The Phoenix Project has been developed by Abi Gibbs, a Positive Psychology Practitioner and coach, and a Practitioner of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture. Abi has over fifteen years' experience of working with people who require support in times of adversity, as well as holding her own lived experience of significant life challenges.
Abi has a strong passion for helping others who have faced the storms that life can bring, and to walk beside them on their journey towards growth, from a place of genuine care and understanding.
Abi's Story
Since completing my Psychology degree in 2009, I qualified with a Master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology at Buckinghamshire New University, have trained with the leading Social Therapeutic Horticulture Charity, Thrive, and trained in both counselling and Positive Psychology Coaching.
I am a Professional member of the Positive Psychology Guild, sit on the Stakeholder Team of a new intervention developed by Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust, and am an ambassador for the Wave Trust - an international charity who aim to reduce child abuse, neglect and domestic violence.
I have special interest in resilience and post-traumatic growth, as well as a passion for the importance of lived experience and authenticity in my professional work. I have developed my own resilience through managing a wide range of adverse personal circumstances.
Following my own Adverse Childhood Experiences, my early adult life began as a homeless, teenage, lone parent. I have personal lived experience of poverty, domestic abuse, suicide loss and child bereavement. I strongly believe this informs and adds value to my work in supporting others, as I come from a place of personal experience in using both Positive Psychology and horticulture to heal, move forward and grow.