Lets talk...
As a Pole Dance Instructor with over 8 years experience teaching in London and Derby, I have seen a lot.
I have no teaching/training experience in therapy/psychology/Counsellor, or any mental health field.
Other than my Mindfulness Course.
I have personal experience with mental health, panic attacks and recently ptsd/depression.
I'm very open with my personal mental health struggles, I will happily talk about it. I think its really important to express that anxiety/panic attacks aren't just that... they're consuming worry, overthinking, paranoia, sucks the life out of you, no energy, physically exhausting and I'm a very physical anxious person: headaches and sickness... this is to name a few.
So it got me thinking... about Pole Dance and Mental Health.
After the recent 'Strip Down/Rise Up' on Netflix.
At my studio, i have a free to be whoever you want to be policy, if you feel like opening up and talking about your day, go ahead. At the same time, if you come to Pole to shut the door on the outside world thats perfect too. There is no right or wrong.
I prefer people get stuff off their chest before going upside down on the pole...and 99% of the time we laugh... a lot.
It is not a 'therapy' session, we do not offer personal advice, we are very much just their for each other, we listen and its funny as usually we can all relate to situations.
A problem shared is a problem halved... love a good old phrase.
When you've been teaching for a long time, you learn to get a vibe off people, when's the right time to step in and suggest help and when's the right time to back off.
After all; a lot of my students become friends and I create a lot of empathy, I can't help it, my soul is full of empathy for others. But i have learnt it's not my job to give advice/support.
I am really interested in doing a small 'survey' (survey may not the right word) into why you Pole Dance, and how it benefits your mental health.
I have chosen for these all to be anonymous.
I am not giving advice in return or supporting your mental health.
It is important to seek professional help for your mental health.
Please read the below and if you're interested in being part of this please email me
My plan is to share these as an interesting, insightful, aspirational and inspirational reason to try Pole.
Don't put too much work into this...be real, I'm not judging the answers, there is no right or wrong.
Why did you start Pole Dancing?
Can you put in a short sentence why Pole Dance Classes benefit your mental health?
Does Pole Dancing help with your body confidence?
Thank you hugely for taking part.
I can't wait to get back to the studio and be with you all.
Big Love
Bryony x