Helping families become happier

Practical psychology for everyday happiness with
the Healthy Outlook Program

TAKE TIME TO BE HAPPY!

We would all like to be as happy and healthy as we possibly can be, but how do we do that?

For practical small daily ideas for the whole family and to gain a refreshing new perspective, or for more in depth one-to-one sessions, I invite you to read on!

moragw00@gmail.com 01403 266502

What is Coaching?  What happens?

It's not new!  It's a straightforward talking therapy that's been around for centuries.  What is new is that neuro-scientists can now see just what's happening in our brains as we laugh, get angry, feel stressed, cuddle a child, and so on.

The goal is that the client and coach chat and with careful questioning, the coach enables the client to get rid of unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and create the conditions for developing new, beneficial habits.  The objective is to help the client be how they would really like to be: to be their best possible version of themselves.

After many decades of research into "negative" questions such as why we become anxious, worried and depressed, psychologists in the 1960s started addressing the "positive" questions around how we become happy, fulfilled and content.  Many universities around the world are continuing to research this rapidly expanding area.

How long does it take?

The sessions are flexible:  Each face-to-face session can last up to 2 hours, with the first session typically taking 2 hours, and follow-up sessions taking about 1.5 hours.

How Many sessions will be needed?

Obviously, everyone's situations and needs are different, so each follow-up session is personally agreed between client and coach.  Generally speaking, my intention and hope is that clients feel happier and ready to move forwards after 3 - 5 sessions.  Some clients choose to return for a "top-up" session after a few months.

My Experience

I was a volunteer course leader of this brilliant new 8 week discussion group in Horsham in April 2016. It's a secular course, based on the latest neuro-science about what actually happens in our brains, as well as the ancient wisdom of diverse religions...and what granny always told us! The UK based Action for Happiness charity has only been running for a few years now but is now in 170 countries worldwide.

During my final year teaching at Millais School in Horsham (2012-3), I set up The Arts Award (an arty version of the Duke of Edinburgh Award which also attracts UCAS points). I felt it was the most valuable thing I did that year - encouraging girls to follow their passion in greater depth, and I was absolutely delighted that at the end of the year, 14 students were awarded their Bronze Arts Award. Their challenges included learning new skills, researching existing artists, teaching their skills to others and setting up exhibitions of their work. Hannah, who was an Art Apprentice winner, is now working towards her bronze Arts Award.

During 2015, I launched a competition to encourage local teenagers who are enthusiastic about art. Some of the entrants were doubtful of their own skills, but the exhibition was very well received and looked great, and work was sold to staff or visitors at Roffey Park Institute. Entries included collage, print and painting and photography. The competition was supported by Seawhites artists' supplies, and Rocking Ur Teens. Winners attended a workshop by local artist John Thompson and some have now moved on to Art College.

My career has been spent teaching all ages from reception age children, to secondary school, to college, to adult learners in places as diverse as Sierra Leone Africa, Manchester, Surrey and Sussex, many times as volunteer as well as professional, starting with three years as a young Psychology Tutor at Swansea University.

Ms VS, Teacher, Horsham
Morag helped me work through a difficult transition between careers with warmth, empathy, humour and insight. Not only did she help me believe I could do what I wanted, she helped me appreciate that I was good at it too.

Mr S.L. Horsham
I had an evening meeting with Morag, as there are lots of times in your life you need to think about the big picture- You need to see and you just can't. With Morag's help, I did think about the whole picture, family, friends and a happy life, not just material things, which mean much less. So in a nutshell -Thank you, Morag- A SHOUT OUT!

Mrs K.J. Horsham
Meeting Morag and working things through with her was a great experience. She really got to the heart of what I needed to do to manage the things in my life that were getting me down. Very quickly she suggested practical steps I could take which have proved to be very useful. With her support I felt able to take immediate action and knowing I could meet with her again was hugely reassuring. I would thoroughly recommend working with Morag if you want to make some changes and take control of your own happiness.

Miss W.S. Horsham
I started coaching sessions with Morag at a time when I was struggling with different aspects of my life. She helped me to look at things differently, giving me further understanding as to how thoughts are processed and how the brain works. She also gave me some tasks to do at home in between sessions which really helped me focus. I would highly recommend Morag.

Ms AW, London
Talking through what I wanted to get out of my job with someone impartial really helped me to clarify my thoughts.  Her calm, positive support and constant encouragement gave me the confidence I needed to negotiate the role I wanted on my return to work after maternity leave.  Thank you, Morag."