Let's recognise what work is.

Sometimes it's hard work. Really hard.

It can be the sheer volume, a self-imposed pressure, the fact you feel judged (you are), you're not hitting targets, the team feeling's not there, it could be that all's not well at home and you're taking it to work, you could be at the top and feeling it's lonely, you could be at the top and thinking is this all there is?

All can be looked at.

I work in companies, government departments and NHS Trusts and through my consulting rooms in Leeds, Harrogate and York. And onsite and clients’ offices.

Resilience in your workplace

I'm well aware that resilience is much more than a buzzword. And I know that GRIT has also appeared as a new description.

What I'm looking to achieve is a work mindset for you and your staff where whatever happens there's an emotional distance from the problem.

What do I mean by this? Your employees don't feel the pressure so much as enjoy the process of getting things done. And calmly.

That's why I'm called The Gentle Mind. I believe you're a better version of yourself when you're calm. You can always find an answer.

We're looking for greater productivity, less sick days, less staff turnover, less bitchy emails, less screens turned off on Zoom: more leaning in.

Growing assertiveness the right way

Assertiveness is pivotal for a businesses healthy workplace dynamic.

Assertiveness isn't arseyness. It's negotiating and managing yourself, your work load and your feelings (for example, not feeling dumped on, or put down).

How? I help team members find their own voice, ensuring that they communicate their ideas, boundaries, and concerns effectively and respectfully, fostering a lower pressure, more productive workplace. Take a look at this blog.

Help for your business

My aim is to help you deal with pressure and stress, to cultivate psychological safety amongst employees, manage pressure and stress in your team.

I specialise in managing business issues related to:

Resilience and pressure
Psychological safety
Corporate coaching
Time management
Leadership mistakes (don't worry, crack on. Take the learnings.)
How to be a better leader

It’s important to remember that all business problems are valid, no matter how big or small they may seem. That's why you and your team will be offered a safe space to work through your anxieties with the help of professionals, each and every step of the way.

Group-based activities and workshops for your business.

My services aren't limited to one-on-one sessions. I understand the power of collective learning and experience, especially when it comes to learning and training as a workforce. That's why I offer group-based activities and workshops tailored to your business or department's needs, creating a shared understanding of the language and techniques surrounding mental well-being.

Helping the individual in the group.

CBT for businesses isn't all about group work. Some people don't speak up. Ever. They're more comfortable in a one-to-one setting. And that's fine. Those that want to work like this can do. Usually I use hypnotherapy to address their deep-rooted concerns. Commonly they fall into two categories:
(1). Life problems affecting work

(2). Work problems affecting life.

Both tend to be extremely sensitive, not to say that they can't be solved.

CBT for businesses - the business case

I never lose sight of why I'm in a business like yours. It's good that you care about mental wellbeing, but there is also a business challenge to be addressed. And that's my aim.

When employees don't feel valued, put upon, not listened to, under pressure or that the culture is aggressive they turn away in different ways.

You know the signs:

. staff are consistently late in the morning
. too many are in the office too late
. cameras and speakers are off on Teams/Zoom calls
. they start calling in sick
. you notice you're using more and more temp/contract    staff and the freelance budget disappears
. you organise a social event and the excuses not to come are on the rise, or staff leave early.

All the above in their own way come at a cost - and that's what I’m here to reduce.

Why choose The Gentle Mind?

I spent 35 years in large multinational advertising agencies. Where, by and large, the bigger the 'personality' the more dominant and successful the person. When I started out casual bullying and sexism were commonplace. And to be an introvert did you no favours. It was posturing and posing combined with a belief that what you lacked in talent could be more than made up with naked ambition. In effect talented people got crushed. Beaten by the system.

I'm called The Gentle Mind for a reason. I believe we are a better version of ourselves when we're calmer. Not softer, just better prepared to deal with the tough stuff that work and life throws at us. And better placed to spot opportunities.

You can chat to me at jamesthomas@thegentlemind.co.uk or call me on 07787563099.