Ralph

When Ralph first reached out, he was carrying the weight of profound loss following the death of his life partner. In the months that followed, he had thrown himself into work and endless tasks, filling every moment to avoid the stillness that might bring the pain too close.

Though outwardly functioning, Ralph described feeling numb, disconnected, and increasingly isolated, from others and most deeply, from himself. The busyness had become a shield, but one that was now beginning to crack.

After an initial consultation, we agreed to begin a six week one-to-one process, supported by ongoing WhatsApp connection between sessions. Our work together included somatic inquiry to gently reconnect him with his emotional body, breathwork to regulate his nervous system, and guided meditation and dreamwork to create a safe space for grief to be acknowledged and expressed. We also integrated elements of Ayurvedic rhythm and daily ritual to bring a sense of steadiness and structure.

Over time, Ralph began to notice moments of spaciousness, where feelings could be met with care rather than fear. He reported feeling more able to soften into his grief without being consumed by it, and began to rebuild a quieter, more honest relationship with himself. The sense of isolation slowly gave way to glimpses of connection, both inward and outward.

At the end of our work together, Ralph left with a personalised plan and practices to continue supporting himself and an open invitation to return for further sessions if and when he needed.

"I didn’t know how to grieve. I just kept moving, thinking if I stopped, I might fall apart. Working with Annabel gave me the space to slow down and feel, in a way that didn’t overwhelm me. The practices felt gentle but powerful. I started to find my way back to myself, little by little. I’m still on the journey, but now I don’t feel like I’m walking it alone." Ralph