About Me

CHRIS BOWLES MA MISMA DipIDHP Dip Stress Mgt

I started life in the arts, working for the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Crafts Council in London until an early "mid life crisis" took me in a new direction and I trained in counselling, using my newly acquired skills in helping members of the Chartered Management Institute to change career direction. I also pursued an interesting sideline as an aromatherapist!

I became aware that my career changers and aromatherapy clients had something in common - stress. For the career changers, workplace stress was often the main reason for wanting to make a change. The aromatherapy clients wanted help in dealing with the effects of stress on their overall health and wellbeing. To add value for my clients, I took a Diploma in Stress Management. I've subsequently added a Diploma in Humanistic Psychology and Group Facilitation, and have undertaken Mindfulness Teacher Development with the University of Bangor Centre for Mindfulness.

The central message of my training was the powerful connection between what we think and how we feel and behave. This is the basis of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which, together with Mindfulness Meditation, is a big influence on my work. As a keen creative writer, craft worker and sound healing practitioner, I also aim to weave creative elements into my work and encourage my clients to explore their creative potential.

My Experience

Over the past 20-odd years I've provided counselling and coaching for private clients and run courses for employees of organisations including Lloyds of London, Pfizer, Lloyds TSB, Cranfield University and Bath & North East Somerset Council. I've also facilitated public workshops and retreats on relaxation, stress management, wellbeing and life change, and have been featured on BBC Radio Bristol and ITV West. I currently run Relaxation Skills and Mindfulness programmes for GP patients within an NHS trust.

My experience has shown me that few people consciously take time out to ensure that their lives and work are properly balanced and in line with their true values and aspirations. As a consequence of this, and of the frenetic lifestyles that many of us lead, stress and burnout is becoming a serious issue. Taking a "breathing space" of some kind, whether this is a retreat, a course of coaching or learning meditation skills, can be extremely valuable, not only to enhance personal wellbeing but also to increase job satisfaction and effectiveness at work. My approach encourages creativity and intuition but also offers pragmatism and practicality in helping my clients to reach their goals.

" I found it very positive and uplifting. Didn't realise how tense I was. Delivered a lot in a very short time span. I would recommend it to others."  (Past workshop participant, Lloyds TSB, Bristol)