Lesley Thomas

I have been a member of the emergency services for the past 28 years. During this time, I have served operationally almost my entire career including two operational tours over a two year period, in Timor Leste and the Solomon Islands. As a result I have been at times, overwhelmed with anxiety, depression and PTSD, to such an extent that I was often left wondering if I was able to continue working the job that I love.

I have tried all kinds of therapy, meditation and treatments that seemed to have limited or fleeting success. I self medicated with alcohol to such an extent that it nearly cost me all the things that I love so dearly. When I meet Lesley, it is fair to say that I was at rock bottom, with very little hope for the future.

My experience with Lesley has changed my life in so many ways. I no longer have dreams that involve me fighting for my life and whilst the memories that haunted me may still be there, the emotion attached to them have all but disappeared. This has been a revelation to me as I thought in order to function normally again, I would somehow have to forget the horrors I had witnessed throughout my career/life. I now know this not be the case. Working with Lesley has given me my life back. I no longer drink, I am operational again and I will be able to retire with dignity in a few years on my terms, rather than that of my employers.

More importantly, I am the father and partner that my family hoped I would be again. Without exaggeration Lesley, you brought me back from the abyss and gave me back my life and for that, I am eternally grateful to you. Accordingly, I have no hesitation in recommending Lesley to anyone who may be experiencing debilitating psychological trauma. More...

My names Rashid and I am currently playing soccer in Korea. I’ve spent almost all my life playing soccer and now have been playing professionally for a good number of years. From my experience personally and also from watching others in sport, it is quite clear that the mental side of the game is just as, if not more important, than the physical aspect. I’ve had 2 sessions with Lesley now and both experiences have been very helpful. I’m someone who gets caught up in my head a lot and so this was the point of the visits. In the first session we focused mainly on my sport and without going into too much of the details, she helped me to get back to a place with my soccer that was lighter and more fun orientated. Something that I had felt I had lost since growing up. Our second session was focused more on generalised anxiety and was helpful to get through all the noise and free me up to have a clearer picture of where it was all coming from. This helped me get the answers in a situation where I wasn’t even sure what the right question was.
Whether it’s for sport, or business or just general well-being Lesley is a truely beautiful compassionate person to talk to and also so very helpful. More...

I’m grateful for having met Lesley during my initial treatment process and am even more grateful for the ongoing work we’re continuing to do together. Only 6 months ago I was at rock bottom, in the depths of a 15+ year gambling addiction. Multiple traumatic events throughout my life had not only fed my addiction, but seriously affected my mental health. Despite many attempts with varying medical professionals, I was resigned to a life riddled with anxiety, stress and ultimately depression. I was spiritually broken, until I started working with Lesley. My outlook on life has come full circle. Our work has given, and is continuing to give me, the capacity to deal with not only my past trauma and addiction, but life’s daily challenges. I no longer have to struggle through my day’s trying to SURVIVE, but instead can LIVE without the debilitating constraints of mental illness and addiction. ....Andy More...