SAMANTHA MISHRA

TUNBRIDGE WELLS, KENT, UNITED KINGDOM

Academic Qualifications

        BSc degree in Nursing, BSc degree in Midwifery, Dip.Body Massage, Dip.Sports Therapy, Dip.Trigger Point Therapy, Dip. Advanced Colon Massage, Accredited Trainer Dip.Programme, Dip. Oncology Massage, Dip. Aromatherapy, Dip. Indian Head Massage, Dip. Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Dip. Conscious Connected Breathwork, Dip. Usui Reiki, Dip.IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation)

Additional Certifications

        Myofascial Release, Lymphoedema, Head Massage, Posture and Stress, Facial Acupressure, Understanding Scars, The Neurobiology of Trauma, Polyvagal Theory, Himalayan Salt Massage , Bamboo Massage, Pranayama Breathwork, Brazilian Contouring Lymphatic Drainage, Intuitive Energy healing, Post-mastectomy Breast Massage, Spiritual Life Coaching, Spiritual Hypnotherapy,  Narrative Therapy,  Grief Coaching, Divine Feminine Healing, Teen Life Coaching, Postpartum Transition coaching, Menstrual Coaching, Menopause Coaching, Divine Masculine Healing, Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults, Abuse Awareness and Response, Sex Therapy, Domestic Violence, Scar Integration, Healing Trauma, Vagus Nerve, Massage Therapy for Victims of Sexual Abuse

        Non Intravenous Administration of Medicines, Oxygen Therapy and Pulse Oximetry, Patient Group Directions, Intravenous Drug Administration, Blood Transfusion, CVP Lines, Fire Safety, Epidurals,Patient Controlled Analgesia & Entonox, Manual Handling, Resuscitation/Intermediate Life Support, Data Protection, Venepuncture, Health & Safety, IV Cannulation, Prevention of Deep Vein Thrombosis, Diversity in the Workplace, Risk Management, Infection Control, Clinical Governance, Freedom of Information, Data Confidentiality,  Teenage Pregnancy, Children with Disabilities , Foetal Monitoring, Obstetric Emergencies , Informed Consent, Dementia Awareness, Acute Care and National Early Warning Scores,

Professional Registrations and Accreditations

        MASCED Accreditation in Early Detection of Skin Cancer and Melanoma(2021-2026)

        NMC (Nursing and Midwifery Council-2001-2011, 2017-2019),

        FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists 2019 - 2022),

        IGCT (International Guild of Complementary Therapists-2022 - 2026),

        CHP (Complementary health Professional- 2024 -2026)

        CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council- 2024 -2026)

       Current Profession

The Medical Massage Lady – advanced specialist medical and sports massage therapist, trauma practitioner and transformation coach, oncology practitioner, aromatherapist, breathwork facilitator, reiki practitioner, hypnotherapist, training course provider,

Official Paper on

        "Empowered Resilience: Navigating Trauma to Inspire Transformative Purpose in Others"

Presented to

Grace Ladies Global Academy USA

For Honorary Doctorate in Women Empowerment and Inspiration

On 11th November 2025

Empowered Resilience: Navigating Trauma to Inspire Transformative Purpose in Others

“You are not what happened to you. You are who you choose to become after it.”

The human soul has an exceptional ability to convert pain into purpose, injuries into insight, and survival into service. My personal narrative exemplifies that our most profound challenges can serve as the basis for our most significant contributions to society. My personal experience with domestic violence, sexual assault, chronic pain, prolonged grief, and mental health challenges has been non-linear, yet it has transformed me into an individual capable of providing hope to those facing similar struggles.

 
As the Medical Massage Lady, my voice is distinguished not by its volume, but by its sincerity. My endeavours, encompassing podcasting, seminars, guides, and community outreach, are grounded in a combination of medical skill and personal experience. As a nurse and midwife, I possess clinical expertise with a life characterised by significant adversity, including childhood disability, abuse, chronic pain, depression, PTSD, and complex grief. From this tapestry of adversity, I have crafted a career focused on comprehension, instruction, and, most importantly, healing. Although recognised for my trauma therapy, my approach cannot be succinctly described by a singular term.

Upon reflection of my journey, it is not the triumphs that have most significantly influenced me, but rather the adversities. Having been raised in a dysfunctional family environment, I quickly acquired the ability to persevere in the face of few resources and to maintain hope despite seemingly insurmountable challenges. The foundation of resilience sustained me throughout my education, my job in the NHS, and finally led me to entrepreneurship as the founder of The Medical Massage Lady, whose objective is to empower individuals to regain their strength. My services are associated with confidence, relationships, health, and future prospects. Lack of understanding, or being informed of our incapacity to manage life, can impede our progress for years. My objective is to disrupt these cycles and demonstrate to clients that emotional stability and the acknowledgement of generational trauma are attainable.

In moments when the burden of years of anguish becomes inexpressible, a mere hand on your shoulder might convey the message that you are not alone. Healing frequently commences not with pharmaceuticals, but with compassion that penetrates beyond the corporeal.

This insight was not attained solely through texts or training manuals. It originated from years dedicated to hospital wards, from nights assisting women in delivery, and from a personal journey characterised by both connection and profound grief. My narrative exemplifies resilience; it illustrates the ability to maintain compassion despite the disintegration of my own reality.

I was never raised with ambition or the aspiration to become a leader. In my childhood, I exhibited shyness, introversion, and frequently encountered social anxiety, which persists to the present day. The significance of childhood has just recently become evident. Being raised without a father and under the influence of a narcissistic mother resulted in a lack of affection, absence of expressions of love or pride, and persistent disregard for my opinions. The absence of this support significantly impacted my self-confidence and likely influenced my early relationships.

Experiencing a narcissistic parent and an absent one, compounded by an abusive marriage, resulted in a profound loss of identity. My self-esteem was significantly undermined, and my faith in my own judgement became tenuous. Informed that I would never accomplish anything, that my opinions held no significance, and that I would be undesirable, profoundly influenced my twenties and thirties.

Despite my academic foundations, I grappled with anxiety and my introverted disposition. At 49 years of age, I have now endured depression for over thirty years and complicated PTSD for a minimum of twenty; both disorders impairing my short-term memory, rendering duties such as writing articles or teaching significantly more challenging, despite retaining the knowledge.

Confronting my personal challenges—chronic pain, childhood disability, grief, and mental health issues—I never anticipated that these experiences would establish the groundwork for a revolutionary career in holistic therapy. These obstacles inspired me to transform therapeutic techniques by integrating medical expertise with empathetic care, providing healing for both the body and the psyche. Currently, my enterprise serves as a symbol of optimism for individuals who have historically been neglected by conventional healthcare methods.

In addition to my extensive medical expertise in nursing and midwifery, I have enhanced my massage qualifications to include aromatherapy, oncology, trauma, reiki, hypnotherapy, breathwork, and additional modalities. My aspiration to transform perceptions of holistic treatment stemmed from my personal experiences with chronic pain and trauma. Assisting marginalised populations, such as children with cerebral palsy, trauma survivors, those experiencing self-harm and mental health challenges, and those undergoing gender reassignment surgery, has become a fundamental aspect of my role as a multi-award-winning educator and therapist.

My Early Professional Journey
My journey to healthcare was not linear.  I was apprehensive regarding my future. Both catering and art were considerations, but careers advice at school directed me towards occupational therapy. I remained for two terms before recognising my true passion resided elsewhere. I needed to engage in treatment rather than predominantly focussing on assessment. This decision directed me towards nursing and subsequently midwifery, where I developed a keen interest in women's health.

Although officially diagnosed with depression at 19, its influence had loomed over my adolescence, unrecognised. The diagnosis occurred during my nursing education, coinciding with my initial nervous breakdown and self-harm, in a world that appeared to progress while I remained stagnant. The stigma around mental illness in healthcare was evident; I was unable to disclose my experiences or get the essential support I required.

The collapse not only forced me to temporarily exit nursing but also offered a significant lesson on perseverance: when one avenue is obstructed, we must seek an alternative. I enrolled in a massage course, believing I was permanently relinquishing my medical ambitions. Life intricately intertwines seemingly disparate strands into a coherent fabric. I ultimately got my nursing degree, practiced as a surgical nurse, and subsequently identified my actual vocation in women's health via midwifery, where I accepted a role in a designated team for pregnant refugees who had undergone female genital mutilation.

For three years, I assisted in the process of childbirth, observing the profound strength and fragility inherent in birth. The work was significant and fulfilling, but the universe had other intentions. I married and, following three unsuccessful pregnancies, had two children, one of whom was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Daily routines, familial dynamics, and my professional trajectory all underwent transformation.

Individual hardship
The challenging environment in which I was raised prompted me to marry at an early age in an attempt to flee the disharmony and manipulation at home, but beneath the veneer of a stable household, a more sinister truth was emerging. Anticipating that marriage would offer security and support, I instead endured nine years of various forms of abuse, feeling trapped and powerless to depart, despite understanding that life should not be this way. My aspirations for support and affection transformed into a confinement of maltreatment, though the recognition of it as abuse emerged only subsequently. Following three unsuccessful pregnancies, the birth of two children ultimately empowered me to depart, particularly as their well-being was compromised by neglect.

I underwent various forms of abuse while attempting to shield my children from a similar fate. The seclusion was stifling — no one was aware of the events transpiring behind closed doors. I was too apprehensive to confide in anyone, preoccupied with processing the truth of my circumstances to seek assistance. Upon observing neglect directed at my children, I recognised the necessity for intervention. The audacity to exit an abusive relationship is not a singular act of courage; rather, it constitutes a succession of daunting, incremental strides towards liberation, each necessitating a preference for hope over trepidation.

My work, however, also changed when my daughter received her diagnosis. I withdrew, intending merely a brief respite. One year evolved into nine as I dedicated myself wholly to my children, and then I experienced the anguish no parent should face: I lost them. The sorrow enveloped me in desolation for years. Following a night of suicidal contemplation on my floor, I recognised the necessity to emerge from my state of reclusiveness.

I departed from midwifery shortly after my daughter's diagnosis, intending to take a year to manage appointments and acclimatise to our new situation. That year extended into nine years of full-time caregiving for my two children, manoeuvring through the intricate landscape of disability services while concurrently engaging in protracted legal disputes with my ex-husband.

The court system, intended to serve as a bastion of protection and justice, became an additional source of trauma. I observed with dismay as experts, expected to be impartial advocates for children's wellbeing, were misled by a someone who had devoted years to mastering the narcissistic art of deception. The procedures intended to safeguard victims of domestic abuse and their children failed us dramatically.

Nevertheless, personal healing had not commenced, and another marriage ensued five years later. The union was short lived and its conclusion, coincided with the devastating loss of both children, irrevocably altering life. The depression that began in adolescence and was formally diagnosed at nineteen following a nervous breakdown and self-harm intensified further. The trauma from my youth, exacerbated by abuse and subsequent loss of children, has evolved into complicated PTSD and enduring sadness that persists to this day. A subsequent neurological breakdown engendered suicidal ideation, accompanied by an absence of discernible direction.

A decade ago, I lost my children to this flawed system - a loss that is beyond expression and comprehension. Overwhelming sadness permeated my being like a chronic ailment, intensifying the CPTSD originating from my upbringing and abusive marriage. The suicidal ideation stemmed not only from a desire to evade suffering but also from a profound disconnection from any sense of purpose or hope.

For four years, I lived as a recluse. My sofa became my sanctuary, and drawing became my essential means of processing emotions beyond vast for verbal expression. These were not wasted years; they were essential years, a transformative phase during which I had to undergo a total disintegration before I could reconstruct myself. The subsequent sexual assault in my home in 2023, and a third nervous breakdown in 2024 due to stalking, further encouraged my mission to support others who have been through similar trauma, and to give them the support that I never had, training other therapists in specialist techniques so that they can offer more support, and through community service to raise awareness, and funds to support the vulnerable.

My personal experiences with persistent pain and intricate bereavement profoundly influenced my comprehension of the healing process. By integrating my experiences into my work, I transformed these challenges into motivation. My motivation to assist others stemmed from a profound empathy for individuals encountering analogous challenges. I leverage my own history to inspire my work and provide others with opportunities for recovery. The challenges I have encountered have intensified my resolve to dismantle obstacles in healthcare.

This personal dedication resulted in the establishment of a variety of therapeutic treatments grounded in professional knowledge and personal experience. By exhibiting openness and vulnerability regarding my personal struggles, I have built a therapeutic environment in which clients feel acknowledged and understood, thereby dismantling stigmas in a society that frequently finds discussions of trauma and mental health difficult.

Moving Forward
Enduring profound suffering with minimal help could either devastate or metamorphose an individual. I remain uncertain to this day regarding how I accomplished it, nevertheless I discovered a way to ascend. Maya Angelou's poem 'Still I Rise' serves as a source of inspiration: "Did you want to see me broken? Bowed head and lowered eyes? Shoulders falling down like teardrops, weakened by my soulful cries?... “You may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise.”

The realisation I have recently come to is that every emotion you have had, including the tumultuous ones, conveys a message. Your emotions, rather than indicating weakness, reveal your inner strength. All emotions can be recontextualised. Joy and sorrow bestow the gift of empathy; anxiety and exhilaration foster an instinct for growth; anger and compassion empower protection; guilt and forgiveness provide the strength to heal; and tranquility and uncertainty cultivate resilience, enhancing adaptability. Your emotions should not be perceived as problems requiring resolution; instead, they can serve as valuable resources for transformation, regulation, and resilience.

In this fragile phase of rebuilding, an element from my history provided a path ahead. Years prior, during a hiatus from nursing, I completed a massage course. Initially, it served merely to engage my intellect, yet the knowledge persisted. Re-entering the nursing profession proved significantly more challenging than anticipated after an extended absence. A pivotal moment occurred during a discussion with a friend who referenced sports massage, illuminating the connection between my previous training and current need. I recalled how massage had alleviated my daughter's cerebral palsy symptoms, reducing muscle rigidity, relaxing her gut, and offering solace during challenging periods.

I selected an alternative route, employing massage as a conduit between my medical expertise and my aspiration to assist others. I enrolled in a sports therapy course. It felt like a return to my true self, a means to apply my medical expertise and training while acknowledging the path I had traversed. It was not merely a question of reinstating my work; resuming massage enabled me to re-establish my identity as a healer.
My brief tenure at a franchise revealed substantial deficiencies within the massage industry, including insufficient training protocols, subpar standards, and a general lack of awareness among therapists about trauma and the needs of survivors. The standard of care to which clients were entitled was inadequate. Two-thirds of clients presented with medical conditions or sports-related ailments. It had transcended mere indulgence. Individuals required additional resources, and they merited greater provisions. Clients soon began requesting "the medical lady" expressly. They placed their trust in my knowledge, and I observed the impact of my approach. At that moment, I realised I needed to develop something independently.

I had to tackle my primary physical trigger—being touched around my neck—which I surmounted through massage and the stunning revelation that healing often arises not from textbooks but from authentic human connection. The event solidified my resolve to provide assistance to women who had undergone comparable situations.

The will to address trauma, domestic violence, and childhood disabilities stemmed from personal experience, alongside a robust background in medical education. Opting for self-employment in massage treatment facilitated opportunities to operate in domains that conventional spas and franchises would not permit. This autonomy facilitated training in selected disciplines and the establishment of a professional identity grounded in sincerity.

In contrast to many, I did not intend to exhibit a solely formal or impersonal professional demeanour. By disclosing personal trauma and challenges, I enhanced my relatability, fostering a climate conducive to client trust and connection. This rendered therapy more attainable for those who required it most. I established my profession on the conviction that massage may transcend mere luxury and serve as a significant kind of care. During the pandemic, I utilised the unforeseen time to compose training manuals. My objective was unequivocal: to equip therapists with the comprehensive information required to modify treatments safely and successfully, irrespective of the client's condition.

In February 2020, I embarked on self-employment, motivated by the desire to establish a practice that I wished had been available during my time of need, merging my medical expertise with professional massage treatments. Initially, my professional focus was predominantly on massage therapy and the utilisation of medical expertise. Over time, that emphasis broadened into a comprehensive holistic approach, encompassing breathwork, hypnosis, transformational coaching, Reiki, aromatherapy, and various other modalities. I also facilitate seminars, incorporating trauma healing and transformation coaching as a vital aspect of my practice. Diverse motivational forces persist in directing and inspiring this trajectory.

My oncology training was unexpectedly transforming, imparting a more delicate approach to bodywork that avoids overstimulation of the nervous system, and guiding me towards breathwork, an effective method for releasing trauma embedded in the subconscious. Breath serves as our most direct link to the present and our most readily available instrument for regulating the nervous system—precisely what trauma survivors require. This realisation resulted in the creation of my trauma massage approach, derived from oncology concepts. Trauma survivors frequently remain in survival mode, with dysregulated nerve systems that are easily overwhelmed, necessitating a soothing approach.

Advanced training with prominent trauma specialists enhanced my comprehension of the somatic manifestations of trauma, and Gabor Maté's research on the subject profoundly connected with my personal experiences. I increased my toolkit to encompass vagus nerve toning, breathwork, regression reiki for addressing trauma at its energetic origins, hypnotherapy for profound subconscious healing, and transformation courses.

As my reputation in trauma work expanded, I commenced collaborations with local organisations, including domestic abuse agencies, rape crisis centres, and mental health organisations. The excessive demand resulted in extensive waiting lists for therapy services, leaving survivors in a state of uncertainty during their most vulnerable moments. Having traversed my trauma with no help, I felt a profound need to prevent other women from experiencing similar isolation.

Clients frequently express, "I wish someone had informed me of this earlier," which underscores the centrality of education in my endeavours. Business entails establishing a framework for growth, rather than only providing everyday services. Clarity alters one's ability to progress. New opportunities emerge that you were previously unaware of.

The primary lesson I have acquired is that wealth transcends just monetary value; it encompasses mentality and behaviours. It is unnecessary to have everything resolved to commence construction. Incremental, consistent actions accumulate over time; although I may not have acknowledged this previously, I certainly recognise it now.

A New Path
Currently, my efforts are transforming the perception of massage treatment. The amalgamation of contemporary scientific knowledge with established treatment methodologies has been essential to my success. I have developed new treatment regimens that assist women in their physical and mental recuperation following breast surgery, including my post-mastectomy breast massage program. Facilitating the body's processing of emotions and trauma is as crucial as physical recuperation. It is a delicate balance, although I have endeavoured to ensure that my methods integrate the most beneficial elements of each approach. This one of a kind programme, endorsed by oncology and cosmetic surgery consultants, offers physiological healing, emotional support and trauma integration simulataneously, alongside improved spiritual awareness and connection to oneself, unavailable elsewhere.

I have also been an innovator in the treatment of trauma-induced anxiety and depression, along with specific treatments for other medical conditions. I can address both acute symptoms and chronic illnesses by integrating traditional medical massage with advanced scientific insights. When a customer must choose between traditional medication and alternative therapies, this holistic approach will significantly enhance their long-term therapeutic objectives.

I aim to emphasise the importance of therapists challenging the limitations imposed by society and the industry through my training programs. Therapists should strive to eradicate stigma while augmenting their skills through specialised, advanced training. Completing a single course is inadequate for one to claim the title of therapist. The position entails the privilege and obligation of safeguarding individuals' health, with the capacity to effectuate significant transformation within the industry and enhance customers' sense of autonomy. I frequently contemplate the words of Maya Angelou: “Do the best you can until you know better.” Upon acquiring greater knowledge, one should strive for improvement. Practical skills enable an individual to provide massage, but it is knowledge that possesses the capacity to transform both the practitioner and the client. This idea drives my commitment to provide training courses. I instruct others not merely to execute a method, but to comprehend the anatomy and the individual before them. It is a synthesis of empathy and empirical knowledge, of experience and intention.

A significant contribution of mine has been the development of a massage course tailored for children with cerebral palsy, directly inspired by my daughter. As a parent of a child with special needs, I encountered the challenges of locating good, inexpensive, and accessible care. Upon receiving enquiries from clients in remote areas, I realised that there were no therapists in the United Kingdom capable of provide comparable service. This insight prompted me to develop a training program aimed at equipping additional therapists to assist children with disabilities.

These courses address significant deficiencies in conventional massage education, providing practitioners the opportunity to benefit from my extensive expertise in surgical nursing, midwifery, and holistic therapy. My dedication to teaching has resulted in the training of several practitioners throughout the UK, enhancing access to specialised care and guaranteeing that the forthcoming generation of therapists can integrate medical knowledge with conventional massage techniques.

While numerous therapists or instructors stop at theoretical frameworks, I furthermore provide practical, concrete guidelines. My self-help collection encompasses both professional, complete manuals on endometriosis and PCOS that integrate medical knowledge with lifestyle guidelines, as well as deeply personal resources, like intimacy guides for couples addressing touch after trauma and an introductory exploration of trauma itself. These resources lack sterility; they have the distinct imprint of an individual who has experienced what she imparts. In my discourse on CPTSD, I articulate my perspective not alone as a clinician but also as a victim who comprehends the challenge of elucidating the ineffable to others unacquainted with trauma.

Transformation of Myself, Transforms Others
Alongside my role as an educator, I am fervently dedicated to confronting stigmas within the healthcare and massage sectors. My podcast, MML Talks, examines taboo subjects such as trauma, intimacy, and mental health, with the objective of offering listeners a profound comprehension of themselves and their difficulties. This forum enables me to challenge societal limitations, inspiring others to confront and examine their personal challenges.

I approach themes that society typically likes to keep unspoken: childhood trauma and its echoes in adult intimacy, the quiet destruction of missing parents on self-worth, the lasting effects of narcissistic abuse, self-harm, generational trauma cycles of despair. These subjects are not for the timid; but, I confront them with a unique combination of honesty and empathy, encouraging listeners to examine their own difficulties with interest rather than embarrassment. My episodes are less lectures than conversations, a type of linguistic holding space in which listeners can feel both seen and understood.

The podcast does not conclude my mission. Biannually, I host my Transformation Workshop, a 15-week live online program that draws participants from diverse backgrounds who are ensnared in detrimental routines or burdened by unresolved trauma. Far from a fast cure course, the workshop unfolds methodically week by week through investigation of identities, emotional triggers, narcissism, co-dependency, and the recurrent loops trauma causes. Subsequent classes explore inner child work, shadow integration, and introspective activities that compel participants to not only learn and rewire their thought processes, but also to undergo transformation.

My methodology is unequivocally holistic: breathwork, mindfulness, journaling, and partnered exercises coexist with dialogue and accountability. What arises is a form of apprenticeship in self-awareness, a call to confront pain rather than evade it, transforming trauma into personal growth. I do not guarantee comfort; I guarantee genuineness. I am developing a new course that focusses on intimacy following trauma, a subject I have long identified as one of the most misconstrued and essential in the realm of recovery.

Global acknowledgement
My impact transcends singular interventions. Two years ago, I received an invitation to contribute to Brainz magazine. The freedom to write on any topic originated with massage but progressed to encompass pieces on trauma and mental health, which then became the central theme of the MML Talks podcast, addressing challenging and frequently stigmatised issues within both society and the massage business. By confronting these barriers, I questioned their validity and promoted open discourse.

This transparency garnered acknowledgement. At the beginning of this year, I was awarded a Global Recognition Award for therapeutic innovation, education, and community service, subsequently receiving a CREA award in June for contribution to mental health projects, in addition to many regional and national accolades. This acknowledgement resulted in more visibility, enabling a broader audience to discover my work and mission, and I have now been featured in publications across 4 continents.

Through my commitment to enhancing healthcare practices, my contributions as a senior executive to Brainz magazine, and several features internationally, I am gradually transforming the future of medical massage treatment. My advocacy encompasses not only individual clients but also the profession within the massage business, which is frequently trivialised or stigmatised. I have emerged as a vocal critic of the limitations set by cultural misconceptions. I contest not only the stigmas associated with trauma survivors but also those directed at the practice of therapeutic massage. In this endeavour, I establish a domain where somatic practices and trauma education can coexist with integrity, dignity, and credibility.

Leading with Authenticity
My journey has been characterised by loss; but, from that loss emerged clarity. Healing is more than mere physical contact; it involves respect, empathy, and the restoration of quality of life, which I have dedicated my life to reintroducing into the world.

The pivotal moment emerged after years of addressing my personal pain. I learned to make sense of both the big and seemingly minor situations that affected my life. This contemplation resulted in a significant insight: external elements such as surroundings, belongings, or profession do not determine identity. Genuine transformation resides in internal efforts, even when they are uncomfortable.

Having endured a predominantly dysregulated neurological system and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, I have consistently resisted what appeared to be safe. The process was simultaneously provoking and arduous, yet profoundly gratifying. For years, apprehension over imperfection and external evaluation governed my trajectory. It is only recently that I have attained emancipation upon realising that I no longer require external validation or the approval of others to ascertain my self-worth. Ceasing the endeavour to rectify all that others deemed flawed, I commenced the full acceptance of myself. In this acceptance, I discovered my purpose: to love myself and others for their entirety, encompassing both strengths and imperfections. Fostering relationships with those who acknowledged my humanity became crucial to my growth. Grounded in personal experience, I am now more equipped to lead by example.

I never considered myself a leader. It was solely upon obtaining the Global Recognition Award in January and subsequently the CREA Global Award in June that I began to comprehend my designation as a leader. Honoured for therapeutic innovation, educational leadership, and community service; these accolades epitomised attributes previously unassociated with a someone who was formerly timid, apprehensive, and uncertain. I still find it amusing, as I was never raised with ambition or the conviction that I could become someone or serve as a role model. Consequently, I do not perceive it as a challenge, as I am only engaging in the work I like to pursue.

Leadership was never a deliberate objective for me. I acknowledged a need for assistance and sought to aid specific groups of individuals. While I appreciate being perceived as a leader, it was never my intention to attain that status. It arose from resilience, genuineness, and a resolve to convert suffering into meaning. This endeavour allows me to establish a legacy of significance, converting personal suffering into a catalyst for healing, enlightenment, and transformation.

The challenge of reconciling the burden of responsibility with adherence to personal principles has lately surfaced as a significant issue in relation to a safeguarding matter involving one of my trauma clients. For clients with trauma, prioritising safety and creating explicit limits is essential. Having endured abuse and coping with PTSD, establishing boundaries has been a personal issue for me, though I have made progress in this regard. Acquiring the ability to decline has been a pivotal development, influenced by a background of persistent people-pleasing and experiences as a parentified child.

In this particular circumstance, the client necessitated substantial assistance, although an occurrence rendered her feeling insecure. I acknowledged her feelings and concurred with the choice to suspend therapy, understanding that providing support at that time would not have benefitted the client. The difficulty resided in maintaining professional limits, despite my propensity as a trauma survivor to offer continual reassurance. I wished to contact the client to provide ongoing support; nevertheless, I acknowledged the necessity of preserving boundaries. Therefore, to safeguard the client’s well-being, I organised assistance from other sources.

Although I immediately felt a normal sense of having failed the client, I contemplated the fundamental reason for my pursuit of this work: to guarantee that survivors of abuse receive the support I wanted I had received. Over several days, I realised that maintaining boundaries represented the appropriate course of action for the client, despite the client's lack of awareness on this matter.

Achieving equilibrium, especially post-trauma, is seldom effortless. It necessitates continuous work and optimal use of existing resources. The faith and confidence my clients have in me serve as a pivotal source of strength and clarity in my practice. Viewing myself via their lens aids in recalibrating my mentality, offering reassurance that instances of difficulty do not signify deficiency; they embody the human experience. My clients have been important in my development, providing candid comments and steadfast support. Their allegiance and acknowledgement of my efforts enhance the significance of my work and guide me towards new objectives. Consistent validation from clients inspires me to enhance my services, advancing my personal and professional growth despite any self-doubt or previous trauma.

My professional accomplishments, therapeutic advancements, and educational leadership, together with my community involvement, provide a significant impact on individuals and society at large. My personal recovery from trauma has been profoundly connected to my work with clients, from whom I learn as much as they benefit from my advice.

The significance of internal discussion in attaining equilibrium must also be underscored. Modifying self-talk can recalibrate the neurological system, promoting stability in several aspects of life. The emphasis is on introspection instead of external validation, analysing triggers, comprehending their sources, and contemplating past influences that shape current responses. I recognise that this is a continuous process, distinct for each person.

One problem is that once a label is assigned, there is an increased need to conform to it. There exists a sentiment of, "what actions can I undertake now?" There exists a compulsion to perpetually enhance performance or increase output, often not stemming from personal ambition but rather from perceived external expectations.

Reflecting on a recent discussion regarding the attributes of an effective leader, it is evident that previously, a leader was perceived as a high-ranking executive, characterised by formality and expertise in policies and background information. However, true leadership necessitates greater vulnerability and humanity. These attributes have consistently characterised my professional function; I possess an inherent sensitivity, emotional depth, and a willingness to share my experiences. If recounting my narrative can impact even a single individual, then it is, in my view, a valuable endeavour. Being designated as a leader has not necessitated any alteration in my methodology. I shall persist in being authentic, regardless of whether others value it or not. What is significant is that I present my genuine self, which I contend is all anyone can accomplish.

There is strength in female leadership
A significant number of women contend that men are afforded greater possibilities, hence constraining their own advancement. Although this is applicable in some cases, I notice that women frequently inhibit themselves unknowingly. Evaluations of women may arise from personal conditioning or fears, often hindering professional advancement. Such fears may be exacerbated by our awareness of our emotions, despite that awareness being a source of empowerment.

Women face obstacles including work-life balance, misrepresentation, insufficient recognition and mentorship, imposter syndrome, and wage discrepancies. Women should acknowledge the distinctive viewpoints and problem-solving skills they provide to leadership. Inclusive workplaces and collaborative leadership strategies improve team relationships and organisational resilience. Women's leadership frequently emphasises connection, accountability, and sincerity, in contrast to the aggressiveness and assertiveness typically linked to men.

Leadership encompasses not merely verbal assertions, but rather constant actions. It exists at the convergence of language and deeds, where integrity aligns with execution. Trust is established when a message inspires and action is congruent. Momentum is produced via purpose, not titles. Recruiting individuals based solely on experience while imparting only fundamental interpersonal skills will not foster leadership, as effective communication is crucial in establishing trust and respect. Leadership beyond mere compliance; it involves exemplifying values, especially in the absence of scrutiny. The most effective leaders embody culture rather than merely advocate for it. The most effective leaders typically possess a profound comprehension of individuals derived from personal experience, exemplify desired behaviours, and assume responsibility not only for their team but, crucially, for themselves as well. It is not women who require evolution; instead, organisations may need to recalibrate their conception of leadership.

In training other therapists, the focus extends beyond acquiring knowledge and practical skills to include fostering interpersonal connections and the professional image they aspire to convey in their business. This sometimes entails a departure from conventional formal methodologies in favour of an approach guided by compassion and empathy.

Healing is a journey that progresses with each day, each client, and every instant of interaction. My personal encounters with depression and self-harm have cultivated my empathy and influenced my leadership approach. My leadership is fortified by past trauma, which has enhanced my ability to provide support for others, enabling them to navigate their own suffering. Prolonged pain from years of endometriosis has elucidated the body's memory and its extraordinary capacity to adapt and recuperate. The sorrow of losing my children enhanced my comprehension of loss and resilience, enabling me to assist others during their most challenging times.

Trauma does not determine identity, constrain value, or inhibit potential. Those experiences, albeit arduous, have served as the impetus for my efforts, enabling me to realise my true potential. By deriving meaning from suffering, I exemplify a standard for the industry, the public, my detractors, and, most crucially, for myself, illustrating that my narrative and resilience possess significant worth. My capacity to lead others through their adversity generates a profound influence that motivates many persons.

I contend that collective efforts and mutual support amplify our influence, extending beyond business to families and communities. Vulnerability is an integral aspect of leadership. I maintain transparency with my clients and colleagues regarding my personal challenges, health journey, and the difficulties I have faced, including instances of having to begin anew. I contend that sincerity fosters trust, which is unequivocally the foundation of genuine transformation.

An Enduring Legacy
I anticipate that the modernisation of therapeutic techniques, the establishment of specialised services grounded in medical and surgical expertise, and the ongoing provision of comprehensive training programs will yield new standards for inclusive care throughout the industry, benefiting both current and future generations. Holistic healing realises its full potential solely through comprehensive systems that maintain medical standards while incorporating creative approaches to physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and energy well-being.

To enhance the integrated healing and post-surgical rehabilitation process established last year, I urge new therapists to confront societal and industrial limitations, seek advanced specialised training, and engage in candid discussions about existing stigmas. By engaging in training programs such as mine, therapists will acknowledge the significance of integrating medical and surgical expertise with practical skills, thereby significantly enhancing access to specialised care throughout the UK and beyond. This method guarantees that consumers obtain more extensive care while diminishing dependence on traditional medicine.

I contend that integrating this methodology with community service enhances its efficacy. It establishes uniform new benchmarks for excellence within the therapeutic sector and beyond, impacting not only individual practitioners but also fostering extensive systemic transformation in healthcare. My vision guarantees that every individual, irrespective of their background or finances, has access to significant therapeutic care.

The Medical Massage Lady is distinguished by her adherence to a professional medical code and her demonstration of empathy. My enterprise distinguishes itself in the holistic therapy sector due to my dedication to providing innovative therapy that integrates medical and holistic expertise for all. Additionally, my community service, educational leadership, and authenticity in disclosing my personal challenges further differentiate my business.

The captivating nature of my work lies not just in its breadth but also in its cohesion. All components of my podcast, workshops, guides, and charitable initiatives revolve around a core philosophy that adversity, when faced, may serve as a catalyst for transformation. I acknowledge hardship without romanticising it; rather, I advocate confronting it directly, using my life as evidence that survival may transform into something more profound.

In a day dominated by superficial wellness narratives, my voice serves as a unique antidote: candid, unabashed, and distinctly human. Healing is not the obliteration of scars but the acceptance of their presence, as profound transformations frequently originate from the areas we are most reluctant to confront.
Despite receiving two global accolades, the most significant aspect remains the influence I have had on the people I have affected. Fundraising for several charities that assist domestic abuse survivors, sexual assault victims, and others impacted by honour-based violence signifies a modest triumph over the adversities that once sought to obliterate me.

My narrative is not distinctive in its components; numerous women have traversed analogous journeys of abuse, grief, and adversity. The significance lies in the legacy I establish by transforming my suffering into purpose, the systems I have influenced, and the awareness I have generated. Each therapist I teach subsequently assists other survivors. Each survivor who undergoes healing subsequently disrupts cycles of trauma within their families and communities.

My narrative is not centred on perfection; it is focused on perseverance. It demonstrates that through resilience, planning, and support, one can redefine their narrative. My hope is that when individuals become acquainted with that narrative, they do not merely perceive a business proprietor; they recognise potential for themselves. Ultimately, my labour transcends mere financial gain. It pertains to autonomy, self-assurance, and heritage. It is about demonstrating to the next generation that they need not merely endure; they may flourish.

Your trauma does not determine your value or constrain your possibilities. The events that almost destroyed you can transform into the most significant contributions to society. Returning to your former self from years past does not constitute healing; rather, it involves evolving into your true self. It involves assimilating your experiences in a manner that strengthens rather than constrains you, and discovering purpose within the suffering. Your narrative is significant. Your survival is paramount. Your capacity to assist others in their struggles is boundless.

This is the legacy we bequeath — not alone in the lives we directly influence, but in the far-reaching ripple effects of healing that extend beyond our perception or quantification; the timeless human narrative of perseverance, redemption, and the indomitable strength of the human spirit to emerge from adversity and ascend.

Receiving an Honorary Doctorate

To even be considered for an honorary doctorate is a privilege, but to actually be awarded one would not only serve to further enhance my professional credibility and open up further opportunities to network with other professionals internationally, but it would serve as an acknowledgement of my achievements and enable me to further advocate for vulnerable populations, and continue to educate and inspire a wider audience with my insights. This would further give the stigmatised members of society a voice.

To be recognised for my hard work would also be an additional reminder to me of what I have overcome, and encourage me to persevere when future challenges arise, as they invariably do. To share such a success with my clients, without whom I wouldn’t be here, personally or professionally, I hope would also set an example to them that no matter how much they may be struggling to find a purpose, no matter how much they may still feel like a victim, that if they just persevere like I have, they will reach a point where they can stand up and publicly say that they too are a survivor, and they are capable of so much more than they know.

My message as an honorary doctorate

Preparing for new opportunities and challenges begins with a mindset of curiosity and adaptability. I believe that every challenge is an invitation to grow, to think differently, and to step beyond what feels comfortable. Continuous learning—through reading, mentorship, and self-reflection—helps me stay prepared and open to transformation.

I draw motivation from visionary individuals who use their influence to create positive change. Yet, my greatest inspiration comes from witnessing the impact of encouragement—seeing someone take a courageous step forward because of a shared word or action. I strive to inspire others by leading with authenticity, sharing my experiences honestly, and reminding people that success is built on persistence, not perfection.

For me, success means living with purpose and leaving a meaningful imprint on others. It’s not measured by titles or accolades but by the difference one makes in people’s lives and the legacy of empowerment one leaves behind.

A woman can take her passionate skill global by believing in her own voice and leveraging today’s connected world. Confidence, collaboration, and continuous growth are the bridges from local to global impact. Passion, when combined with strategy, has no boundaries.

As an honorary doctorate recipient, my message is simple: education is a lifelong journey of awakening potential. Use your knowledge not only to achieve but to uplift and contribute to society. Lead with wisdom and compassion, and let your success be defined by how many others you empower along the way.