Navigating Menopause
Menopause, often referred to as "the change," is a profound transition in a woman’s life that encompasses not just physical shifts, but emotional, mental, and social changes too. Despite being a universal experience, menopause is still often shrouded in mystery and stigma, leaving many women to navigate it alone. This is where counselling or coaching can provide invaluable support.
In the acclaimed drama Bad Sisters, Sharon Horgan’s character Eva enlists the help of a “menopause coach.” When interfering neighbour Angelica (Fiona Shaw) incredulously asks, “Is that real? It sounds makey-uppy,” she unwittingly highlights a common misconception: that professional support for menopause is unnecessary or indulgent. On the contrary, coaching and counselling can be transformative for those seeking to thrive through this life stage.
No “One Size Fits All” Approach
Sentences that start with "You should…" or "I should…" often lead to guilt, shame, or frustration when personal experiences deviate from expectations you may have of yourself and of the menopause and what this means for your life. The reality is that no two menopause journeys are the same, and trying to conform, or rebel against, a predefined narrative can be self-defeating.
Counselling and coaching offer a space to explore your unique experience.
Embracing Change with Support
Menopause can bring feelings of loss, whether it’s mourning the end of fertility or adjusting to shifts in identity and relationships. But it’s also an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and renewal. Counselling and coaching provide a compassionate space to:
Reflect on what this transition means for you personally.
Process feelings of grief, anger, or confusion.
Reconnect with your sense of purpose and direction.
Why Choose Counselling or Coaching with Me?
As a therapeutic coach and counsellor, I specialise in supporting individuals through life’s transitions, including menopause. My approach recognises that our identities are multi-faceted, shaped by both helpful and unhelpful adaptive behaviours. During menopause, the incongruence between our internal experience and societal expectations can lead to feelings of unacceptability or even confusion about who we are. Together, we can explore these layers to help you feel grounded, empowered, and whole.
In our work, we’ll move beyond "shoulds" and comparisons to uncover what feels authentic and meaningful for you. Whether you’re seeking support in coping with physical symptoms, emotional support, or guidance on navigating relationships and identity, I’m here to help you embrace this transition with courage and clarity.
The Power of Shared Experience
As Angelica in Bad Sisters skeptically suggested, the idea of a menopause coach might sound unusual. But what’s truly “makey-uppy” is the notion that you have to go through menopause alone or that there’s only one “right” way to experience it. Menopause is a change, yes—but it’s also a chance. A chance to rewrite narratives, to embrace your evolving identity, and to step into a new phase of life with intention and grace. Let’s navigate it together.
