Kate Connell Mindfulness Relaxation
Experience and Qualifications
I have worked in the mental health field since 2004, in a variety of roles and settings including managing social inclusion projects, one-to-one community outreach, and facilitating stress reduction, mindfulness and relaxation talks, workshops and courses, both privately and for various organisations. These include Mind in Enfield, Ponders End Community Development Trust, Depression Alliance Enfield, Cyrenians Housing, Mental Health First Aid, Enfield Centre for Natural Health Limited, Enfield Disability Action, HAIL Carer's project, Tottenham and for staff at Age UK, Job Centre Plus Enfield and Brimsdown Primary School.
During this time, I have worked closely with people with a range of diagnoses, including anxiety/panic attacks, depression, PTSD, OCD, schizophrenia and psychosis, personality disorders, bipolar and Asperger's, but I recognise that everyone’s experience of distress is unique and diagnosis can limit understanding of thoughts, feelings and behaviour.
I am qualified in Relaxation Skills Training from the Centre for Stress Management, and I have completed Professional Training in the Therapeutic use of Mindfulness at the British Mindfulness Institute.
I have also been trained in a variety of mental health-related subjects, including counselling skills and working with personality disorders.
About Me
I have been practising meditation, relaxation and mindfulness since the mid-1990s and teaching it since 2007. I originally came to these practices through my experience of stress-related ill-health and found them to be extremely beneficial in supporting and sustaining my recovery. This left me with a passion for teaching and passing on these skills to others who may be suffering, or just wish to enhance their wellbeing.
I am passionate about supporting people to heal and grow in their own way. I have been told that I have a gentle, non-judgemental and genuine approach, which is rooted in my own experience. I also find that humour can be helpful in relieving stress and connecting to others.
I currently work as a Mental Health Enablement Officer, working one-to-one with people in the community and in social support settings. I also host social inclusion events for the Stuart Low Trust. In my spare time I love walking, being outdoors, swimming, singing and reading.
