Counselling and Reiki in Market Lavington – Devizes – Wiltshire

Claire Lilley - Wellbeing in Wiltshire
~ claire ballardie

Welcome to my website. As a Therapeutic Counsellor, my aim is to provide a variety of options to improve both physical and mental health- a holistic way to feel good and to be, and to promote calmness and relaxation. I offer counselling and reiki  near Devizes in Market Lavington, Wiltshire..

Counselling

As a therapeutic counsellor, a combined approach to psychotherapy enables me to bring together different elements of specific therapies to work in the best way to help you.  I work in an integrative way with a view that there is no single approach that can help each client in all situations.

Eco-Therapy

Indoor therapy may not be for everyone: being outdoors can be very grounding and healing – connecting with nature can promote a sense of calm and serenity, even if the weather is bad! Nature is powerful and profound and can be refreshing for the soul.

Animal-assisted counselling

Animals can play a very important part in the therapeutic process, aiding relaxation and a sense of calm, reflecting mood and body language.

Exercise

Movement is good for both physical and mental health. Exercise boosts your mood, and improves physical awareness: classes are a great way to make friends.

Meditation
Life can seem very busy. Taking a mental break through mediation helps you to discover a quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Mindfulness

Feeling overwhelmed is common if you have many worries on your mind, and trying to juggle daily life. Mindfulness helps you to focus on one thing at a time, to take time and to find pleasure in simple tasks, bringing a sense of calm to the day.

Reiki

Physical and emotional issues can have a huge effect on the body’s energy. self-heal. Reiki can help to rebalance the equilibrium  between mind and body through deep relaxation.

I am a qualified Counsellor,  Reiki Master, Exercise Professional, and a British Horse Society Registered Equestrian Coach.

I can offer:

Please contact me for further details on any of the above.

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The Psychology of Horsemanship by Claire Lilley

~ claire ballardie

The Psychology of Horsemanship by Claire Lilley

Horses are fascinating and perceptive creatures. Developing a thorough understanding of how a horse interprets the world around them and deliberately being self-aware as a rider, are the essential skills to a successful and fulfilling partnership. In The Psychology of Horsemanship. well-known equestrian author and horse expert, Claire Lilley, shares her passion and knowledge about horses and riders developed from over forty years’ experience in the equestrian world, and more recently several years in the mental health profession. Divided into three sections, the book covers:

  • Equine psychology – the horse’s senses, primary responses and emotion
  • Training psychology – the rider’s communication, training and learning from past experiences
  • Relational psychology – the goals, the development and the challenges faced in successful horsemanship

Claire’s latest book is available from Crowood Press on the link below;

The Psychology of Horsemanship by Claire Lilley

Surviving Christmas

~ claire ballardie

Surviving Christmas

Christmas can be a stressful time of year for many. The pressure to ‘have a good time’ can be overwhelming. It may seem that everyone is full of joy and excitement with frantic shopping sprees, the fridge groaning with food, and dashing around to catch up with social commitments with friends and family. Some love dressing up and sparkle with bonhomie and fabulous social skills, hosting with expertise.

Loneliness, anxiety and depression are all too common at this time of year, with the dread of Christmas highlighting Christmases past where memories of festivities are not happy ones. The loss of a loved on, the break-up of a relationship, financial pressures, social anxiety and family politics all add up to a very unhappy time.

Being alone at Christmas is stressful for some, but others may find the absence of pressure to join in’ liberating. Being able to please yourself, watch what you want to on TV, eat what you want, when you want is a great way to treat yourself, and to care for yourself when you may feel that no-one else cares.

To survive Christmas, it can be really helpful to plan ahead. Work in time to do what you need to do. Plan time for commitments but also allow ‘time out’ for your self to escape for a while to a quiet room, or take a walk. Commit to seeing who you want to spent time with, and excuse yourself from situations you find difficult. This can be done kindly so as not to offend.

Spare a thought for those that work at this time of year, maybe in the retail and catering trades, or farming and animal care, where the job continues 365 days of the year. in all weathers.

An alternative Christmas mat be appealing. Out aside the traditions and create some new ones for yourself, Maybe going for a walk with a packed lunch instead of the big turkey meal, or volunteer at one of the many brilliant organisations that provide for others.Maybe there are others in your neighbourhood that need company.

The most important thing to survive Christmas is to look after yourself, and to treat yourself, whatever your situation. Acknowledge the needs of people around you too, but have self-respect enough to value what you would like to do/not do.

Take care through the festivities, but continue to have self-belief and to care for yourself in the coming year.

 

Best wishes, Claire

 

TWIXTMAS Exercise Class

~ claire ballardie

TWIXTMAS exercise class in Market Lavington

Claire’s FLexercise class is on between Christmas and the New Year on Friday 27th December at 10.30am. Get ahead with your New Year exercise regime!

Come along to The Old School, Market Lavington SN10 4DT (park in the community hall car park and walk along the pavement in front of the church to the Old School with black railings at the front. Go in through the blue door.).

You may have visiting family or friends who would like to try the class: they would be very welcome.

The class is fun, and friendly, and to encourage exercise to music, with a focus on stretching, balance, dance and posture.

The class lasts for an hour and costs £6.50. Wear comfortable clothing, and bring a mat/towel if you would like to do floor work. If not, chair work is optional for this section.

Have a Happy Christmas, and hope to see you on 27th.

Claire

 

 

The Owl – Symbolism

~ claire ballardie

The Owl – Symbolism

The owl has been valued as a spirit animal, or totem for a very long time. It symbolises ancient knowledge in Native American Indian beliefs, as a soul protector at the end of life to Egyptians. The ancient Greeks saw the owl as a protector of their armies.

Having an affinity with the owl, dreaming of them, or seeing them around, or coincidentally coming across the owl in daily life may be taken as an indication to embrace what the owl may symbolise to you. There may be traits in the owl that are pertinent to you right now, or qualities the owl has that may be of benefit in your life. To discover more about why the owl is in your thoughts, meditation can be a valuable way to sense what this means to you at the moment.

Qualities of the owl:

Intuition

Intelligence

Clarity

Wisdom

Protection

Watchfulness

Finding truth

Patience

Focus

Observation

Owls can symbolise:

Exploring shadows and fears

Seeing fine details

Needing protection through Change or transition

Time to leave the past behind and move forwards

Seeing things as they really are, being aware of deception

Getting Older Gracefully

~ claire ballardie

Getting Older Gracefully

We are living longer. Nurturing our bodies and our minds is important so we can do all the things we want to do, for as long as possible. Increasing activity helps to keep your body running like a well-oiled machine: parts can seize up if they are not used.  Keep moving! Dancing to music is proven to be the best mind and body exercise going. A combination of yoga-inspired stretching and dance really improve energy levels, fitness and strength.

Maintaining a youthful outlook on life knocks years off your ‘real’ age. Apparently ’60 is the new 40′. We have the opportunity to look and feel 10 or 20 years younger with regular exercise. Improve your complexion by exercising regularly and drinking plenty of water.

Being fit helps balance and posture. It improves and prolongs quality of life, as well as exercising the brain. Practice makes perfect and improves co-ordination. It may seem daunting to take up a new activity, but self-confidence will grow as you become physically fitter.

Joining a class is a great way to meet new friends. Loneliness can be an issue as we age. It can be difficult to take the plunge to start a new activity, but exercising in a friendly and fun environment can really uplift the spirits. Feeling happy on the inside reflects in your face, and passes joy to others too!

Exercise Classes in Market Lavington and Devizes