https://linktr.ee/alismithcoaching

Ali Smith trauma resolution coach, Stamford (2025)

13/06/2025

So let's talk about birth trauma as I don't see enough people speaking out about this one much
I am midway working with one client who experienced a horrendous birth - Not only did this woman have numerous health conditions, but after having to be blue lighted for an emergency C-Section, she then developed sepsis as well as having a major post - partum haemorrhage which meant she almost lost her life.

One of the most difficult parts of this was that the medics did not inform her as to what was happening which only exacerbated her feelings of feeling totally unsafe, in danger and out of control . Now not to discredit the medics at all - of course when they are under pressure they do what needs to be done to save lives but that should not undermine or discredit the experience of mum and I can only speak from this perspective

Fortunately baby was delivered safely but mum had to spend a few days in HDU recovering . After coming home she remembers having flashbacks and spending days at a time shivering and shaking when she recalled the experience ( this being 100% a trauma response ! )

After working through these memories with lots of somatic resourcing as well as gentle bilateral stimulation around the memories, not only do they feel much softer , way less triggering and more distant but her brain has now switched focus as recalling the happy moments now like holding him for the first time, hearing him cry, remembering the happy little anecdotes along the way . The having previously been overshadowed by the trauma

Its been beautiful to witness the change in her , the sense of relief as she is now free from the distressing memories and has an enlarged capacity to fully THRIVE from a place pf calm and joy as a mummy with unlimited love for her beautiful baby boy

It made me remember how many countless mums there are out there who have experienced traumatic births that are expected to get on with it and wonder why they end up feeling depressed or anxious

It also made me realise how necessary it is for more maternity units to be fully trauma informed

Medical trauma IS trauma and can cause PTSD

Often dismissed in maternity settings where its implied that the birth trauma is no big deal and you need to be grateful that you have a healthy child so mum of course is left with massive feelings of guilt and shame !

When people say ' What doesn't kill you makes you stronger " it's simply not true.
What doesn't kill you gets internalised. it needs to be processed .
And Bilateral Stimulation ( EMDR ) is an extremely powerful modality to help your brain reprocess single event traumas, softening and distancing you from the trauma memory so that it no longer feels threatening.

Do you have a birth trauma story ? Let me know in the comments how you managed it

( And yes this is me in this photo from many years back with baby Olly- now an adult and soon to be 21 ! )

21/05/2025

Whether you are stuck in fight / flight or freeze response
One fact remains
You can’t THINK your way to safety
Safety is not a cognitive experience
It’s an autonomic response

Whether you’re battling with anxiety , emotional overwhelm, procrastination, unresolved trauma , sensory overwhelm , ADHD or ASD working with your nervous system is the absolute key that unlocks productivity, happiness and flow

Join the masterclass on 27th May where I’ll be doing a deep dive into preventing burnout and expanding your capacity to thrive

Link to join in bio

12/05/2025

Its back and I cant wait !
Im hosting a signature masterclass for women who are in business who are :
Flying high ..... yet feeling overwhelmed,
Wired-but-tired,
White knuckling it through
Doing all the " right " things
and yet
Teetering on the edge of burnout
You’re not lazy
You’re not broken
Your nervous system is doing exactly what it was designed to do to protect you.
Yes your nervous system is DESIGNED to protect you at all costs
The trouble is that often shows up in exhaustion, feeling frozen , trapped or shutdown, and as I am seeing more and more with my clients physical ailments and illnesses
- autoimmune conditions
- histamine intolerance
- weight gain and inability to shift pounds
- chronic pain, stiffness and tightness in the neck, back and shoulders
- feeling internally activated and " wired "
- insomnia
- health anxiety
- scattered thinking and inability to focus on just one thing at a time
I see the same pattern over and over with my clients who are at director, CEO or sometimes non- exec director roles
They have achieved enormous success but often at the expense of their health
Couple this with the effects of declining hormones from age 40 onwards and the rollercoaster of perimenopause, looking after their emotional health and learning to regulate their nervous system becomes absolutely paramount .
In this powerful, science-backed masterclass, I’ll share with you my 5 STEP formula to :
✅ Prevent burnout before it hits
✅ Reduce daily overwhelm in minutes
✅ Reclaim your focus and clarity
✅ Cultivate an internal sense of SAFETY – no matter what’s going on around you
When : Tuesday 27th May
Time : 8.00pm BST
This isn’t mindset fluff – we’ll be diving into practical tools rooted in Polyvagal Theory, nervous system science, and trauma-informed coaching.
I am expert at guiding you HOW to work WITH your nervous system (not against it)
Whether you're a high-achiever, entrepreneur, business owner, public figure or just exhausted from carrying too much for too long – this session will give you the reset your body and mind have been craving.
This is so much more than just regulating , its about EXPANDING your capacity to pause, reset and RISE
I cannot wait to see you there !
Link to sign in the comments below

06/05/2025

I received a beautiful review from a client this morning who reached out after being booked off from work with anxiety . We had our last session this morning and there she was - totally recovered and rearing to go ! Love this work - its truly transformational

" Working with Ali has been nothing short of life-changing. I came to therapy during a particularly difficult time, feeling overwhelmed and emotionally exhausted. From our very first conversation, Ali made me feel safe, seen, and truly heard.

Her presence is calm and grounding, and she has a unique ability to listen without judgment while gently guiding you toward clarity and healing. What stood out immediately was how quickly she understood what I was going through — and how skillfully she introduced practical, effective techniques to help regulate my emotions and manage stress.

We began working with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) early on, and I was genuinely surprised by how effective it was. Within a few sessions, I was able to process memories and experiences that had weighed heavily on me for years.

She doesn't just follow a formula — every session is tailored to where I am that day. Whether I arrive feeling overwhelmed or unsteady, she meets me there, equipping me with tools that I can use well beyond our time together.

Therapy with Ali has helped me feel stronger, more grounded, and better equipped to navigate life’s challenges. I’m incredibly grateful for the work we’ve done together, and I would recommend her wholeheartedly " Naomi

I currently have space for two new clients who are struggling with overwhelm, anxiety, distressing memories, betrayal trauma , narcissistic abuse or been recently diagnosed with ADHD or Autism.

Please DM me with the words Connect ☺

30/04/2025

Over the last three months since qualifying as a Safe and Sound Protocol practitioner I’ve integrated this Incredible tool into my coaching and nervous system regulation work with high performing business women and here’s what I’ve found :

I often work with ambitious business owners or working professionals who are super health conscious . They do “ ALL the righ things “

Breathwork , nutrition, mindful movement , meditation, journaling , health retreats , masterminds you name it

And yet ……

So many are still living in a functional fight-or-flight state — still performing, still showing up, but quietly burning out inside.

Here’s some of the subtle ways it often shows up

⭐️Dysregulated eating / relationship with food . One of my clients said “ when I’m in fight flight I find myself cramming the food in but yet there is no sense of relief . I think I’m fine on the outside but internally the fight flight activation is constant - like a buzzing motor I can’t seem to dial down
⭐️ Sensory overwhelm - audio, visual and kinesthetic sensitivities . Loud noises , the crackling sound of a crisp packet, bright lights can all feel overwhelming and “ too much “
⭐️ Emotional and physical exhaustion
⭐️ Scattered thinking - inability to focus on one thing - constant “ inner drive “ to move to the next

The truth is that a lot of nervous system
Regulation techniques are surface level
Sometimes you need a bit of science - backed extra support 💕

The Safe and Sound Protocol is a research backed form of listening therapy designed to tone the middle ear which helps the vagus nerve to function more efficiently

It works over a few weeks to shift you OUT of chronic survival mode and back into a state of calm connection — where self-care actually works.

Oh boy yes it works !
My clients have been getting incredible results including :
- regulated eating patterns - finally 😊
- reduced hypervigilance and startle response
- Ability to focus on one thing and see it through to completion
- more time in ventral vagal feeling calm, safe and relaxed in body
- reduced muscle pain and tension
- reduction in ADHD executive functioning challenges “ im much more organised ! “

I’ve created a mini “ taster “program for those if you who are curious to work with SSP but need to see it in action

Over a month you will get :
⭐️Two one to one sessions with me :
⭐️Create your own in depth autonomic nervous system map
⭐️Create your own dopamine map
⭐️ introduction to the SSP protocol
⭐️ Remote tailor - made access to the SSP
⭐️ Access to 5 downloadable journaling prompts for nervous system regulation

All this for only £ 333 ⭐️
5 spots only - 2 got snapped up this morning 😊

If you’ve been doing “all the things” and still feel stuck, this might be your missing link

DM me the word SSP

27/04/2025

For those of you who are new to my page , I wanted to introduce myself to you 😍

I’m Ali Smith, the Overwhelm Expert

I help busy people shift from overwhelm to calm — reducing emotional dysregulation, scattered thinking, and desensitising the impact of life stressors and trauma.

I work with somatic, trauma-informed coaching modalities, drawing from Polyvagal Theory, the Safe and Sound Protocol, and Bilateral Stimulation (EMDR).

I’ve now done well over more than 100 hours of one to one work , have regular supervision sessions and am accredited and insured

Today, I want to clear up a few MYTHS about EMDR — so you can better understand how it works and how it can help you:

🌟 MYTH 1: EMDR instantly heals all trauma
False! EMDR is a step-by-step process.
When you work with me, we choose one memory or theme to focus on — the one thing that feels too heavy to carry.
We’re lightening the load, not emptying the whole backpack at once.

🌟 MYTH 2: EMDR is only for PTSD/trauma
Not true!
EMDR is amazing for shifting limiting beliefs like "I'm not good enough" — and for reducing anxiety, panic, and overwhelm.
You don’t even have to use the word "trauma" if that doesn’t resonate with you. 😉

🌟 MYTH 3: EMDR makes you relive your trauma
Nope!
The first stage of EMDR is nervous system regulation — making sure you feel safe, stable, and in control.
You also don't have to talk through painful details for it to work.

✨ Real Transformation Story:
A client recently came to me haunted by the memory of her mother-in-law after a surgery went wrong.
After a few sessions of EMDR, that heartbreaking image transformed into seeing her mother-in-law laughing, joyful, and at peace — exactly as she was at her happiest. 💖

This is the true power of EMDR: not erasing memories — but helping you heal and see them differently.

🌿 Healing is possible.
I’m currently offering a special 6-session combo package of Somatic Trauma-Informed Coaching + EMDR.

DM me the word HEAL if you’d like to arrange a call. Let's lighten the load together.

Currently working both online as well as from The Broad Street Practice in Stamford 😍

23/04/2025

I am delighted to be offering in person sessions at the Broad Street Practice in Stamford for Somatic trauma informed coaching, EMDR and The Safe and Sound Protocol. To book a FREE 30 minute video consultation with me for in person sessions, please send me a message with the word CALL or pop me a comment below

06/03/2025

Calling working professionals struggling with symptoms of ADHD, ASD, anxiety and overwhelm.

High-Achieving, Yet Constantly Overwhelmed?

Read This.

You’re at the top of your game—driven, ambitious, and constantly pushing forward.

But lately, something feels 𝘰𝘧𝘧.

• Anxiety creeping in—sometimes in the mornings, sometimes at night.
• Struggling to sleep, even after trying everything—blue light filters, bedtime routines, no screens before bed.
• Over-sensitive to noise, smells, and crowds—like your system is constantly on high alert.
• Jaw clenched. Shoulders like rocks. Neck aching.
• Chest tight—like you can’t take a full, deep breath.
• Struggling to switch off, focus, or feel truly present—your mind either racing or completely stuck.

And despite checking all the boxes of success, you sometimes wonder:
💭 Why does everything feel harder than it should?
💭 Why can’t I just relax like everyone else?

You are not alone.

Over the past year, I’ve worked with executives, entrepreneurs, traders, activists, CEOs, and creatives who, despite their outward success, were quietly battling the same challenges.

The truth is, this isn’t just stress—it’s your nervous system stuck in survival mode.

The modern workplace wasn’t built for human brains. The constant demands, notifications, and high-pressure decision-making keep you hypervigilance, making it harder to focus, regulate emotions, or feel fully in control.

But here’s the good news: You can reset your system. You don’t have to live in a constant state of overwhelm.

Join me on Wednesday 2nd April at 8:00 PM GMT for a free webinar where I’ll break down:

✅ Why high performers struggle with focus, anxiety & exhaustion
✅ How your nervous system controls stress (and how to rewire it)
✅ What Professor Stephen Porges’ Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) can do to help you shift from overdrive to ease

🚀 If you’re ready to lead with clarity, feel more in control, and break free from stress cycles, click the link here: https://tr.ee/1JNvQw

05/03/2025

🌟 I am delighted and honoured to have been nominated for the Woman Who Achieves Award for my work as an ICF somatic trauma-informed coach and trainer.

For as long as I can remember, it’s been my mission to help individuals and organisations tackle stress and overwhelm from a trauma-informed perspective. To teach and empower others to create organisations that thrive in uncertain times.

I'm so excited to be part of this process! What an amazing experience to be part of a powerhouse of inspirational women doing amazing work worldwide. 💖

Thank you, Sandra Garlick MBE, Sandra Garlick for these wonderful opportunities to review how far we've come and celebrate the joys of entrepreneurship – exciting times! 🥰✨

Looking forward to the 10th anniversary of these awards in May – it's gonna be amazing! 🎉

04/03/2025

Phone fasting , ADHD and The Dose Effect

If you have ( or suspect ) that you have ADHD this is a useful book to read

My son recommended it and it sparked a conversation between us about oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine 😊

And how, if you have ADHD, to better manage your dopamine levels

Just one of the takeaways from the book is “ phone fasting “
Have you tried it ?

The high - domaine - hit engagements we get from our phones are super addictive, really not helpful for those dopamine receptors

Yes it can be excruciatingly difficult but the rewards are huge in terms of clarity , calm and focus

06/02/2025

🌿 Reduce stress and overwhelm with the Safe and Sound Protocol

I’m still buzzing after my webinar on Tuesday evening, where I delivered a presentation on HOW to reduce overwhelm, manage stress, and enhance focus for working professionals. 💡

We explored Professor Stephen Porges’s “Safe and Sound Protocol” (SSP) and how it works in helping to regulate your nervous system. 🧠

🎧 What is the SSP?

It’s an evidence-based listening therapy designed to:

✅ Reduce sound sensitivities
✅ Enhance auditory and behavioral state processing
✅ Improve social engagement behaviors

Think of it as a "workout" for your nervous system using filtered music that sends cues of safety to your brain 🎵

📊 Did you know? Real-world data from SSP clients show:

🔹 61% of clients’ anxiety-related symptoms moved from clinical to non-clinical
🔹 54% of clients’ depression-related symptoms moved from clinical to non-clinical
🔹 63% of clients’ trauma-related symptoms moved from clinical to non-clinical
🔹 47% of clients experiencing psychosocial challenges moved from impaired to non-impaired

🚀 I’m super excited to be incorporating the SSP into our next 10-week group coaching cohort, starting the week beginning 17th February.

This is perfect for business owners and CEOs juggling demanding workloads and feeling overwhelmed whilst battling scattered thinking, task paralysis, sensory overload and functioning anxiety. 📈

🛎️ Onboarding starts next week, registration closes soon!
📩 Drop me a DM to arrange a virtual coffee & Q&A

28/01/2025

Calling all professionals, business owners, coaches, and entrepreneurs, navigating the challenges of living with ADHD and/ or ASD

Over the past year or so I have been working with more and more business owners/ professionals who have been diagnosed with ADHD and as a business owner myself I can see how tricky it can be when you are juggling all the balls and struggling with executive function, planning, focus, organising your thoughts, task paralysis, sensory overwhelm, time myopia, yes the list goes on .............

Have you ever wondered why ADHD can feel so overwhelming and challenging to manage?

It’s not just about focus, task paralysis or feeling like you have 100 tabs open in your brain at any given time —it’s DEEPLY tied to how our nervous system responds to stress.

The Safe and Sound Protocol is a groundbreaking, research-backed intervention designed to help regulate the nervous system.

At its core, it’s rooted in Porges' Polyvagal Theory, which explains how our autonomic nervous system influences everything from emotional regulation to attention and behaviour.

This is so much more than Binaural Beats or Solfeggio frequencies, the Safe and Sound Protocol uses specially filtered music to stimulate the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in calming our "fight or flight" response.

This will be music you may already be familiar with but it has been filtered to facilitate the nervous system shift from a state of overwhelm to one of safety and connection.

For those with ADHD, this can mean:

👉 Improved emotional regulation
👉 Enhanced focus and attention
👉 Reduced feelings of overwhelm
👉 A greater sense of clarity

It’s like giving your nervous system a “reset,” helping it to better manage stress and stay present.

If any of this has tweaked your interest and you are curious to learn MORE, I would love to invite you to attend my webinar on Tuesday 4th February at 8.00pm ( GMT ) where you will learn more about the SSP and how it can help you to " reduce overwhelm and improve your focus "

Link to sign up below

Ali Smith trauma resolution coach

13/06/2025

21/05/2025

12/05/2025

06/05/2025

30/04/2025

27/04/2025

23/04/2025

06/03/2025

05/03/2025

04/03/2025

06/02/2025

28/01/2025

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