Perimenopause is so much more than the physical symptoms. Our changing hormones can affect every aspect of our lives, including how we feel about ourselves, our capacity to do the things we want and need to do, and our mental health.
Anxiety and fluctuating moods are often the first things to show up in perimenopause, and these changes can happen long before any changes to our menstrual cycles.
- 77% of women experience one or more symptoms they describe as ‘very
difficult’ - 69% of women say they experience difficulties with anxiety or depression due to menopause
- 84% experience trouble sleeping
- 73% experience brain fog
(statistics from The Fawcett Society, 2022).
But so many of us keep on pushing through because that’s what we’ve learnt to do. And our critical inner voice gets louder as our capacity changes and our usual coping strategies no longer work as they used to.
From Doing To Being is here to provide a space to pause and give ourselves permission to connect with what’s really important.
I host supportive spaces to explore how we’re really feeling and explore changes that can support our health and wellbeing.
I don’t promise quick fixes or magical transformations. My work is grounded in 14 years of mental health experience as a HCPC registered Occupational Therapist and guided by evidence based practice. I share ways to find more calm and compassion, and to build lives that support us in meaningful ways, learned through years of study and practice, as well as using many of the tools personally.
Allowing ourselves to pause can feel scary and uncomfortable when we’ve been the person who has done all the things and pushed through to get things done. This community is here to support you. Pausing doesn’t mean stopping!
I know that everyone’s experience is completely unique and my work is not about telling you what to do, but inviting you to explore and introduce small changes, if you wish to.
Why perimenopause?
The average age for menopause in the UK is 51 years old, though perimenopause can show up in our late 30s and early 40s. Menopause is the one day twelve months after our last period, but perimenopause is everything that goes before that as our hormone levels start to change. I wish someone had told me this earlier.
We’re increasingly realising that the experience of perimenopause can be more intense if you’re neurodivergent, and that symptoms can show up earlier. This time of fluctuating hormones can also lead to lots of questions around the ways our brains function and reflections on our experiences through life. I’ve written a little about my own experiences here. If this resonates, you’re very welcome here.
Please know you are not broken if life suddenly feels different in your late 30s and you can’t work out why you just don’t feel quite right. If you’re wondering if you’re in perimenopause, you’re absolutely welcome here.
I’m not here to offer medical advice or a diagnosis, but to provide space to explore how this time of life really feels.
Symptom trackers like this one from The Menopause Charity can be helpful to join the dots and to prepare for a discussion with your GP about the changes you’ve noticed.
Perimenopause can bring emotional overwhelm, anxiety, irritability, and a sense of losing who you are.
You may be feeling foggy, stretched thin, or disconnected from yourself.
Please know you’re not alone.
Not sure if you’re in perimenopause, or are post menopause? If you’re looking for support with your emotional wellbeing, you’re still very welcome here.
There is so much noise about quick fixes at this stage of life, but I truly believe that creating space for ourselves is the first step in thriving rather than surviving.
The From Doing To Being approach supports you to find more calm, compassion, and connection.
Ways to work with me
If you’re not sure what support you need, please book a free call where we can discuss your needs and I can guide you in the right direction, even if that means working with someone other than me.
The Perimenopause
Support Space
An online support space where we focus on creating space for ourselves
Creativity for Wellbeing
An opportunity to engage in creative practices that support our mental health
One to One Support
Online individual sessions grounded in occupational therapy and compassion focused therapy
Karen is one of the kindest, supportive and compassionate people I’ve met
Member of the perimenopause support space
Evidence based support
My approach blends my clinical experience with holistic practice, and is grounded in compassion. You’ll find evidence-based, compassion-led, practical, and grounded support here.
My work helps you:
– create a life that feels aligned, not driven by “shoulds”
– reduce emotional overwhelm
– understand your changing emotional patterns
– reconnect with your needs and values
– feel more grounded and steady
– rebuild confidence and self‑trust
I’m an Occupational Therapist with 14 years of mental health experience, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
My work is governed by the HCPC standards of conduct, performance, and ethics, which exist to protect you.
I’m in perimenopause myself and understand the challenges and opportunities this journey offers.
Shifting from being my own worst critic to treating myself with the compassion we all deserve has been one of the biggest shifts for me in this adventure. I know it’s possible to train your brain to respond differently because I’ve walked that path myself.
Perimenopause is a journey of symptoms and change, and also of self-discovery.
Gender inclusivity statement
I use the term “women” to reflect the fact that most individuals affected by menopause are women, while recognising that some trans, non-binary and intersex people can experience it too. Everyone who needs high quality information, treatment, care and support should be able to access it.