Using cognitive behaviour therapy, compassion-based therapy, ACT and mindfulness, Julia Neesam uses her own experiences and training to help others overcome the vicious circle of anxiety and depression. Having struggled with social anxiety herself, she went on to study psychology at university and completed further training to become a CBT therapist. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. Here she talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, how she balances work and family life, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
When growing up, I struggled with social anxiety. At the time, I did not know this and it was always labelled as extreme shyness. I had an older brother who was much more confident and especially up to the age of five would speak for me. I found my friendship group within school and loved school; however, new groups and strangers were always difficult to mix with or talk to. I went to an all girls school which enabled me to build up confidence, and then a mixed sixth form where I made friends for life who I am still friends with. I decided to do psychology at university, which again I loved. I wanted to help people in life to overcome social anxiety, so I trained to become a CBT therapist on the job in Grimsby. I loved seeing people face to face and running groups. After having my first child in 2017, I wanted to be around for my children, which was made impossible with NHS hours. I decided to start my own business and help people on a one-to-one basis who are struggling with anxiety and depression in my role as a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist.
The launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
I started by working for agencies who had NHS contracts outsourced. This enabled me to build up my client base. I advertised locally and online. Initially my work was all face to face, but during and after Covid it has mainly been online. This has helped me not only reach more people but also fit in better with clients who can now see me from home. I have just started to build up my group work and had a webinar for mums overcoming anxiety, which was successful and helped a group of eight women.
The innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
I have just started some Facebook groups to help people. I have set up a group for people who have finished therapy but are concerned about being out in the world alone and another group for mums who are worried about the impact of tech on their children’s mental health. I am really excited to grow these groups and help more people.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
I have a four and six-year-old so it is definitely a balancing act between work and family. I work three days a week doing one-to-one work remotely and one day working on expanding my business. I work during school hours only so that I can drop and pick my children up. I love being able to take them to their activities of street dance, gymnastics, football and swimming, and I strive to do something for myself once or twice a week, including a rock choir and swimming. My husband is a teacher so I have a bit more time in holidays to work on my business and we make the most of family time, having beach days, theatre trips and parks.
