Each month we are highlighting a local, independent business.

This month it is Sandra Jay's Psychotherapy and Well Being Services.

Sandra has been working in the area of psychology for more than 30 years as a trainer, psychotherapist and educator.

She trained in Oxford and worked in the NHS as a psychological therapist for many years, setting up a psychotherapy practice in Devon. She moved to Dorset in April and has expanded her practice to include wellbeing.

"I know from a personal and professional point of view how important it is to look after our own mental health. This has become even clearer since the ongoing challenges of the pandemic.

"When we have an understanding into the way we tick, then it is easier to see why we may respond as we do in certain situations or with certain people. Awareness is the key to increasing our ability to feel in control of our responses and feel we have more choice about how we respond.

She added: "In my role, I have heard many personal stories and am fascinated by how similar circumstances can evoke such different responses in each of us or even within our own lives on different days.

"In my work, I help people explore and make sense of what lies behind these responses and how circumstances may play their part. We can then begin to identify and develop the resources needed to feel more in charge of our lives."

During the past few years, Sandra has been developing the 'Healthy Self Model', which provides a "simple framework to understand complex issues by enabling us to gain insight and knowledge". This may be in relation to an immediate situation or highlight deeper beliefs that affect relationships.

Sandra said: "The model helps identify our default coping strategies - that we may be looking to change - and how to access our own resources - or develop new ones that could serve us better.

"I initially developed the model to use with my supervisees and clients and increasingly found that I also found it an invaluable resource to use for myself.

"I feel passionately about giving people the tools to live the best life they can for themselves."

As well as this, Sandra also set up a service in Ghana for training staff who worked with children that have been trafficked.

She is also helping to raise money for The Burrough Harmony Centre through sea swimming. She is challenging herself to 15 to 20 swims between November 1 and February 1 and people can donate to her efforts here.

To find out more, visit therapyservices.info

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