Adam Cooper

I'm not sure how you picture a therapist, but I always imagined a 50 year old geography teacher who psychoanalysed your childhood for endless hours on a big comfy sofa.

Sorry, I'm not that guy. I prefer to cut through the bullshit, take action and move forward quickly. My background is in Military Aviation and Human Performance. Having served in the Royal Air Force for over 26 years, and now for the Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter Force, I know a lot about performance, pressure, teamwork, and risk. Knowing how to overcome the voice of self-doubt, and do it anyway, is the same in business.

But I discovered that the problems at home are equally (if not more) difficult to overcome than those at work. Fighting a (literal) war on both sides takes an emotional toll that requires help and support from others.

Facing up to the fact that I had put my family second whilst operating overseas was painful. I initially did what most men do… hide and avoid the problem by working harder (this is what I was good at). After a minor emotional meltdown, I had to get my head out of my arse and face the real issues, like avoiding difficult conversations about my intimate relationships, anger, crap sleep, poor diet and a lack of clear purpose or drive.

Simply 'existing' wasn't good enough for me. Once I swallowed my pride and stubbornness, I got to work on the parts that mattered most. Figuring out exactly what I wanted and getting the guts to face the truth. I wasn't where I wanted to be and it was all my fault. I pride myself on being a great father, to do this I had to lead by example. In health, marriage and personal well-being.

I conquered my own battle at home to improve my health, relationships, self-confidence and communication skills. This led to qualifications in coaching, mentoring, NLP, CBT, hypnotherapy, communications, mental health first aid (MHFA), being a Samaritans volunteer and working in partnership with Anxiety UK.

I'm not a doctor, personal trainer, spiritual healer or psychotherapist. I'm a straight-talking guy who found a way to face his own fears so I could live with more passion and freedom. I just want to offer this to others, like me, so they do not suffer alone and in silence.