Answering the Inner Call: My Journey from Rehabilitation Nursing to Holistic Healing
- Blaithin Gilsenan
- Sep 16
- 6 min read
Caring for others has always been at the heart of my life’s purpose. As a child, I knew I wanted to become a nurse, and I fulfilled that dream by qualifying in 1995.
Two years later, I relocated to Australia, where I dedicated 27 years to nursing and nursing management. Those years were deeply rewarding; I found meaning in my work and built lasting connections with colleagues who became like family. Yet, the demands of the profession often meant putting my own wellbeing aside to support others.
When life shifted
In 2001, my life shifted dramatically when my father became ill. I returned home to care for him until his passing, an experience that profoundly impacted me. My uncle passed away just one day before my father, and I suffered my first panic attack during his funeral. The following day, I struggled to cope and sought help from my GP. Even now, the memory lingers, reminding me of the importance of emotional health. Like many, I tried to carry on without addressing my feelings, relying on distractions rather than healing. Panic attacks, particularly triggered by heights, affected me for years. While I have made significant progress, the journey has not been easy.
Discovering Energy and Spirit - my introduction to Reiki
I eventually returned to Australia in 2002, seeking new paths to wellness. My curiosity about holistic practices led me to explore alternative medicine, angels, crystals, and spiritual healing. I remember a pivotal moment one evening when I asked for a sign. As “In the Arms of an Angel” played on the radio, I saw two angel-shaped shadows cast on my wall and felt an overwhelming sense of peace and love. It was an affirmation that I was supported and guided.
This experience set me on a path of discovery. In 2003, I received my first Reiki session as I looked for ways to manage stress without medication. Intrigued by the concept of energy, chakras, and self-healing, I enrolled in Reiki Level 1. From the first attunement, I could feel the energy flowing through my hands, as if a switch had been turned on. continued with Reiki Level 2 and Seichim Reiki courses, practising on friends and considering a future as a full-time Reiki practitioner.
Life, however, often has its own plans. Work, ego, and doubts delayed my journey, but the universe has a way of presenting lessons until we listen. I continued to explore personal growth, always aware of an inner calling to do something more. After a challenging period involving a difficult breakup, a house move, and persistent emotional strain, I reached a low point. I was overwhelmed, emotionally drained, suffering from a six-month long headache and considering antidepressants.
That’s when I was guided to a Reiki practitioner who would become my mentor friend and inspiration to fulfil my dream of setting up my own practice.
My first session was transformative. I shared my struggles and, at her encouragement, gave Reiki a chance before starting medication. After just one session, my headache lifted, and within a few sessions, I felt renewed. This powerful experience confirmed that I was being guided for a reason and reignited my commitment to holistic healing.
Then came the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in healthcare during such an uncertain time was daunting, but I was grateful for the support of an exceptional team. Australia endured lengthy lockdowns, which provided more time for introspection and inner work.
Crossroads and new beginnings
For many years, my professional path was rooted in rehabilitation nursing. I worked with patients navigating the complexities of orthopaedic injuries, neurological disorders, oncology treatments, and chronic pain management. In this environment, the focus was often on solving external problems—treating symptoms, managing conditions, and striving for visible outcomes. Yet, as I walked beside patients through their healing journeys, I began to sense something profound was missing. It became clear to me that true healing extends beyond the physical; it is a process that must also address emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Too often, in the rush to manage symptoms, the deeper causes and the innate potential within each person were overlooked. I realized that, while conventional medicine is invaluable, we often forget that we possess the ability to heal from within.
This awakening stirred a desire in me to move away from a strictly conservative, symptom-focused approach toward a more integrative model—one that honours both modern medicine and the wisdom of holistic practices. Both, I have come to understand, are essential and powerful in their own right. Determined to deepen my practice, I completed my Reiki Master training with Dr Majot Garcha , working alongside her in her clinic. Together, we witnessed remarkable healing experiences with clients. With her mentorship, I embraced my calling in holistic health and fully stepped into my purpose.
After many years of envisioning my own practice, I took a pivotal step forward. In 2023, I returned to Ireland to celebrate my 50th birthday—a milestone that offered me the opportunity to reconnect with my roots after five years away due to global travel restrictions. I also set aside three months to travel through Europe with loved ones, deepening my sense of purpose and connection. During a visit to Delphi in Greece, a place renowned for its profound spiritual energy, I felt an unmistakable calling to return home and establish a wellness business alongside my sister. Sharing a lifelong bond and a mutual passion for holistic wellbeing, we knew our combined strengths could create something truly special.
Coming Home to my purpose
Six months later, I relocated from Australia back to England, and together we brought our vision to life with the founding of Your Space to B. Upon returning to the UK, alongside practicing Reiki, I immersed myself in the study of sound healing—an ancient practice that instantly resonated with me. From the very first time I held a singing bowl, I sensed a deep connection, as though I had been called to this work long ago. It was clear that sound healing would become an integral part of the holistic wellness services I offer. My fascination with vibration and frequency grew as I witnessed their profound effects—not only physically, but also on emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The transformative power of sound therapy inspired me to weave it into our daily routines at Your Space to B, where clients consistently report remarkable results.
Today, sound healing stands alongside Reiki and other holistic modalities in our practice, enriching the personalised care and nurturing environment we provide. By blending traditional wisdom with modern techniques, my goal is to empower others on their journey to balance, restoration, and self-discovery. Reflecting on this journey, I remain deeply grateful for the years I spent at the bedside of patients—learning, growing, and ultimately, listening to the wisdom that healing, in its truest form, comes from within. Today, I honour both the tangible skills of conventional medicine and the transformative potential of holistic approaches, trusting that the fusion of these paths leads to the most profound and lasting wellness.
Finding joy beyond work
While holistic health and healing light up much of my journey, there’s also a vibrant, playful side to my life that keeps everything in joyful balance. Music has always been a constant companion—whether I’m singing along (sometimes off-key!) to favourite tunes, discovering new artists or going to a concert I find that melody and rhythm nourish my spirit just as much as any wellness practice.
Friendship is another essential ingredient in my recipe for happiness. My friends bring laughter, encouragement, and a sense of adventure to my world; time spent together reminds me that connection and shared joy are healing in their own right. While living so far from home in Australia my friends were my family and constant support. And when it’s time to unwind, you’ll often find me relaxing with a good book, letting stories whisk me away to new places, or experimenting in the kitchen with fresh ingredients and new recipes. Cooking, for me, is its own form of creative meditation—and sharing a home-cooked meal with loved ones is one of life’s true pleasures.
Blending soulful work with these simple delights helps me stay grounded, grateful, and inspired. After all, life is as much about laughter, music, and friendship as it is about transformation and growth.
If my story has resonated with you, I invite you to take the next step on your own healing journey. Whether you’re seeking balance, renewal, or simply a space to breathe, Your Space to B is here to support you - blaithin@yourspacetob.com.
Reach out to connect, book a session, or find out more about how Reiki and sound healing can nurture your mind, body, and spirit.
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