Who We Are
Providing genuine listening support for You
In 2017, for reasons I will share later, I found myself with time on my hands.
As someone who doesn’t like sitting around with nothing to do, I made a decision to share my experiences in the hope that something good and helpful would be the outcome for others.
At first it was unclear how that might look. However, over a period of time – and a number of experiences – the pieces started to fall into place.
This was the start of the “Phoenix Rising” journey.
About the Founder
Our lead “Listener” is Carol Hall.
Carol established her former business in 2007. As a Leadership coach and mentor for individuals to improve their performance, in preparation or as part of a promotion in their career, she had her perfect role – helping individuals progress confidently and effectively on their chosen path.
From 2008 she was also providing mentoring and coaching to small and new start businesses and enjoyed seeing fledging businesses flourish and grow with her support.
In Her Own Words …
Here is a brief summary of her personal journey in her own words …
“In 2017 we had a family bereavement, and shortly afterwards I had a heart attack – without even knowing what it was. It resulted in me needing emergency surgery. My recovery did not follow the usual path, and the complications that followed resulted in me having to make one of the hardest decisions of my life – to close my business of 10 years.
My business was my passion, I loved what I did and how it helped others. Closing the business left me feeling isolated and uncertain about my future. I experienced a sense of grief at losing my independence too. My subconscious reaction was to withdraw from the life around me and I struggled significantly with my mood for a considerable time.
A good friend recommended self-referring for the NHS counselling service, which I did. I have received counselling on a few occasions since and these have helped.
For practical and financial reasons the NHS limit the number of sessions per person. However, I believe my progress could have been more sustainable with some kind of support once the sessions were complete.
This is the basis of the concept for Phoenix Rising Support. Not everyone needs it, but we are here for those that do.
Our service is confidential and independent of any government support or monitoring. This enables us to focus on your needs without having to fit you in to a monitored box.”
Bringing Sunshine
Post surgery there was a significant decline in my mood and general mental health. They were very dark times. Once I had self-referred to the NHS mental wellbeing service I expected to reach full recovery after the counselling. However, the number of sessions I was able to receive was limited to 8, 1-hour face to face sessions. Looking back now – that was luxury in contrast to the provision today. However, I reached the end of my “entitlement” a little improved, but still vulnerable and with a very shaky mental well being.
I was advised that I could re-refer, although I had to wait 3 months to be able to get back into the system. There was no support during this time and my mental health sagged. This cycle was repeated another 4 times over a period of 2 years before I felt anywhere near mentally well.
I intuitively knew that if these gaps could have been filled, perhaps with some level of support to help me continue the work started in the sessions, my travel would have been swifter and the progress made in counselling sessions (of all different varieties) would have been embedded and more sustainable. Judging by the conversations I have had with others in a similar boat, I am not on my own in feeling this way.
I firmly believe that our life challenges and experiences are sent for a purpose. My experiences were to help me understand the places the human mind can go when faced with multi layered distress. When I reflected on that 2-year journey, I began to think about what could have made a difference … and the concept for Phoenix Rising was born.
I have an inbuilt drive to help others. It makes me feel energised when others turn the corner and can see light at the end of the tunnel. During my time as a mentor, I honed the skill of helping people become self-accountable – many of my former clients tell me they still find themselves thinking “what would Carol say”.
To help me through those dark days, I enveloped myself in research into a wide variety of topics related to mental well-being. These have given me a deeper understanding of things that can help (some of which I have used to great effect for myself) as well as how to provide mental health first aid.
Small and Perfectly Formed
Phoenix rising in its current form is a pilot project. We aim to assess the potential for impact as well as fine tune the process around the concept, establishing other considerations that need to be met for the service to be a successful one.
We are using first-hand experience of our founder and a small group of others who have found themselves in similar situations – all of whom would have been customers had we existed.
The concept is to provide a “wrap-around” service to the existing NHS and professional therapist provision – aiming to fill the current gaps.
The aim is to provide “First Aid for Mental Health” from the point of self- or professional diagnosis. Stepping back during the therapy period, then re-engaging, should the individual choose to, once therapy stops. Read more about our service.
We have other ideas for future support, which are being developed behind the scenes. For example: peer support events; a closed support community for clients, informative and helpful blogs, including scientific and medical facts as well as sharing tools.
We “meet” using your preferred method: including Online (Zoom, Skype, Facebook Rooms); Secure platforms (WhatsApp, Viber); Text, email or telephone/mobile.
The number of sessions is limited only by the timing if the start of your sessions with the therapist. They will last approximately one hour at a frequency decided by you. The topic is led by you and your needs at that particular time. Content of sessions is strictly confidential and safekeeping boundaries will be maintained.
Our “listening ears” are selected for their non-judgemental approach and their capacity for mutual respect, as well as their knowledge and experience of life’s challenges.