About Valerie
My career has always revolved around health, volunteer work, and education. Starting as a nurse, I eventually joined Medécins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) in the '90s. There, I supported medical volunteers working in some pretty tough and unstable environments.
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This experience sparked my interest in trauma, leading me to earn a Master's in Psychotherapy. For over 20 years, l've focused on helping people manage anxiety and stress, teaching them how to calm their nervous systems. I've also worked with an Employee Assistance Company, helping people deal with work stress as well as being part of a trauma response team for workplace incidents.
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In 2018, I launched The Well Institute to share these crucial skills and resources, empowering people to take charge of their stress and anxiety. Just as everything was falling into place, I faced a major health challenge in September 2019. I had to practice what I preached to get through it, spending nine months relying on the techniques I've taught for years.
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Now, I'm back at The Well Institute, more passionate than ever about what we offer. Having personally experienced the benefits of these practices, I'm excited to help others discover them too.
Putting My Professional Experience to the Test
In September 2019, I was hit with a cancer diagnosis that turned my world upside down. Initially, I was reeling and frightened, but I quickly realised how crucial it was to stay calm for my overall health and well-being-physically, mentally, and spiritually. My video delves into this experience, highlighting the impact on my nervous system and why maintaining calmness was so important.
Facing this existential crisis, I had to use all my resources to approach the edge without being overwhelmed. learned to accept what I couldn't control, which gave me the courage to change what I could and not get swept away by fear of the unknown. This acceptance helped me live in the moment and be present, revealing an intense and unexpected joy even amidst the challenge. I discovered that joy can coexist with profound life struggles, and it's all thanks to the power of keeping a balanced nervous system.
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From this lived experience, I can confidently say that nervous system regulation works. It allowed me to fully live my life, not just my illness, bringing immense joy and fulfilment.
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Thankfully, I've made a good recovery and am back at work, more committed and passionate than ever. Now, I'm eager to share what I've learned through my career and personal journey with others. In these times of uncertainty and anxiety, it's more important than ever to equip ourselves with the skills to maintain and support our well-being sustainably.