Emily's story in her own words:

Navigating a challenging period in my mental health journey with autism and ADHD, and younger years spent battling complex issues.

How Vision Boards Can help us problem solve.

Each year, people arrive at my workshops expecting a creative space to map out their goals, dreams, and aspirations and while we certainly embrace creativity, what they leave with is often far beyond what they imagined.

Carey (name has been changed for privacy), came for the 3rd year running, recently shared how attending these workshops has been an experience of self-discovery, healing, and newfound clarity—not just cutting and pasting images onto a board. “I find Vanessa gives me a new found perspective”

"I love coming to Vanessa’s workshops every year. It’s not just about cutting and sticking pictures; it’s a whole experience where she helps me step outside of my usual thinking. I don’t just make a vision board—I get a fresh perspective on things I didn’t even know were bothering me. Being here feels like an escape, a place to switch off and look at my life differently.”

Find out Carey’s journey and why coming every year peels another layer of connection and awareness to herself, to bring inner peace and clarity.

Carey, last year came to my workshop hoping to visualise her goals for a new chapter, possibly a move to Scotland, which was a real surprise, as seemed very settled, but was having itchy feet due to a family member. Going away with her vision board Carey seemed happy this was her next step, and went off to make plans to make it happen.

When Carey rang to do her vision board again this year, I was aware she had still not moved. I was keen to find out why.

Through the use of her vision board and the insights we spoke about on the day, on reflection Carey uncovered a deeper motivation behind her urge to move. She realised she wasn’t genuinely excited about relocating but felt compelled to "escape" unresolved feelings tied to her past and current relationships. This insight helped her face those emotions, understand the root of her need for freedom, and find resolution with a family member, whom she initially felt trapped by. By having that conversation, her concerns were put to bed this helped her see this was all build up on previous experiences. This reflection on her vision board had enable herself to visualise and process the reasons in a more structured way.

Instead of uprooting herself, her board actually made her realise how many friends she has here in Sussex and how settled she was, that she was running away, as in the past when felt suffocated that was the easiest way.

This insight meant she now has helped her to build a better relationship with the family member and be more settled than ever before.

This insight has helped Carey find her next vision and we have creating new ways to make everyday life more fulfilling. Together, we discussed ways she could bring small adventures into her routine, like cooking tapas to recreate the travel excitement at home, as well as visiting themed restaurants, to experience new tastes rather than sticking to the same ones Carey normally visits. Carey has set the intention to bring fresh flowers to her reading nook she wanted to create, as realised she used to buy flowers and had stopped. Instead of coming from lack mentatlity of not having a garden she planned pots and to bring the outdoor in. On top of that Carey is planning a walking pilgrimage next year for a significant birthday, and loved an insight to build connections with friends and colleagues to walk occasionally with her as she trains for it.

Her vision board gave her a roadmap for meaningful changes, not just big life shifts.

In my workshops, I don’t just “hold space”—I strive to provide support, tools, and ideas that help participants tap into the lives they truly want, not just the ones they feel they “should” be living.

Each workshop also includes a workbook, carefully designed to encourage introspection and help map out actionable steps. Participants often find these exercises invaluable for staying focused and intentional, turning their dreams into structured, reachable goals.

Carey has taken these experiences even further. She’s is going to start learning Spanish to prepare for her journey, on the work front reaching out to fellow travel consultants to expand her work network, as well as building new habits to celebrate her journey in life now—not just waiting for the "big adventure."

Vision boarding can be much more than creating a collage. It’s about building a mindset, a vision for life that you can live each day.

Carey’s journey is a testament to this, and she recommends 1:1 sessions for anyone wanting to dig deep, layer by layer, to bring their true aspirations to life.

If you’re ready to look beyond the board and bring meaning to every step of your journey, join us for a session and experience the shift for yourself.

How Vision Boards Inspire Students

Vision boards help students turn dreams into something they can see. By gathering images and words that reflect their goals, they make ambitions feel real and achievable. As their dreams grow, their boards evolve — inspiring reflection, confidence, and a sense of ownership over their future.