From Retail to Therapy: Swapping Shop Floors for Self-Discovery

Life has a habit of deviating from our best-laid plans, doesn’t it? One minute, you’re knee-deep in window displays and seasonal promotions, and the next, you’re re-evaluating everything you thought you knew about yourself. My journey from retail to therapy wasn’t part of some grand master plan-it was more of an unexpected plot twist. But sometimes, those twists lead us exactly where we need to be.

When Life Presses Pause

For years, I worked in retail, specifically in visual merchandising. If you’ve ever walked past a beautifully curated shop window and felt the urge to step inside, that was the magic of my job. Retail is fast, creative, and constantly changing - there’s never a dull moment. But it’s also mentally and physically demanding. The long hours, the never-ending to-do lists, and the pressure to make everything look effortless (even when you’re running on caffeine and three hours of sleep) take their toll.

Then, life forced me to press pause. I stepped away from work to care for my mother. That period was challenging in ways I can’t fully put into words. When she passed, I found myself in a place I think a lot of us have been - grieving, questioning what really mattered, and wondering what came next. I knew I couldn’t go back to retail. Not because I didn’t love aspects of it, but because something in me had shifted. It was one of thosse, "If not now, when?" moments.

The Big Carer Pivot

Deciding to retrain as a psychotherapist at that time wasn’t a lightbulb moment. There was no dramatic epiphany where I suddenly knew this was my calling. It was more like a gentle nudge, an idea that I had many years before that wouldn’t go away. I’d always been fascinated by people, by what makes us tick, by the stories we tell ourselves. During my time as a carer, I saw firsthand how important it is to have a space to talk, to process, to be heard. So, I did what any slightly terrified person making a big life change does - I signed up for a course and hoped for the best.

Fast forward through years of training, placements, and an embarrassing number of textbooks later, and here I am.

Sitting and contemplating conversations around mental health.

Inside Story Therapy: A Different Kind Of Space

Retail taught me a lot about people. I saw the best and worst of human nature on shop floors, in dressing rooms, and during the Christmas rush (if you’ve ever worked in retail during December, you know). But what it really showed me is that we’re all carrying something, stress, self-doubt, grief, the fear of not being good enough. And more often than not, we’re just looking for a place where we can put all that down, even for a little while.

That’s why I created Inside Story Therapy. It’s not about “fixing” people (because you’re not broken). It’s about making sense of your story, where you’ve been, where you’re going, and how past experiences shape the way you move through the world today.

Think of it like this: if life feels like a tangled-up necklace (you know, the one you swore you’d untangle one day), therapy helps you gently work through the knots.

Why Therapy, and Why Now?

Let’s be honest, the world is exhausting, and modern life is A LOT. Between work pressures, personal responsibilities, and the joys of trying to maintain some kind of life balance, it’s no wonder so many of us feel stretched thin. Research from the UK’s Mental Health Foundation found that over 74% of adults felt overwhelmed or unable to cope in the past year. That’s not just “having a bad day”...that’s a real and growing issue.

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to wait until you’re completely burnt out to explore therapy. It’s not just for crisis moments; it’s for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, whether that’s tackling anxiety, making a big life decision, or just figuring out why you keep saying “yes” when you really want to say “no.”

What to Expect at Inside Story Therapy

If the idea of therapy feels intimidating, I hear you. Walking into a room and talking about your feelings with a stranger? A little daunting. But here’s what you won’t get at Inside Story Therapy:

🚫 A cold, clinical space that feels more like a job interview than a conversation.

🚫 Awkward silences where I just stare at you, waiting for you to spill your deepest secrets.🚫 A one-size-fits-all approach that treats you like just another client file.

And here’s what you will get:

✔ A warm, welcoming environment (imagine comfy chairs, soft lighting, and zero judgment).

✔ A collaborative approach, because you’re the expert on you. I’m just here to help you make sense of it all.

✔ A safe space to unpack whatever’s on your mind, at your own pace.

A safe space to unpack your thought, take a breath and figure things out.

Your Next Chapter Starts Here

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just curious about therapy, this is your sign. There’s no “right” time to start - it’s about when you feel ready. Whether you prefer online sessions or an in-person chat, I’m here to work alongside you as you figure things out.

So, what do you say? Let’s untangle some knots and start writing the next chapter of your story, together. Because as you've heard before, life doesn’t come with a manual, but a little guidance can make the journey feel a whole lot easier.

📩 Ready to take the first step? Let’s talk. Your story matters.