HAT helps healing in the NHS - a joint project with The Parallax Partnership

“...for their ability to bring out the best in me, I thank them eternally... I became a more subtle, enhanced me... HAT was one of the most profound things I have ever experienced... I am saying more of whatI really think rather than what I know people want to hear. ”

- Assistant Director of Nursing, NHS Trust

HAT was one of the most profound things I have ever experienced, from the first questions I was asked to think about (i.e how do I react when I don't get what I want) to the effect of being asked these again in a ring with a horse that I am trying to lead, the whole journey for me has been remarkable.

Although the Parallax sessions are predominately work related, Sarah Morris' coaching has had a profound knock on effect to all areas of my life. Sometimes, my whole value base has been called into question. My feelings and thoughts have been exposed, dissected and put back together again in such a way that I have been able to move forward with a renewed personal confidence.

To say that the HAT day was emotional does not do it justice. I had moments of awareness about recurring patterns in my relationships that were dazzling but at the same time really sad as I now realise how much I had been holding myself back and preventing myself finding true happiness. The journey took me to places I did not really in truth want to go to - including my victim status with my current boss.  This, I was cleverly shown by Paul and the horse Maddie (how do they do that?) I also discovered what to do about it: now I can see how it all comes from within me, I can do something about it.

The funniest part of the day was when Paul asked me to view Maddie as my boss. Immediately, Maddie proceeded to turn her back to me and not being too polite put her bottom in my face. Paul at this point said that was the most disrespectful thing a horse can do but ‘yes’ I laughed, ‘that's exactly what my boss does when she is bored with what I am saying’. How could the horse know that?

From the day a number of things have changed for me. I have learnt how to say ‘no’, loving that word more everyday. I no longer act the victim with my boss, every meeting sees a shift in the child parent relationship. My personal relationshipsare getting stronger by the day saying ‘no’ here has been particularly powerful. At last I am saying more of whatI really think rather than what I know people want to hear it only took 42 years but at least I got there.

Finally my affirmation for the day (but really for the rest of my life) is I believe in myself and I am being assertive. If you asked the people I work and live with it has not been a dramatic change -one Michele on Monday then a new Michele the next - but a more subtle, enhanced me, well I did not want to scare them all too much. I loved my day with Paul and Maddie and will be grateful for their patience, support and understanding, but most of all for their ability to bring out the best in me. I thank them eternally.”

Click here to visit The Parallax Partnership website