Dr. Soph

Occupation: Clinical Psychologist, Life Coach, and Yoga Teacher.
 
If you could give one piece of advice to every single person in the world, what would it be?
Can I give two? I am giving two! My messages to everyone:

1. You are good enough just the way you are. That sense that you are not good enough yet, that you need to change... it isn't true. It is fostered in us by companies that profit off making us insecure, and therefore willing to buy any product they wish to sell us. The reality is, people come in so many amazing varieties. All of us beautiful in our own way and flawed in our own way. Everyone struggles at some point. I wish we could grow up surrounded by different messages. Ones that celebrate our differences and our similarities. Ones that ingrained in us from birth that we are loved and enough. One that tells us that struggling is acceptable and then tells us how to support each other through the darker times.
2. Community is the answer to almost every important question. If you feel like you are part of a community of people, your life will be changed. You will feel connected, understood and part of something worthwhile. So, please reach out to the people you know and the people you don't, tell them you care.

 
What is your happiness hack?
Taking time to rest. When I start to feel drained, edgy, not quite right I realise it is my body saying I need a break. It is amazing how different I feel when I have taken time to stop and breathe. 
 
Whats your biggest struggle, and what do you do to work on it?
One of my struggles (I think it is normal to have a few!) has been overcoming perfectionism and people pleasing. I have worked really hard through meditation, yoga and personal introspection to learn that I am good enough just the way I am and that the people I love, love me back (irrespective of what I do, I don't need to strive to be someone else to receive their love). Realising this and setting boundaries has been life-changing. 
 
Recommended read:
Patti Smith's Just Kids. Woah, what a book! It isn't a psychology or wellbeing book... it's just the best book!
 
Recommended listen:
Anything by Tara Brach. If you are in turmoil and need a soothing guide, Tara's talks and videos are full of wise words and beautiful meditations.  
 
Recommended place to visit:
EVERY SINGLE PLACE IN ITALY! Everywhere, really. Have you been? The food, the architecture, the history, the people, the language, the way families feel about each other... I am in love. 
 
On a Sunday morning, we’ll find you...
Like most Londoners, brunch is one of my favourite pass times. Oh, and I am addicted to coffee. So you will usually find me face down in a vat of coffee somewhere bright, airy and full of the laughter of my favourite people.