Today, more than ever, wellness is at the forefront of societal discussions. From mental health to physical well-being, women are making significant strides in bringing about change, introducing innovative solutions, and setting new standards. Despite facing unique challenges, they break barriers, inspire communities, and are reshaping the very definition of health and wellness. In this series called women in wellness we are talking to women doctors, nurses, nutritionists, therapists, fitness trainers, researchers, health experts, coaches, and other wellness professionals to share their stories and insights. As a part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Tina Wright.
Tina Wright is an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, Mindfulness teacher, and Chronic Pain specialist. She specialises in supporting individuals in IBS and chronic conditions, through her unique PETAL plan to allow people to create the life they desire.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?
Certainly! I’m Tina, the founder of Evolve, a therapeutic practice dedicated to helping professionals manage both physical and emotional symptoms of functional conditions such as IBS.
I started my journey in psychological services within the NHS before branching out to develop a more holistic approach in private practice.
Having overcome multiple health challenges myself—including IBS, fibromyalgia, and anxiety—I understand how these experiences can impact every part of one’s life.
Through Evolve, I’m dedicated to helping people make meaningful change by using a personalised, holistic, evidence-based approach incorporating Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, and mind-body practices, to guide clients toward lasting, positive transformation.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most interesting and transformative experiences I’ve had was while training to be a mindfulness teacher. I spent a week on a silent retreat at a beautiful country house—in the middle of November.
Every morning at 6:00 AM a gong sounded, and we were expected to gather on the cold, damp grass outside. Dew covered the ground, mist filled the air, and daylight hadn’t yet arrived.
We began each day with a Qi Gong routine.
The first day, I struggled intensely. My body ached, I lost balance, and a deep frustration set in.
I couldn’t understand why something so seemingly simple felt so challenging. My instructor noticed my struggle and gently advised, “Stop trying. Let your body follow, and quiet your mind.” I was surprised by the anger I felt toward my own body for not responding “correctly”—it was a powerful moment of realisation that I’d been unconsciously criticising myself harshly.
Determined, I showed up every morning and focused on letting go.
By the end of the week, I found that I could finally follow the routine with ease, no longer falling, hurting, or overthinking.
That week, I truly understood the mind-body connection in a new way. I saw how ingrained my beliefs and thought patterns were, and how they often got in the way.
As someone who had always prided myself on being able to think my way through anything, this experience taught me the value of simply “being.”
That retreat was a turning point.
I realised that there was a profound need for mind-body approaches to health, particularly for those with functional conditions who often feel misunderstood or unsupported by conventional medical approaches. It was then that I decided to leave the NHS and establish my own practice, so I could focus fully on helping people find harmony between their mind and body.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? What lesson did you learn from that?
When I first started, I tried to be everything for everyone. I thought that casting a wide net would help me reach more people, but it ended up diluting my message. Eventually, I realised that focusing on a specific group—ambitious professionals with IBS who feel held back by their symptoms—allowed me to create much more targeted, impactful support. My approach has become both more focused and more effective as a result, proving that clarity is essential in delivering real value.
When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?
I aim to make a meaningful difference by addressing the often-overlooked emotional and psychological aspects of IBS. Many of my clients feel isolated, misunderstood, and limited by their symptoms. I offer them a unique combination of compassion-focused therapy, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioural techniques, as well as my own experience with chronic conditions. My goal is to provide them with skills to manage both their symptoms and the underlying anxiety, ultimately fostering a more confident, empowered life.
Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing?
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Focus on Nutrition with Variety and Fibre: I recommend aiming for 30 different plants a week, which brings a diverse array of nutrients and supports gut health. “Eating the rainbow”—choosing vibrant fruits and vegetables—ensures a balanced intake of vitamins and antioxidants. Increasing fibre and reducing ultra-processed foods are also key steps towards nourishing both mind and body.
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Prioritise Sleep Hygiene: Quality sleep is essential for managing stress and supporting digestion. I suggest establishing a relaxing pre-sleep routine, like mindful breathing or gentle stretching, which can help reduce sleep issues and improve overall resilience.
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Embrace Physical Movement That Feels Good: Whether it’s a beach walk or gentle stretching, I help clients find forms of movement that they enjoy, rather than high-intensity routines that can sometimes trigger stress and cause IBS symptoms.
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Stay Hydrated: It’s been suggested that up to 75% of people may be chronically dehydrated, so increasing water intake is often an easy yet impactful change. Hydration supports digestion, energy levels, and cognitive function, and it’s particularly helpful for managing IBS symptoms and maintaining overall wellness.
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Shift Focus from Perfection to Progress: When dealing with long-term conditions, the path to improvement is rarely linear. Embracing incremental changes—like challenging negative thoughts or prioritising daily relaxation—can lead to profound and lasting progress.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most wellness to the most people, what would that be?
It would be a “Compassionate Boundaries” movement. Many of us feel the need to meet others' expectations at the expense of our own wellbeing. This movement would teach people how to create and communicate compassionate boundaries, prioritising self-care while cultivating understanding and acceptance around mental and physical health limitations.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?
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Niche Down Early: The more specific you are, the more effective you’ll be. Focus on the group you’re best equipped to help, and speak directly to their needs.
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You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup: Working with people in emotional distress can be taxing. Prioritise your own self-care, both to sustain yourself and to give your clients the best version of you.
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Expect Self-Doubt: Starting a business can feel daunting, and self-doubt will come up, especially when you’re offering something unique. Trust your expertise and stay connected to your purpose.
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Flexibility is Key: Your approach, clients, and business model will evolve. Be ready to adapt and view change as a positive and necessary part of the journey.
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Feedback is Your Friend: Early feedback helps you refine your services and improve client outcomes. Be open to both praise and constructive criticism as valuable tools for growth.
Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?
Mental health is closest to my heart, not only because it’s central to my work but also because I’ve personally experienced and overcome anxiety, depression, and trauma. I believe that mental health is the foundation of every other wellness area, and that supporting individuals in this realm creates a ripple effect of positive change.
What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?
You can connect with me at evolvewithtina.com or find me on Instagram for daily insights and inspiration. I also offer a free guide for anyone struggling with IBS, which provides fast, science-backed steps to ease flare-ups. You can access it here.
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share my journey and insights! I look forward to continuing to inspire and support others in their health journeys.
