Welcome to my website
Hi, I’m Laurel Alexander! I’m a nonfiction author passionate about well-being and resilience. I’m also a storyteller who loves exploring fantasy and magical realism.
I offer coaching for journaling and nonfiction book writing. Or you might like to talk with me about my availability for writing commissions.
Want to explore more? Check out my blog, where I share writing tips and behind-the-scenes peeks into my creative journey. Sign up for my newsletter for updates on new releases, exclusive content, and upcoming events.
Thank you for stopping by; I can’t wait to connect with you through the power of words!
My BOOKS
Buy from the publisherResilience at Work
Strategies for Increasing Confidence, Performance and Wellbeing
Adopting a cognitive behavioural approach to moving beyond ‘learned helplessness’, and drawing on mindful awareness of thoughts, feelings and behaviours, Resilience at Work draws on plentiful case studies, self-assessment exercises and a journaling approach to improve skills and performance in areas such as confidence, communication, managing change and nurturing self-esteem.
Integrative Wellness Coaching
A Handbook for Therapists and Counsellors
Integrative wellness is about collaboration and partnership between the professional and the patient, with the latter understanding that they can control their health and wellbeing as much as possible.
“Laurel’s conversational approach enables the reader to take on board complex ideas supported by simplistic explanations and is accompanied by tried and tested strategies. This handbook is a gem for either the novice or more experienced coach, covering numerous coaching approaches that take a holistic approach to working with clients. It gives real-life examples of coaching interventions in practice, highlighting how individual plans are tailored to meet the clients where they are. Not only does the book contain sound advice on several topics, but one chapter deals specifically with delivering remotely, including the current technology, and focusing on building and maintaining rapport, which is crucial when using this medium when engaging with clients. Key insights and guidance around managing one’s presence, transference, and awareness, along with hints and tips on creating a sustainable business model, ensure that this resource will be called upon again and again. I cannot recommend it highly enough!”
Jeannette Marshall, Director of Accreditation at Association for Coaching, International Speaker and Trainer
The Resilience Coaching Toolkit
Practical Self-Management Exercises for Professionals Working to Enhance the Well-Being of Clients
This flexible training pack is designed to be used in one-to-one sessions as well as for group work. It teaches the Resilience Coaching Model, a non-directive approach whereby the facilitator encourages the learner(s) to manage resilience proactively.
“Very comprehensive. I was a little cautious about spending £85 on one book. But all the coaching tools are on the CD rom, which comes with the book.”
Amazon customer review
How to Incorporate Wellness Coaching into Your Therapeutic Practice
A Handbook for Therapists and Counsellors
Wellness coaching is an emerging and vibrant area of healthcare. It takes healing beyond curing symptoms and empowers clients to take their health back into their own hands. This book provides therapists with the knowledge and skills to rejuvenate their therapeutic practice by incorporating wellness coaching techniques into their range of services.
“This is an excellent book with practical advice for any therapist/counsellor. Highly recommended. Most other books brush over the practical demonstrations of application and concentrate upon theoretical attributes instead; however, Laurel’s book is exceptionally written and combines practical use within the context of theoretical perspectives. This book uses alternative/holistic approaches to coaching and psychological and cognitive behavioural coaching. A must-read for anyone interested in becoming a coaching psychologist, stress management therapist or wellness coach alone.”
Amazon reader review
FURTHER WRITING – Books, resources and features
FURTHER BOOKS & RESOURCES
- Octopus (Spruce): Everyday Calm
- Management 2000: The Yin-Yang of Business Communication – Secrets of Profitable E-Commerce – The Complete Beginners Guide to the Internet – Marketing your Website – Secrets of Successful Online Training – Creating an Employee Wellness Programme
- Gower: 675 Ways to Develop Yourself and Your People
- Introduction to Mentoring (accredited learning pack for Sussex Careers Services)
- Mentoring in Community Education and Mentoring in the Workplace (accredited learning packs for WEA)
- New Horizons (accredited learning pack on personal and career development for the University of Sussex).
- Findhorn Press: Women’s Wisdom: natural wellness strategies for the menopause years – Women’s Wisdom: natural wellness strategies for pregnancy – Women’s Wisdom: natural wellness strategies for menstrual years.
- Trotman: Getting into Complementary Therapies – Getting into Healthcare Professions – Getting into Physiotherapy – Getting into Nursing & Midwifery – Directory of Nursing & Midwifery 2005 – Medicine Uncovered
- How to Books: Career Planning for Women – Finding a Job with a Future – Career Networking – Learning New Jobskills – Turn Redundancy into Opportunity (3rd edition)
- Internet Handbooks: Education & Training on the Internet – Graduate Job Hunting on the Internet – Overseas Job Hunting on the Internet – Career Guidance on the Internet – Working from Home on the Internet – Human Resource Management on the Internet
FEATURES & COLUMNS
- Book reviewer: Positive Health, Making Money, Working from Home, Careers Guidance Today.
- Features: Making Money, Bella, Choice, Active Life, InForm (Bank of Scotland), Bella, Business Opportunity World, Working from Home, Fidelity (Journal for National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists), Good Health, LighterLife, Health Advisor, Yoga & Health, Prediction, Positive Health, Reflexions (Journal for Association of Reflexologists), Association for Coaching (site & journal).
- Business coaching columns: International Stress Management Association, National Council of Psychotherapists and Association for Reflexologists.
My Backstory
MY NONFICTION JOURNEY
My love for writing began with focusing on wellbeing, a field I’ve spent years diving into. From resilience and integrative healthcare to holistic strategies for balanced living, I’ve written books, articles, and training guides to make complex topics accessible and engaging. But my writing isn’t just about sharing knowledge; it’s about weaving stories that resonate and empower. My journey started in 1996 with my first book, Surviving Redundancy, inspired by my husband Mick’s job loss. As I evolved in my career, my writing grew with me. Each chapter of my life has shaped my words, from career development to complementary healthcare, resilience, and wellness coaching.
My passion for personal growth and wellness is reflected in my writing and professional qualifications. My background includes:
- NVQ 4 in Guidance
- Diplomas in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Wellness Coaching
- Certifications in Reflexology, Stress Management, Nutrition, and Reiki
I’ve also studied at Bardic Level with The Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids and hold Fellow status with the National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists. As a member of the Society of Authors, I’m part of a vibrant community of creatives that inspires me.
CREATIVE FICTION AND STORYTELLING
When I’m not writing nonfiction, I love crafting stories that blur the lines between reality and imagination. I delve into the heart of contemporary issues with a touch of wonder through themes like transformation, self-discovery, and the magic in everyday life.
MY PHILOSOPHY
I believe in the transformative power of words. Whether crafting an informative book, an imaginative story, or coaching someone on their personal or professional journey, my goal is to connect, inspire, and uplift.
BEHIND THE WRITING
As you can see, writing is an integral part of who I am and how I express myself. Behind the scenes, I love black cats, am something of a pagan, enjoy chocolate, and am completely happy when I garden or buy yet another indoor plant. Reading helps me escape, with Barbara Erskine and Jean Auel amongst my favourite fiction writers, as well as Miss Read and her insightful village stories. Walking along our wild coastal seafront and the Tye (part of Southdown National Park) calms and nourishes me. Going out to one of a handful of favourite cafes for coffee peps me up, and if it’s in the afternoon, a slice of cake soothes the troubled spirit. Talking of spirits, my other half does fantastic cocktails, and I love curling up on the couch with a good film and the neighbour’s cat, plus the man of my life. I laugh a lot and can be ridiculous with my humour, especially when I see it reflected in life. I’m petite in height and curvy of flesh with knock knees and green eyes (I have green eyes; they aren’t in my knees – see my silly humour!).
Thank you for stopping by! Whether you’re here to explore wellness insights, lose yourself in a story, or grow as a writer, I’m excited to connect with you. Let’s find the magic in words together!
I’ve been working with Laurel to mentor me through writing a series of eBooks linked to my (marketing) business as a source of passive income for me and education for my clients. Laurel has helped me structure my approach and given me sound advice on how to get started and things to consider. Thanks, Laurel!
K.Hopper, Kameleon Marketing
Professional Pathways
- Clients
- Qualifications and CPD
- Memberships
- Health, Wellbeing & Personal Development Experience
- Tutoring / Training Experience
- Career & Small Business Coaching Experience
- NHS: Royal Sussex County Hospital – Sussex Cancer Centre – Aintree University Hospital – Manchester University Hospitals – Sussex Hospital Trust – Earl’s Court Health and Wellbeing Centre
- Charities: Breast Cancer Care – Turning Point Charity – International Stress Management Association – MIND – Tinnitus Association
- Community: Sussex Career Services – Social Service Family Centres – Holland and Barrett – Lewes Prison – Let’s Do Business Group
- Corporate: Brighton and Hove City Council – British Gas
- Trained personnel to qualification level in wellness and resilience coaching who have worked for West Sussex County Council – Ford Motor Company – Priory Group – American Express – Tower Hamlets Council – Canadian Police Force – UK Armed Forces – Emirates Airlines
- Education: University of Brighton (Institute of Nursing and Midwifery) – WEA – Open University – University of Sussex (Centre for Continuing Education and Liberal Education) – Sussex Down College – Brighton and Hove City College
My first professional qualification was gained when I was thirty, so I was a late starter in adult learning. My current qualifications are listed below.
- NVQ 4 in Guidance
- TDLB Units D32, D33, A22, C21, C23 and C27
- Certificate in Education
- Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- Advanced Diploma in Professional Stress Management
- Advanced Diploma in Wellness Coaching Skills
- RSA Certificate in Counselling Skills in the Development of Learning
- Practitioner Certificate in Reflexology
- Certified Hypnobirthing Practitioner
- Diploma in Nutrition
- Reiki Master/Teacher
- CPD: Precision Reflexology – Facial Reflexology – Bardic Level of The Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids – Therapeutic and Reflective Writing
- Founder, Director of Studies, supervisor and principal tutor for Wellness Professionals at Work (2002-2022)
- Complementary therapist and wellness coach with over 30 years of experience.
- Accredited supervisor (National Council of Integrative Psychotherapists)
- Journaling and oral storytelling: facilitating groups and individuals in issues relating to breast cancer, secondary cancer, miscarriage, diabetes, menopause, stress, IBS, insomnia – cancer clients have been NHS referred – I have used journaling and oral storytelling with wellness professionals as part of their CPD
- Guest positions: Learning Skills Council (reflexology, nutrition, resilience management) – Holland & Barrett (reflexology) – Brighton & Hove City Council (resilience coach for the Ninelives Campaign).
- Media work: BBC Radio: natural health/beauty, HRT/natural menopause care – Meridian TV: resilience.
- Designed and delivered well-being courses for the University of Brighton (Institute of Nursing and Midwifery) – Sussex Hospital Trust – Sussex Career Services – WEA – University of Sussex (Centre for Continuing Education) – University of Sussex (liberal education) – Sussex Down College – Brighton and Hove City College – Aintree University Hospital (diabetic nurses) – Business & Professional Women – Seeboard – Social Service Family Centres – Dryad.
- Wellness charities: Turning Point Charity (provision of wellbeing coaching resources and wellness coach training for nurses at Manchester University Hospitals NHS for heart failure/COPD and Earl’s Court Health & Wellbeing Centre, London) – Aspirations Active (training and development coach) – International Stress Management Association (stress advisor for National Stress Awareness Day 2008 and business coach) – MIND (staff training in stress management) – Tinnitus Association (workshop delivery to service users) – Breast Cancer Care (workshop delivery to service users) – CancerBackup (feature writer) – CancerHelp UK (reviewer of complementary health material) – Nigel Porter Unit, Royal Sussex County Hospital (for nine years, a complementary therapist working with breast cancer clients at diagnosis, pre and post-surgery. I supported women through hormone treatment, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I wrote a series of patient newsletters for the unit. I facilitated a therapeutic writing group working with women).
- Cancer experience: Expert panellist on nutrition and complementary therapies for Amoena Life Magazine (for women who have had breast cancer) – Cancer-related articles: Positive Health (Working with Cancer Patients: nutritional and complementary approaches), Reflexions (case profile for breast cancer aimed at reflexologists) – Visiting lecturer at Institute of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Brighton (Cancer Nursing Pathway Course) – complementary therapist with the Sussex Cancer Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital – Visiting speaker/facilitator on nutrition, visualisation and relaxation for Breast Cancer Care – complementary therapist on a Clinical Study of HRT in Women being treated for Breast Cancer at the Sussex Cancer Centre, Royal Sussex County Hospital – coaching NHS staff in using imagery for pre-surgery anxiety.
- Designed and delivered courses for University of Brighton (Institute of Nursing and Midwifery) – Sussex Hospital Trust – Sussex Career Services – Breast Cancer Care Charity – WEA – University of Sussex (Centre for Continuing Education) – University of Sussex (liberal education) – Sussex Downs College – Brighton & Hove City College – Business & Professional Women – Seeboard – Social Service Family Centres – Lewes Prison – International Stress Management Association – MIND – British Gas – Dryad – Tomorrow’s People and BH Ltd (government employment initiatives) – Let’s Do Business Group.
- Director of Studies for Wellness Professionals at Work covering the design and delivery of accredited and CPD coaching courses.
- Supervision of students, tutors, complementary therapists and nurses on health-related courses.
- Trained personnel to qualification level in wellness coaching/resilience management who have worked for West Sussex County Council – Protocol Skills – Ford Motor Company – Priory Group – South Downs NHS Health Trust – Travellers Worldwide – American Express – Tower Hamlets Council – Brighton & Hove City Council – University of Sussex – Emirates Airlines.
- Project manager of European Social Fund Project on Rural Access in Sussex, delivering career & personal development, IT and literacy; co-ordination of adult students and supervising tutors (University of Sussex) – Manager of career development centre; delivering government guidance programmes and coaching sessions.
- Business start-up mentor and group trainer with Let’s Do Business Group (NEA Scheme).
- Consultancy work with private clients for business start-up and business development
- Designed/delivered career & small business courses: Sussex Career Services – WEA – University of Sussex (Centre for Continuing Education) – Sussex Downs College – Brighton & Hove City College – Business & Professional Women – Social Service Family Centres – OU – British Gas – Lewes Prison.
- Media work: BBC radio/managing redundancy – Asked to appear on BBC’s, The Money Programme giving redundancy advice.
- Project manager of European Social Fund Project on Rural Access in Sussex, delivering career/personal development (University of Sussex) – Manager of a career development centre delivering government training/guidance programmes.
Working with Laurel has been one of my most reassuring experiences as a psychotherapist and educator. Her understanding and insight into the world of therapy and training are world-class. I have worked with Laurel for the last two years to help me produce and accredit my training course, The Natural Self. I felt listened to, and her careful and deeply thoughtful guidance has been an invaluable help for me in developing and launching my training courses for therapists and coaches. I am not always the easiest person to work with, but Laurel’s guidance has seamlessly dovetailed with my approach to form what has felt like a profoundly beneficial partnership offering just the right balance of hand-of-help and high-level direction. Laurel is genuinely the coach of coaches! For me, that is the mark of a truly gifted teacher.
Freyja Theaker, Psychotherapist
Work with me
I am passionate about empowering individuals through transformative services that nurture creativity, and well-being. Whether you are looking to explore the depths of journaling for personal or professional growth, navigate the intricate journey of crafting your nonfiction book or training course with bespoke coaching, or bring your health and wellness ideas to life with captivating content from me, my services are thoughtfully designed to support you every step of the way.
I found the day inspiring, both as a coach and personally. Laurel has given me the tools and strategies to use with my staff to enable me to help them through issues that require resilience. This in-depth session has been invaluable in my professional development. Thank you, Laurel.
Sue Ripley, school administrator
My Blog
Using Wellbeing Tourism to Build Your Business
There is a noticeable rise in wellbeing tourism, which combines getaways with therapies, coaching and other wellbeing activities. Wellbeing tourism offers the opportunity to escape the demands of everyday life and focus on nurturing our wellbeing. Whether you're...
How To Stay Ahead of The Curve With Wellbeing Trends
To succeed as a wellpreneur in the rapidly evolving wellbeing industry, embracing and adapting to the latest trends is crucial. Here are six ways to stay ahead of the curve: Offer Innovative Services and Products One of the critical aspects of embracing well-being...
Moontime
‘Moontime’ is a term for menstruation that references the similarity of women's monthly cycle to the moon's cycles. Throughout all cultures, the magic of creation resides in the menstrual blood women gave forth in apparent harmony with the moon, which sometimes stayed...
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Contact
If you would like to connect with me to talk through a writing commission, resilience coaching or my nonfiction author mentoring services, I welcome your approach.
