a magic wand if someone doesn’t want to change, but through my training I am able of offer the client the tools, guidance and support to work through their issues for the better.
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What about after care?
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My door is always open and any client is free to get back in touch should they need it.
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How can Brides Up North get in touch with you or find out more?
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Visit my website, which you can find at www.refreshedminds.co.uk and please do get in touch to book an initial free consultation.
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Why not try one of our group Relax and Refresh sessions for a taster? This is a guided relaxation session and a blend of hypnotherapy, NLP and stress relief. I run these sessions every two months. For more details of these sessions or to discuss anything else contact me at zoe@refreshedminds.co.uk
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2012 Refreshed Minds
Refreshed Minds is a Brides Up North Featured Supplier, and this is a sponsored post
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
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