From Anxiety to Confidence – Rosie Garrisson

Rosie Garrisson

Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Motivator,
Self-Employed

Rosie transformed decades of anxiety into confidence and purpose, using the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing to build daily resilience, reconnect with her past, and inspire others to embrace calm and joy.

Malvern, Australia

Alumni:

🎓 Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing

What drew you to complete the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing?

"I was particularly interested in finding some more positive tools to assist me with my anxiety and challenges in my life. Above all, I wanted to gain an achievable formal qualification in something that I enjoyed! Somehow, amidst all the trepidation, I felt I was on the right path!"

When I began the course in April 2014, my career had encompassed a business secretarial path in both the legal and personnel industries, despite really wanting to pursue teaching.

I had begun several courses over the years, yet often lacked the desire and confidence to finish. I also suffered from anxiety and always felt there was something missing from my life. I was mindful that I hadn’t reached my full potential for various reasons.

Then I bumped into my daughter’s past pre-school teacher, Gill Richardson, who was so full of enthusiasm about the Diploma that I decided to investigate. Within a few days, I was enrolled, and I was very nervous and excited at the same time!

I completed all the preliminary inventories and ‘Strengths Profile’, which I found most interesting, especially when an accredited Langley Group Institute consultant phoned me for my debrief. I conveyed my fears about whether I could do the course, and she soon calmed my nerves. She guided me through my strengths and showed me how they could assist me. I felt better prepared!

 

How was your experience during the course?

"Surprisingly, the course was incredibly practical, and that’s what one remembers – so impactful! My life was finally starting to make sense, and this is where I was supposed to be right now!"

The first day in the classroom after some 35 years, with a whole room of employed people, was nerve-racking to say the least, yet I wasn’t a ‘fish out of water’ for long and soon realised that I had at last found what I had been looking for my entire life. It was the perfect timing for me to lap up every moment!

I found the content so interesting, especially the ‘flow theory’ which I had practised for years without formally realising its benefits. The daily mindfulness practices were invaluable, and I still use them regularly. Carol Dweck’s work on ‘mindset’ really resonated with me. The facilitators were genuinely interested in you. I actually enjoyed researching and writing the essays, as well as exploring the topics.

I realised I had found GOLD — �� I had always been interested in psychology, having experienced an early childhood trauma followed by years of counselling. I knew I had found a new meaning in my life, which made me feel uplifted and excited – a feeling I hadn’t felt for a very long time. I could see myself creating a new career path, and my mind was beginning to flow with ideas.

I also met some great people on the course. Frances, the assistant facilitator, partnered with me for some of the practical exercises and was so encouraging and helpful. I also met a teacher who proved to be a great motivator and study partner.

 

How are you spreading your positive ripples, and how has the Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing helped you achieve this?

"My husband is a lot calmer, my anxiety has ‘gone out the window’, my self-confidence is high, and I have a new purpose in life. I now feel a complete person."

The ripple effect has been life-changing. In May 2016 – about half way through the course, I decided to fly to the U.K.

At six years old, I lost my father in a tragic car accident in England, while I was still in Australia. My mother, as a passenger, endured horrific facial injuries and was hospitalised for months in England; widowed at 38 years of age with four children under twelve back in Australia.

Meanwhile, a lady named Claude read about the accident in the local journal. She rang the newspaper to locate mum’s whereabouts, visited her in the hospital and liaised with medical personnel. After befriending my mother, Claude then invited mum into her beautiful grand Shropshire home to recuperate for a few months before returning on the ship to Australia. She nurtured mum and was always there with a comforting and positive word when required – mum had met an angel.

I had grown up with this story of Claude and her incredible kindness, and I always longed to visit her.

So I flew to Shropshire to meet Claude as she was then 88 – I felt time could be running out.

"I knew I was ready with my newfound knowledge and positive psychological tool kit, as my confidence and happiness had increased, and I had renewed enthusiasm."

I knew I needed to fulfil this psychological need – little did I know this would be life-changing too.

Gorgeous Claude was so excited to see me and couldn’t believe I had flown all that way just for her – ripples! It was the least I could do to reveal my enormous appreciation and gratitude.

I was able to finally ask all the questions about what had happened all those years ago and why she did it. It turns out that Claude had come to the U.K. from France at 18 to marry an Englishman, so she knew what it was like to be a foreigner, and her heart went out to Mum.

Meeting Claude was the most amazing experience, and I was finally able to complete the puzzle. Upon returning home, I felt a huge wave of calm – the transformation has been remarkable!

Since my trip and completing the Diploma, my life has completely changed – my husband has semi-retired, we have sold our dream home, built a new home and embarked on a sea-change.

I practise positive psychology daily, am enjoying my new career path and developing myself further. My family are happier too with a stronger and resilient mother and wife who can now hold her head up high – not easy being only 5”1.

I want to share my story and how I got to where I am today using positive psychology tools. I would also like to assist people with anxiety and depression, and help them to enhance their happiness and wellbeing. I now have a formal qualification and can fulfil my passion for teaching others.

The world is my oyster!

 

Inspired by Rosie’s ripple story?

Discover how Positive Psychology can transform anxiety into confidence, build resilience, and help you reconnect with your purpose.

Apply evidence-based tools to your daily life and inspire those around you – just as Rosie has done.

Join our next Diploma of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing or Certificate IV in Wellbeing Science intake and start creating ripples of calm, joy, and lasting positive change.

Enrol here or book a call to learn more.