Verna Haywood describes herself as visionary and forthright.

She’s also very observant.

And she sees a lot of people stressed out, overwhelmed and undervalued.

Which is why Verna, Founder of La Vie Health & Wellness in Portland, is launching a 15 week holistic coaching session.

The first group session is on Monday February 22.

Her aim is to – in Verna’s words – “rekindle the light with my special programmes which are designed to inspire, motivate and teach resilience.”

Verna, 60, said: “La Vie means life and La Vie is ME.

“I live life holistically.

“There is no time to feel stressed out, overwhelmed and undervalued.

“I know how it feels to lack confidence, and I understand what people are going through.

“The feeling of no-one there to hold your hand, to help share the load that pulls you down, makes you unsure whether you can climb to the mountain top.

“I understand that feeling of loss and uncertainty.

“I am motivated, energised, forthright and visionary.

“La Vie Refresh is not about me changing who you are.

“You are amazing – it’s about you enlisting me to encourage you to become the best version of yourself.”

Participants can choose from intensive 1-1 coaching with Verna or immerse themselves into a group coaching session.

A free 90-minute private consultation is included as part of the package.

Verna, who started her business in 2010, said the sessions would explore in depth the principles of holistic coaching in three stages.

The first will work on refreshing the mind, then moving on to reviving the soul before renewing the body.

Participants can expect increased self-esteem, self-confidence, self-awareness and a renewed feeling of empowerment, she said.

Details can be found here.

Verna said: “I have always taken a holistic approach when treating my clients because when they feel unwell in one area, it affects the other areas of their health and overall wellbeing.

“Studies show 94 per cent of the world population suffers from some form of stress under normal circumstances.

“In recent years, I have noticed the changes taking place when consulting with my clients and advocating for other’s health and wellness in my profession.

“Most recently, I have seen the effects of being in lockdown and not receiving monthly treatments the impact it is having on my clients’ mental and physical wellbeing.

“The service that I offer is vital because people experience different emotions.

“Having someone who understands their predicament and can connect with them to take a holistic approach will enable them to thrive and flourish not merely survive.”