Báirbre Meehan undertook a five-year research project called Inner Compass, working with GPs, psychotherapists and word of mouth referrals to support and monitor mental well being improvements in over 100 people.
What is mental well being?
Mental well being is the positive aspect of mental health. People with mental well being function well and feel good.
Functioning well encompasses positive psychological functioning, good relationships with others and self-realisation, which includes the capacity for self-development, autonomy, self-acceptance and competence.
Feeling good is the subjective experience of happiness and life satisfaction.
The Inner Compass Project
The objective of the project was to measure the impact of a short-term Focusing-Oriented coaching approach on participants, individually and collectively. In doing so, the research served to establish how best to cultivate practices of awareness and understand which tools and strategies best support individuals to assess, manage and maintain their own mental well being, irrespective of gender, age, referral sources or presenting issues.
The Results
The Inner Compass project results reported very significant mental well being improvements that positively impacted the participants in their daily lives and that of those around them.
Using a quantitative mental well being measurement tool*, Mental Well Being (MWB) was assessed at the start, end and six months after the intervention, to measure the individual and collective MWB change over time.
Results showed a 70% improvement in collective MWB at the end of our intervention, with the improvement being maintained at both the six month and two year reviews that followed the intervention period.
Key Quantitate Research Conclusions:
- Collective MWB change two years after the end of the intervention was 15, with a change of 3 to 8 considered ‘likely to be meaningful’ to ‘unequivocally meaningful’.
- Collective MWB scoring at end of the intervention (after six months and after two years) was above the average populations for those countries measured.
*Our MWB measurement tool is widely used and highly validated, allowing for comparatives with country population averages and similar interventions, while also clearly segregating MWB into risk categories.
Testimonials from Research Participants:
‘A way of … rediscovering and finding out things about yourself that you lost over time or hadn’t realised were there … focusing your energy into pushing yourself forward’
‘It helped me to gain clarity on lots of things and become capable of moving forward’
‘It breaks down your problems’
‘Its about becoming aware of yourself; your thoughts and your whole body … and their impact on my life … it was so much richer than ‘coaching’ … allowing me to just sit with things when I don’t know’
‘I am more confident … Teased out problems and now they don’t seem so insurmountable’
‘I feel more content and have a better handle on life’
‘I got to know myself and say, fair play to you, you’re not as half cracked as you thought.’
‘It’s life-changing … So many AHAs. A real-time self-help, tailored just for you. It’s really creative’
‘Being guided to … listen to yourself and your body in a safe space … you are re-introduced to yourself, seeing what you are really about and finding what you want, what path you will take, rather than what you should do’
‘I built resilience … I feel proud of myself … standing up for myself more … feel stronger as a person than ever felt and doing things never able to do before … I’m not so hard on myself’
‘The service is about listening … gave me a wider perspective on decisions … I am more positive, less procrastination and more self-compassionate’
‘It’s a journey of self-realisation, that helped me to look in the deepest, darkest parts of myself and to realise the answers I am looking for all lie within’
‘I believe in myself. I have found my voice’
‘For the first time in my life I am comfortable with who I am and that is amazing’
‘It’s life changing…..All of a sudden you’re doing stuff you only ever thought about before’
‘It is a fantastic intervention if you’re struggling to think clearly or suffering from anxiety, causing you not to enjoy what life has to offer .. quite simply, it teaches you how to look after yourself’
‘Its enlightening, empowering and practical, leaving me with improved self-confidence and tools to cope when feeling over-whelmed’
‘I have gained a truer sense of myself and a level of confidence that I’ll be able to handle anything in the future’
‘With it, I created a clearer and more peaceful place for myself in the world.’
‘It’s life-changing. It puts things into perspective’
One word to describe how the client was feeling Before and After the Intervention:
| BEFORE | AFTER |
|---|---|
| Hopeless | Optimistic |
| Mouse | Bird |
| Confused | Confident |
| Exhausted | Renewed Energy |
| Blinkered | Open |
| Cowering | Standing Tall |
| Lost | Self-Assured |
| Desperate | Hopeful |
| Dark | Happy |
| Unaware | Self Aware |
| Slipping Backwards | Motivated |
| A Mess | Adventurous |
| Stuck | Capable |
| Really sad | Exhilarated |
| Isolated | Optimistic |
| Anxious | Relieved |
| In a Dark Place | I’m Good |
| Defeated | Determined |
| Stressed | Free |
Voice of the Professionals participating:
‘I am a GP and have referred some patients to Báirbre, with different problems including low mood, chronic anxiety, poor self-esteem etc. Feedback, which has been hugely positive, from these individuals, has confirmed my own findings; that Báirbre is extremely professional yet compassionate and empathetic. She has provided great assistance and support and guided these people onwards, through difficult times, enabling them to heal and recover themselves.’
‘I have referred several people from my GP practice to Báirbre – people who were stressed or stuck or depressed. Each of them found her to be warm and encouraging, and found her approach very helpful. I have seen great positive changes in their lives as a result, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her.’
‘I have worked with Bairbre for the last two years and have referred clients to her, particularly some of whom were in therapy with me. Báirbre works with great clarity, skill and empathy, and in so doing helps the client move in a practical way. Báirbre has a truly great gift to offer our society. She comes with a wealth of experience and ability.’
