Liz Sharpe - Mental Health Worker and Manager to Specialist Coach

In this episode, Donna interviews Liz Sharpe, a former public servant with extensive experience in mental health and community services. Liz shares her journey from growing up in Essex and studying psychology to becoming a support worker and eventually a counsellor and hypnotherapist. She discusses pivotal moments in her career, including the impact of personal loss on her decision to transition to private practice with her business, Live Your Life Therapies.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Liz has had a long-standing fascination with psychology, which began in her childhood and influenced her career path, leading her to work in mental health and community services. Her initial experience as a volunteer with community services provided her with a strong foundation in understanding and supporting individuals with various mental health challenges. After years in the public sector, Liz transitioned to self-employment, driven by a desire to escape bureaucracy and focus on providing personalised therapy through her business, Live Your Life Therapies. Liz specialises in helping individuals dealing with heart disease and addiction, recognising the emotional and psychological challenges that accompany these health issues. There is an increasing openness in society regarding mental health discussions, particularly among younger generations, which is expected to lead to a greater demand for counselling and therapeutic services in the future. BEST MOMENTS "I think back to sort of early days of mental health, there's always the watching somebody recover and move into independent living." "Life is too short for a commute. Life is too short to be stuck in an office. I wanted to make different choices." "People generally do have a reason for the drink to be in their hand. Bereavement or stress or work pressures can all come into a reason why somebody picks up a drink." "The most important thing for anybody with any sort of illness is: how they can integrate into their social circumstances and not allow that illness to prevent them from living a good life." "I think the days of people needing to be in therapy on a couch for many, many years, I don't think that's what it's like." ABOUT THE HOST Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.  She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles.  Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service. https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/