Interview with Susannah Bradley, Breathework and Reiki Expert

I had the pleasure of meeting Susannah Bradley, founder of Reiki Healing Bedfordshire, through Bedford's Women in Business Networking group. As a career coach, I was particularly intrigued by the potential applications of her work in helping professionals maintain fulfilling and rewarding careers. Curious to learn more, I invited Susannah to an interview at The Swan Hotel in Bedford on 19th March. What followed was an enlightening discussion filled with practical advice and inspiring stories that I’m excited to share.

Myself and Susannah after walking the pooches

A Journey into Holistic Healing

Susannah's path to becoming a Reiki practitioner is as fascinating as the therapy itself. She began her career in finance, working at the Financial Services Authority. However, Susannah felt a pull towards a more nurturing profession after having children. She transitioned into counselling and play therapy before expanding her expertise into clinical supervision and training. Her exploration of holistic therapies began in 2020 when she discovered Reiki, a Japanese energy healing practice. What started as a curiosity quickly grew into a passion, and today, Susannah integrates Reiki with other creative therapies to support mental well-being — a crucial element in sustaining long-term career satisfaction.

Understanding Reiki and Its Career Benefits

For those unfamiliar, Reiki is a form of energy healing that involves channelling energy through the practitioner’s hands into the client. This process is said to help rebalance the body’s chakras, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and promote overall well-being. Susannah eloquently described Reiki as a gentle but powerful practice that creates space for relaxation and self-healing.

From a career perspective, these benefits are invaluable. Chronic stress and burnout can sap productivity and satisfaction, leading to disengagement. Reiki offers a unique opportunity to reset, allowing professionals to return to their work with renewed clarity and focus.

Integrating Creative Therapies for Career Growth

Beyond Reiki, Susannah incorporates creative art therapies into her practice. Guided meditations, visualisations, and sand tray therapy offer clients alternative ways to process emotions and reduce anxiety. She stressed that creativity is not a prerequisite for these activities. The focus lies on the unconscious mind, using these tools as a means of exploration and healing.

As a career coach, I see these practices as valuable tools for professionals seeking personal growth. Creative journaling, for instance, can help individuals reflect on their career journeys, identify goals, and navigate challenges with greater self-awareness.

Managing Stress: Daily Practices for Career Success

In our fast-paced lives, stress management is crucial for personal well-being and sustaining career longevity. Susannah shared several practical techniques that can be integrated into daily routines:

• Journaling: Writing down thoughts and emotions serves as a mental release, helping to clear the mind and improve sleep. For professionals, journaling can be a way to track achievements, clarify career goals, and manage work-related stress.

• Breathing Exercises: Techniques such as square breathing (inhaling for four counts, holding for four, exhaling for four, and holding again for four) can calm the nervous system and regulate the vagus nerve. Practising this before a big presentation or meeting can make a noticeable difference.

• Grounding Techniques: Something as simple as standing barefoot on fresh grass or body brushing can help release negative energy and reconnect with the present moment, making it easier to approach work challenges with a clearer mindset.

• Humming and Movement: Even humming a tune can have a soothing effect, as the vibrations stimulate the vagus nerve and promote relaxation, helping to ease workplace tension.

Recognising When Career Support is Needed

I was curious about the signs that someone might need to prioritise their mental well-being. Susannah pointed out that stress often manifests in subtle ways: changes in behaviour, feeling overwhelmed, chaotic thinking, and burnout. In the workplace, this can show up as disengagement, procrastination, or feeling constantly behind.

Reiki offers a unique space to pause and reconnect. As Susannah described, the energy work involved can provide much-needed relief, especially for those navigating high-pressure careers or considering career transitions.

Addressing Misconceptions About Reiki

Naturally, there are misconceptions surrounding Reiki and other holistic therapies. Some view it with scepticism, often due to a lack of understanding. Susannah addressed these concerns with grace, explaining that energy healing is a natural process. We exchange energy every day, whether through conversations, emotions, or even the environments we occupy. Reiki simply harnesses this flow with intention, guiding the body toward healing.

For professionals hesitant to explore holistic practices, it’s worth considering how unmanaged stress can impact job performance, satisfaction, and long-term career progression. Embracing tools like Reiki is not about replacing traditional career development strategies but enhancing them.

Finding Balance: Technology, Self-Care, and Career Success

In today’s digital world, technology can be both a blessing and a curse. Susannah advocates for setting boundaries with devices to protect mental well-being. Taking regular "mobile phone holidays," avoiding screens before bedtime, and creating screen-free zones at home can make a remarkable difference. These boundaries are just as important in the workplace. Creating tech-free zones for breaks, using mindfulness apps with intention, and scheduling regular screen breaks can significantly enhance focus and productivity.

The Power of Gratitude and Personalised Career Well-being

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was Susannah's discussion of gratitude. Cultivating a gratitude practice, such as writing down three things you're grateful for each day, can shift your mindset over time. From a career perspective, this can help professionals stay grounded and appreciate progress, even during challenging times. Her work with clients often involves exploring various creative mediums to find what resonates most. Whether it’s clay modelling, sound baths, or Reiki, the goal is to empower individuals to discover what brings them peace and balance — crucial elements for maintaining a fulfilling career.

Final Thoughts: Nurturing Career Well-being

As our conversation drew to a close, I felt a renewed appreciation for the power of holistic therapies in supporting not only personal well-being but professional fulfilment. Susannah's compassionate approach, combined with her wealth of knowledge, offers a guiding light for those seeking balance and resilience in their careers.

If you’re curious about Reiki or interested in exploring creative therapies, I highly recommend connecting with Susannah. Her new website, www.susannahbradley.co.uk, offers further insights and session bookings.

This conversation reminded me of the importance of taking time to nurture our inner selves. Whether through Reiki, journaling, or simply taking a breath, every step toward well-being is a step worth taking — both for personal growth and career success. I hope Susannah's wisdom inspires you as much as it inspired me.

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