Hannah Pickford | Rediscovering Self and Empowering Women

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A Personal Journey from Burnout to Inner Harmony through NLP, Parts Integration, and Women’s Empowerment

Hannah Pickford, hailing from England, is a dynamic individual whose journey unfolds as a tale of resilience and self-discovery. Raised in a single-parent household alongside her younger sister, she cultivated an early sense of independence that propelled her to excel academically. A graduate of a prestigious university, Hannah made a bold decision at 22 to embark on a life-changing move to Australia. There, she carved out a successful career in a leading cosmetic laser franchise, seemingly living the dream. 

However, a pivotal moment of burnout and a hospitalization became a poignant wake-up call, prompting her to reevaluate her priorities. Amidst the fast-paced urban lifestyle, Hannah found solace in nature, inspiring a profound reconnection with herself and a redirection of her life’s course. Today, Hannah Pickford stands as a testament to the transformative power of self-reflection and the pursuit of authentic purpose.

If you could start by telling our readers a bit more about yourself, sharing some details that aren’t widely known from your social media presence.

Absolutely! Growing up in England with my younger sister and our single parent, my mom, instilled in me a robust sense of independence from an early age. My journey continued with academic excellence, culminating in attendance at a prestigious university. At 22, a pivotal decision led me to relocate to Australia, opening the door to a profound journey of self-discovery and the forging of my unique path. Establishing a successful career in a leading cosmetic laser franchise Down Under, I seemed to be living the dream from an outsider’s perspective—reveling in life’s finest moments.

Yet, the relentless pace eventually took its toll, leading to burnout and a stark realization during a hospital stay that required a blood transfusion. This served as a wake-up call, exposing my disconnection from myself, my body, and my true purpose. Amidst the chaos of urban life and long working hours, I treasured rare moments in nature, prompting a profound reevaluation of my life and priorities.

What guidance would you offer to your younger self, who endured such an ordeal?

Oh my goodness, I would advise her to simply breathe. I would stress the importance of being fully present and purposeful in every aspect of life, including conversations, relationships, and actions. I now recognize how detached I was back then and how different things could have been if I had been more attuned to myself.

Can you recount the pivotal moment of enlightenment or awakening in your journey, starting from that lowest point?

After hitting rock bottom, I began exploring various avenues to rediscover myself. I stumbled upon women’s empowerment work, which introduced me to a unique perspective on language that offered transformative insights. They discussed the power of self-talk, relationships as mirrors of our inner selves, and the significance of perception. Initially, this challenged me as I was a logical person who demanded evidence and thorough research. This quest led me to Elizabeth Anne Walker and Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP).

I immersed myself in various NLP courses and resonated deeply with Elizabeth’s integrated NLP approach. I decided to undergo the training myself, and during that transformative week, my entire life underwent a profound shift. I wholeheartedly embraced the teachings, experiencing a profound connection between language, perception, and self. It all made perfect sense in my mind, body, and soul.

Could you elaborate on some of the significant transformations you experienced during this journey?

One of the most impactful techniques I encountered was parts integration. It involved acknowledging the protective mechanisms our unconscious mind creates to safeguard our well-being. I realized that at a young age, my body had decided it was unsafe to fully experience emotions. I traced it back to the traumatic experience of my parents’ separation, which gradually disconnected me from myself. During the training, I went through a parts integration process, addressing the conflicting parts within me: one that craved emotional expression and another that resisted it.

When these parts integrated, it was as if my world became whole again. I could feel my feet, sense my own energy, and experience emotions freely. This transformation improved my relationships and enabled me to connect with myself on a profound level. I transitioned from struggling to express my emotions to being fully present and self-aware.

How did these transformations influence your work and the services you provide?

These transformations ignited a passion in me to help other women who feel disconnected and overwhelmed in their busy lives. I aimed to share the experience of reconnecting with one’s heart and empower as many women as possible. Consequently, I partnered with EAWTC to co-create ‘The Women’s Space,’ where we offer monthly workshops and embodiment events both online and in person @thewomensspace_eawtc. We developed a ‘women’s space’ where we provide monthly workshops and embodiment events.

Additionally, we offer a group coaching program and two levels of retreats designed to deepen the connection with oneself and the cycles of womanhood and life. I also collaborate with Elizabeth Anne Walker Training and Coaching (EAWTC) to continue spreading these teachings.

That’s incredible! Can you provide details about the upcoming events and courses available for women to join?

Certainly! We offer monthly workshops and embodiment events that revolve around different themes, providing both learning and experiential opportunities. These events are available online and in-person, offering women the flexibility to choose what suits them best. We also provide a six-week coaching program called “Enrapture,” which includes group coaching and is accessible online. It’s an excellent opportunity for women to delve deeper into their transformational journey with the support of a supportive community. For those seeking a more immersive experience, we organize retreats.

The first level, “Essence,” focuses on self-expression and connecting with the cycles of womanhood and life. The second level, “Devotion,” delves into the physical body and the creative power held by women. We have a live course called “Enrapture” coming up in September, and we also offer a masterclass on personal branding for those interested.

Finally, how do you personally maintain ease and flow in your life? Do you have any practices or routines that help you?

Absolutely! Breathwork is a significant part of my daily routine. I prioritize taking deep breaths throughout the day, allowing myself to pause and return to the present moment. This simple practice helps me reconnect with my body and achieve a state of ease and flow. I also find solace in spending time in nature whenever possible, whether it’s a brief stroll in a local park or a weekend retreat to a beautiful natural setting. Being surrounded by nature allows me to ground myself and find peace amid life’s hustle and bustle. Additionally, I make it a point to practice gratitude daily and take moments to reflect on the blessings in my life. This practice helps me nurture a positive mindset and stay aligned with my intentions.

Photo Credits – Melina Muenstermann

Follow @TheWholesomeLife on Instagram.

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