I’m Louise founder of The Healing Mat in Horsham, West Sussex. I created this space as a sanctuary for gentle movement, rest, and reconnection. A place where you can come exactly as you are and be met with warmth, care, and kindness.

I have a deep connection to my family, having been married for many years and have two gorgeous grown-up children with fabulous partners. I love being in nature, particularly by, or in the sea! Long walks followed by a delicious meal are my ideal Sunday; time with my beautiful friends and my wider family nourish my soul. Good conversation and a pot of green tea are my simple pleasures in life, and I need no excuse to put the kettle on.

As a Yoga Teacher and Yoga Therapist, I specialise in Restorative Yoga, Gentle Hatha Flow, Menopause Yoga, and Children’s Yoga creating inclusive, nurturing spaces where you can rest, restore, and reconnect. Each practice is an invitation to meet you where you are. Yoga Therapy is a tailored approach to your healing, through a co-authored process we work together to curate a plan of movement, breath work and relaxation to support your emotional and mental wellbeing.

My yoga journey started as a young child, as my Dad practised every day and then came to my classes! I initially trained in children’s yoga as I could see the immense benefits for the children’s wellbeing while working in schools. Then undergoing my YTT 200hrs and later as I  transitioned into my own Menopause experience, I trained in Menopause yoga. My exploration of the body, life philosophy and wellbeing continues to deepen and training as a Yoga Therapist with Yoga United 600hr training was a natural step towards a greater understanding of myself as well as my clients. I continue to practice weekly with inspirational teachers for my own personal growth and this gives me time to connect back to myself.

For me, yoga is more than movement, it is a practice of care, presence and connection. The Healing Mat brings together years of experience supporting children and families through trauma and transition spanning the last 25 years, which has deeply shaped my trauma-sensitive approach to yoga and yoga therapy today. Within this area of work,  I hold a level 5 Diploma in Trauma & Mental Health Informed Schools and Communities (TISUK), Level 3 Foster Carer, Level 4 Triple P Parenting Facilitator, hold training in CSE (Child Sexual Exploitation), Group Facilitation, supporting families experiencing Domestic Abuse, Child and Adolescent crisis, Children’s Counselling Skills, Learning Mentor diploma, Strengthening Families incl. ADHD, Anger and Challenging behaviour, Essential Supervision skills for adults and trained in BRIEF Solution Focused therapy.

I hope we have an opportunity to connect together too.