New business '˜tapping' into founder's experience

Donja MacGregor, right, who has set up a new business to help others dealing with stress and depression.

Donja MacGregor has walked away from a 20-year career in education to share the technique that she knows from experience can provide a vital lifeline - she credits it with bringing her back from the brink in the face of a prolonged period of severe depression.

Unable to work for a year because of her illness, Donja turned to the alternative therapy of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and, combined with the support of her GP, family and friends, became well enough to return to her post as a learning support teacher and train as an EFT practitioner.

“I want to help other others benefit from the same therapy that made me realise that life is for living,” said Donja, who is based at Complete Health Borders at 36 Gala Park, Galashiels.

“EFT is a simple set of techniques which involves gently tapping acupuncture points on the hand and upper body whilst talking about an issue in a specific way.

“This helps people release emotions such as anxiety, past trauma and stress, allowing them to move forward in life more positively. It can also have a great knock-on effect for the physical body too.”

Her original plan had continue teaching part-time and build a client base but she decided to take the plunge and left her job in January.

“Making the decision to leave behind the security of teaching was terrifying, but I just knew it was the right thing to do,” said Donja.

She received support and motivation from Business Gateway Scottish Borders, including start-up workshops in marketing, finance, bookkeeping and business planning, which has helped her build her own business.

Word is beginning to spread about Donja’s practice as clients begin to see the benefits of working – either face-to-face or via Skype – with someone with experience of anxiety and depression.

She said: “I’d known depression before but never as seriously as two years ago. I often found it impossible to function and do normal things.

“I needed a different form of help and that is what I got from EFT.

“My aim now is to support my clients in their own healing journey, to help them move forward in life more positively, and to feel as confident and happy with life as I do now.”

For more information see Donja MacGregor EFT.