Hi, I’m SIMON LYONs.
My story is one of exhilarating successes and debilitating setbacks. I’m fortunate in having had success in sales plus 20 years’ experience years in self-employment. I think it’s fair to say that I’m familiar with the highs and lows of life, having acquired some the less appealing “t-shirts” as well the great ones.
Extensive travel, home and a family lifestyle were the paybacks for the risks, long hours and responsibility however there’s always a price to pay, the associated stress and anxiety were costly and the portentous life-long reach of depression often had a heavy hand on my shoulder. Ongoing however, my life was blessed with beautiful children and the unparalleled joy they brought was life affirming, I was complete, at that point.
Aside from my professional qualifications, I am qualified also with the experience of loss and grief and its corrosive effect on confidence, identity and self-esteem. Additionally, the loss of a loved one, a crashed career and empty nest syndrome all ensured that I fell into a place of being lost, stuck and absolutely broken… I can attest to the fact that we can return to being whole and happy again!
Alcohol throughout was an easy and reliable friend, used to null the relentless mundanities and stresses of the days. However, that brought along its own pernicious set of problems and only exacerbated the anxiety of it all. Once I finally understood that certain feelings triggered the perceived relief of alcohol then its appeal dissipated, this has now proved to be of invaluable experience when helping others in that soul destroying space.
It was in these emotionally austere times that I immersed myself into voluntary work and was happily lost in helping others rather than being consumed by my own problems. It was fortuitous, a kind stroke of fate enabled me to discover the world of counselling in the helping community and I found my calling. Passionately I invested the next four years of my life studying it. I found purpose, reward and vocation.. I found me.
So, you know my story, I can actually say that the darkest periods are what brought me into the light of counselling and I can see why I had to go through these times. On reflection, thankfully, I turned it all around and got something out of it and I now understand the path I had take and why.
If any of this resonates with you then you know I`ll understand something about the space you’re in at the moment, that I can help facilitate you to a better place, be okay with yourself and have the confidence to strive towards what you’re looking for.
The hardest part is just reaching out, once you’ve done that you’ve started your journey to getting better! It’ll be okay… contact me.
I would love to hear from you, so we can start you on your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.