Over the Christmas of 2025 I read a book called ‘Loving What Is’ by Byron Katie, on the recommendation of a coach whose help has been invaluable to me. I was struck by the relative simplicity and efficacy of the approach (having experienced many other therapy styles over the years) and immediately felt compelled to know and understand more. While Katie (as she is commonly known) no longer trains people in her ‘work’, I found an excellent facilitator and ex-student of hers who does, and went on to complete his accreditation course.

The work is a form of self enquiry (doable alone but often enhanced by the help of a qualified facilitator) whereby belief patterns, both conscious and unconscious, that are affecting how we interface with the world are identified and investigated. By questioning these beliefs, and turning them around to see what else could be as - or more - true, the process helps the client to disengage from the stressful thoughts that cause negative and painful emotions. In doing my own work I have found it to be a powerful healing modality which - by freeing me from cycles of distressing experience – has allowed me to meet life with more clarity, presence and equanimity.

Whilst my acupuncture practice has been deeply rewarding and highly effective, over the last 5 years or so I have been looking for a complementary approach that deals more directly with the psychological obstructions that hinder clients in their healing. The self-enquiry process has provided the final piece of that puzzle for me, and is proving to be an invaluable addition to my work.