“Prevention Over Panic”: Why You Don't Need to Wait for Crisis to Invest in Support

I recently re-started therapy. Not because things are falling apart. Not because I'm struggling or in crisis. But because I noticed some patterns quietly resurfacing on the fringes of my life. And I want to address them now… before they get louder, and before I’m at risk of my bubbling pot of emotions boiling over!

As a grief coach, qualified counsellor, and solo parent who's lived through the death of my husband and soulmate, I believe strongly in leading by example… which includes knowing that support isn't just something we seek when we're sinking, it's something we invest in to help us stay afloat.

But first, Therapy is amazing in a Crisis

Although this blog is all about therapy as a wellness tool… I want to be realistic and share that the majority of my coaching clients start our sessions at the point where their life is unravelling… the grief and loneliness is all consuming and they feel that their world has been turned upside down.

One client said that when they arrived they felt "panicky and adrift" and another shared that they were "overwhelmed and confused about everything I had to think about." It is my privilege to be able to support these gorgeous souls whilst they find the answers to their issues, regain a sense of trust in the world, and start to rebuild their life.

The clients I work with are high-achieving, and incredibly capable people who've learned to push through. They're "seemingly strong from the outside" but often carrying a mix of issues, such as complex family dynamics, neurodivergent challenges, and unprocessed grief. These people are used to having it all together and showing the world their strong and caring side… but then life reminds them that no one is perfect and life is far from textbook.

Grief Doesn't Just Break Us… It Exposes Us!

One of the most overlooked truths about grief?

Grief doesn't just bring new pain…

It acts like a metaphorical magnifying glass!

Just when you think things can’t get any worse, grief has the ability to shine a spotlight on all the old unprocessed stuff from our pasts... strained family relationships, faulty childhood coping mechanisms, unhelpful core beliefs that we didn't even know we had… it all comes bubbling to the surface when we're grieving. And it doesn’t have to be a grief from a death… it can be a grief from anything… loss of a job, loss of a relationship, loss of a home, loss of a community, or loss of the hopes and dreams for the future.

And, what happens is that grief act like a highlighter pen… exposing things that were already there but were hidden deep inside ourselves. These things may once have served us well, but in the new world we find that they are outdated and hence they cause stress, anxiety and confusion.

When asked how they felt as they started coaching with me, one client replied that they were: "Confused about what I was really feeling. A bit lost!" Another client said they were "relying on alcohol to get through the nights, being unable to ever think that I could survive the loss."

These feelings are all totally normal… the confusion, the loneliness, the sadness and the pain. And, reaching out for support when we are in a crisis is the bravest thing we can do… however, the initial work is all about processing the big-T trauma in the present and gaining a sense of safety in the world… there is little capacity when we are broken to start digging into childhood attachment patters and the deeper work that can lead to post-traumatic growth.

That's why I no longer wait until I'm drowning to do my own emotional work. Instead, when my instincts tell me that things aren’t quite right… I hit pause as soon as possible and seek the support that I give my clients. Hence my recent return to therapy on top of the usual work supervision and business coaching that I always have. We all have times in our lives when we need "someone really listening" to us… not someone trying to fix us, but someone who can support us as we navigate our feelings and find our own answers.

It was in a recent interview I did with Ollie Osborne for the Beyond the Battlefield podcast that we talked about the benefits of therapy as a wellness tool… and in chatting about this I realised that most of us are never taught to invest in emotional support BEFORE the wheels come off!

And, what if therapy and coaching wasn't a last resort or a crisis purchase... what if it was a POWER MOVE?!

Professional Support for Busy People

So, what I’m trying to say is that you don't need a breakdown to benefit from therapeutic support. And, working with someone who understands both the corporate mindset and the deep messiness of grief is rare. As one client put it: "Emma has an uncanny ability to gently direct the conversation towards the key area!"

My background spans law, therapy, and lived loss. I speak fluent "high-functioning adult" — but I also know how to hold space for your most vulnerable self. I understand what it's like to be the person everyone turns to whilst privately feeling like you're barely keeping your head above water!

What my clients say about working with me:

"Being able to speak to somebody that gave you the time and space and was able to speak to you in a way that made everything make sense and allowing you to think about different perspectives."

"Talking and talking about everything, no topic off limits. Feeling in a completely safe place, getting me to look at solutions for myself whilst being supported."

"As a widow herself Emma has experienced all the pain and emotions and I honestly think this makes a difference."

The difference isn't just professional training — it's lived experience combined with therapeutic skill. I'm not just theoretical. I'm walking the path alongside you.

The Results of Preventative Work

When people invest in support before crisis hits, the outcomes are different. Instead of just surviving, they thrive.

Here's what clients tell me after our work together:

"I have come on leaps and bounds since the sessions. I am much more content and no longer dwell on the issues we discussed."

"I realise I can not only survive the loss but have joy in my life. I'm more focused, I have structure and when I wobble I have now learnt to embrace it rather than fear it."

"I was genuinely sad when the sessions finished. I have found previous coaching I have done to be a chore. This was definitely not the case with Emma."

This is what happens when you do the work before you're desperate — you build resilience, understanding, and the tools that serve you long-term.

Don't Wait for a Crisis!

If you've been feeling "just about fine"... this is your sign to do something before the wobble turns into a fall. As one of my other clients said recently:

"Just do it. Emma is kind, empathetic and clever."

Another said: "Do it now! Start the conversation. You will not regret it."

Each summer I offer 20% off my coaching session bundles… not because you're broken or struggling, but because you deserve support before you break. A 6-session block is £440 (usually £550) or a 10-session block is £720 (usually £900) and there are payment plans available. These are for you if you're navigating grief, burnout, life shifts… or you just want to stay grounded while the world spins fast around you.

Please don't wait until you're sinking to learn how to swim!

And, if you’re on the fence, I’ll leave you with one final testimonial from another of my clients:

"100% recommend.
The sessions and her coaching gives you hope for the future...
Emma will help you navigate this journey that will never end and she will help you discover a strength within you that you thought you never had."

Full details of my one-to-one coaching services are here.