About

Magdalena Marciniak

Also known as Magda, I have been living in Scotland since 2003 and became a British citizen in 2018. The subjects of human potential and how our mind functions have always fascinated me.

I am a member of the Mindfulness Association, which has introduced me to mindfulness and compassion practices. In my spare time, I study with the School of Meditation and Consciousness. This school provides me with a greater insight into consciousness and understanding of the mind.

I continually explore the workings of the mind and consciousness as they greatly influence our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions of the world, which, in turn, have a direct impact on our well-being.

Experience

Potential is my favorite word

My journey in exploring human potential and the mind began during my Psychology degree in Edinburgh, where I earned an accredited honor from the British Psychological Society. While studying, I also worked with Feniks, a counseling and personal development service that provides support to ethnic minorities in Edinburgh. This experience gave me practical knowledge of the issues people face and the techniques that can be used to help them.

After completing my degree, I pursued a postgraduate diploma in Career Advice and Guidance. Combining my education and passion, I started working for Access to Industry, where I supported vulnerable groups in achieving psychological and economic independence. In December 2022, I joined the Edinburgh and Lothian Green Space Trust to expand the range of people I work with, connecting them with available services and promoting mindfulness, green spaces, and social prescribing. To provide more comprehensive support, especially for fragile individuals in our community, I continuously seek additional training and broaden my theoretical knowledge.

My interests have led me to explore the impact of beliefs on our thoughts and behaviors as human beings. This exploration motivated me to become a fully qualified teacher of mindfulness and compassion, emphasising the importance of self-compassion and emotional intelligence. To further enhance my skills, I have started a Master's in Counselling, allowing me to expand theoretical knowledge of therapeutic approaches and practice in a pluralistic way.

I have delivered well-being sessions for patients of NHS Lothian and the Edinburgh Abstinence Programme, taught courses such as Living Life to the Full and Mindfulness and Compassion-Based Living, and facilitated SMART meetings for people in recovery. I have provided over a thousand one-to-one career advice and guidance sessions, helping individuals lead more meaningful lives. The courses I have facilitated have been life-changing for some participants.

I apply all the knowledge and experience I have acquired while working with individuals in both group and one-to-one settings. Currently, I am in the process of establishing my own independent support and services through Mindswitch and HealthyInSideOut, aiming to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those I work with.