Former optometrist is helping businesses see clearly

A former optometrist is helping businesses see clearly with science-based solutions in therapy, training and leadership development.

Abi Rogers, who ran an optical business for over a decade, has set up the Better Brain Company to create healthier, happier and more productive workplaces.

She has first-hand experience of its benefits as it helped her heal from burnout and anxiety.

And she’s set on helping leaders and professionals avoid the impact of stress on their mental and physical health.

Abi, from Bristol, who has a degree in optometry and is qualified in several neuroscience and psychology based therapeutic practices, has seen it boost productivity.

She said: “I want to help employers reduce absence and stress-related loss of productivity, whilst reaping benefits like better focus, capacity, communication, innovation and performance.”

Abi is trained in solution-focused hypnotherapy, which looks at desired future outcomes rather than dwelling on past problems.

She now uses this as part of her SHIFT™️ programme – a blend of performance psychology and mindset reprogramming – to unlock potential in driven professionals.

Abi, who has studied the science of high performance for a decade, said: “I was sceptical at first until I looked at the science behind solution-focused support.

“It enables clarity and calm, without having to talk about personal issues. This has a knock-on effect on the organisation – developing a high performing and profitable workplace.”

Trauma

Abi’s dad died suddenly from a heart attack at the age of 44 – the month before she was due to sit her A level exams.

But, as a high performer and self-confessed people-pleaser, she ‘powered on through’ her studies.

Abi, who set up her practice nearly 10 years ago, said: “I was devastated when my dad died but felt like I was strong and coping. In reality, I was struggling and having panic attacks.”

Her dad’s unexpected death and her underlying insecurities led to years of unhealthy relationships in her personal and work life, as well as unsound choices.

Abi, a professionally trained singer who considered a career in opera, first sought help to overcome stage fright.

But she found the approach, which focused on building confidence and healing her over-stressed nervous system, had a far-reaching effect.

She said: “With help, I finally learned to understand my underlying issues, overcome anxiety and develop healthy coping skills.”

Shortly after training as a therapist, Abi discovered a former business partner had been arrested – and was later convicted – for fraud.

Abi, who had recently given birth to her youngest child, was left with thousands of pounds in liabilities.

She said: “I was worried for my family but thanks to the coping skills I’d learned and the emotional resilience I’d developed, I was able to deal with the fallout and move forward.”

Mission

And Abi, who believes her dad’s early death was linked to his high-pressure work life, wants to help others avoid burnout. In turn, it supports more engaged and productive workplaces.

Abi, who is also an advanced practitioner in Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT), a cutting-edge approach to deal with trauma or negative emotions, said: “Positivity spreads. It doesn’t just benefit the individual, but their relationships, working environment and overall productivity.”