Finding Light in the Darkness: My Personal Journey to Healing and How I Can Help You
- Ant Critchley
- Jan 23
- 4 min read
Struggling with anxiety, depression, and low self-worth isn’t just something I’ve studied—it’s something I’ve lived through. There were times when I felt completely lost, weighed down by my own thoughts, and unsure if I’d ever feel truly at peace. But through trial, error, and finding the right tools, I not only learned to manage those struggles but also found joy, self-love, and a purpose to help others do the same.
If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I want you to know this: you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and I understand. Today, I help others in Rufford, Chorley, Leyland, and Preston embark on their healing journeys through my unorthodox, heart-centered approach to counselling and healing. My sessions often take place on a small, tranquil boat at Rufford Marina, but we might also find ourselves walking in nature or sitting in a peaceful outdoor space as we work together.
1. Recognising That You’re Ready for Change
The first and hardest step for me—and maybe for you, too—was admitting I needed help. I spent years trying to push through on my own, thinking I could “snap out of it.” But the truth is, healing starts when we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and seek support.
Whether you’re in Rufford, walking along the marina’s serene canals, or spending your days in Leyland, Chorley, or Preston, you’ve already taken the first step by recognising the need for change. That alone is an act of courage.
2. Grounding Yourself in the Present Moment
One of the first tools I discovered was grounding. It’s a simple yet transformative way to calm the nervous system and bring yourself back to the present.
How You Can Try It:
Stand outside barefoot, whether it’s near the canal at Rufford Marina or in your garden in Leyland. Feel the earth beneath your feet.
Practice mindfulness by tuning into your surroundings. What can you hear, see, and smell?
When anxiety takes over, use this grounding exercise: name 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you touch, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste.
I often invite clients to try grounding during sessions, especially if we’re walking in nature. It’s incredible how just a few moments of connection with the earth can bring clarity and peace.
3. Breathwork: Finding Calm Through Your Breath
I know how easy it is to feel trapped in a spiral of anxious thoughts, and one of the simplest tools I’ve found for breaking free is deep, intentional breathing.
Box Breathing Technique:
Inhale deeply for 4 counts.
Hold your breath for 4 counts.
Exhale slowly for 4 counts.
Pause for 4 counts, then repeat.
This technique helped me during my most difficult moments. Whether you’re in Chorley or enjoying the quiet of the Rufford Marina, this practice can help you reset and find balance.
4. Reiki: A Gentle Energy Reset
Reiki has been one of the most profound tools in my healing journey, and it’s a practice I now share with others. Reiki works by clearing blocked energy and encouraging balance in your body, mind, and spirit.
What a Session Feels Like:
Clients often describe leaving a session feeling lighter, calmer, and more in tune with themselves. One client from Preston even said it felt like “years of tension had melted away.”
Reiki sessions on the boat at Rufford Marina are particularly special because of the natural serenity of the surroundings.
5. Hypnosis: Unlocking Your Subconscious Mind
So many of the patterns that hold us back—whether it’s fear, self-doubt, or low confidence—are rooted in the subconscious mind. Hypnosis allowed me to gently reprogram these patterns, and it’s something I now offer to others.
How It Works:
Through guided relaxation, hypnosis helps you access your subconscious, making it possible to overcome limiting beliefs. One client from Leyland shared that after just one session, they felt more confident and free than they had in years.
6. Journaling for Self-Reflection and Healing
Writing down my thoughts became a lifeline for me during my darkest times. Journaling offers a safe space to process emotions and explore what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Try These Prompts:
What am I feeling today, and why?
What’s one small thing I can do to take care of myself right now?
What am I grateful for, even in this moment of struggle?
7. Nature as a Healer
Nature was—and still is—a huge part of my healing journey. There’s something deeply soothing about being surrounded by trees, water, or open skies.
If you’re near Rufford, take a walk along the canal. If you’re in Chorley, explore Yarrow Valley. And if you’re in Preston, spend some time in Avenham or Miller Park. I sometimes hold sessions outdoors because I believe nature amplifies the healing process.
Let’s Walk This Journey Together
The tools I’ve shared here aren’t just things I’ve read about—they’re practices that helped me move from a place of anxiety and self-doubt to one of joy, confidence, and purpose.
If you’re ready to take the next step, I’m here for you. Whether we meet on my boat at Rufford Marina or take a walk in nature in Chorley, Leyland, or Preston, I’d be honoured to support you.
Start your healing journey today and book your session. Let’s discover the light within you.
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