Mastering Workplace Wellbeing With A Holistic Approach

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Jessica Chesterman - HG Psychotherapist

Jessica is a psychotherapist and ambassador for the Human Givens Institute, which is a global organisation that unifies the most effective forms of counselling & psychotherapy, neuroscientific findings and therapeutic techniques with the focus on achieving positive client outcomes with speed.

With 15 years of experience in corporate enterprise sales, managing multi-million dollar targets while raising two children, she understands firsthand how stressors from various life areas can intersect. Her mission is to redefine workplace well-being by providing individuals and businesses with a holistic therapeutic framework that primarily addresses emotional needs. By empowering people with knowledge and skills to manage their emotional well-being, Jessica aims to create thriving workplaces and lives.

Tell us a bit about your story. How did you build your career until this point?

My passion for Human Givens (HG) therapy and redefining workplace well-being stems from personal experience. In my mid-twenties, I endured a two-year period of depression, which, in all honesty, was just horrible. HG theory resonated deeply with my lived experience, as many of my emotional needs (of which all humans have 9) were significantly impacted and were being met out of balance. Had I known then what I know now, I know I would have recovered from depression more quickly. HG could definitely be more well-known. However, it is this under-recognition that fuels my passion and drives my role as an HG Ambassador.

During those 2 years, my challenges were primarily personal. I was fortunate to work for an organisation that was incredibly understanding and supportive; however, my personal distress inevitably impacted my work life. Many of my emotional needs weren’t being met in healthy or balanced ways, which, in turn, affected my cognitive responses, and my job became extremely difficult and exhausting. In the fast-paced corporate world, I found mental health workshops often focussed solely on work, which I believe is overlooking a critical aspect.

My approach empowers individuals with the knowledge to manage their own well-being, regardless of personal or professional circumstances. This equips people with valuable insights, enabling them to take control of their mental health and adopt a framework they can use forever more.

What drives/inspires you?

My transition from Enterprise Sales Executive to therapist was, let’s be honest, not inspired by financial gain. I have 2 children who I utterly adore and they inspire me to do my little bit to make a positive impact on the world, I feel being a mother has made me more cognisant of wanting to make a difference. Additionally, witnessing clients who have been in long-term therapy with little progress before coming to see me has really motivated me to help others through my work and promote HG therapy. I firmly believe that businesses adopting frameworks that support emotional needs and individuals becoming more aware of the HG approach could significantly improve people’s chances of thriving. As I say to my clients, if you create a life that works for you, then why would mental distress occur?

Life is inherently uncertain and everyone faces challenges. However, not everyone who experiences challenges suffers from poor mental health. A significant factor in resilience is how well one’s emotional needs are met.

 

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Featured in Brainz Magazine

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