WATER CONFIDENCE SESSIONS IN CAMBRIDGE
You Can’t Beat Aquaphobia with Willpower. Melt Away Your Fear of Water and Learn to Swim with Ease
My 1-on-1 sessions in a tranquil private pool move at your pace and blend relaxing somatic movement with expert swimming coaching to reassure your body and mind that you’re safe. So you’ll gain confidence from your first session.
You long to join in the fun in the water. To enjoy the cool pleasure of swimming on a warm summer’s day. And to stop making up excuses when your friends’ invite you for a dip …
So you’ve tried. But every time, that same old panic grabs you out of nowhere.
As soon as you let go of the edge or let your feet leave the bottom or put your face under the water.
You freeze. Your heart races. Your ribs get so tight you can’t breathe.
It’s left you so defeated that you’re wondering if it’s time to give up – to accept you’ll never be able to swim.
But the water keeps calling you …
The truth is that, with the right support, we can all float and discover the joy of swimming.
So why aren’t you there yet?
The problem isn’t you or the severity of your fear. It’s the way you’ve been trying to overcome it.
YOU’LL NEVER GET OVER AQUAPHOBIA AT YOUR LOCAL POOL …
If you made no progress at regular group swimming lessons and ended up feeling dejected, embarrassed, ashamed or having an anxiety attack, you’re not alone.
These classes aren’t designed for you if you’re afraid of water.
With their set structure, inflexible pace and focus on technique from day one, they leave little space for tending to individual needs or challenges.
Worse still, most swimming teachers don’t get how debilitating aquaphobia can be and lack the skills to help you progress …
So even 1-on-1 sessions end in frustration and shame.
PUSHING THROUGH YOUR FEAR JUST WON’T WORK
No doubt you’ve had plenty of well-meaning friends and family ‘encouraging’ you …
“The best way to deal with your fear is to force through it”.
“Come on in - it’s no big deal”.
“You won’t drown - I’m right here” - they say, just before letting go.
Perhaps you were pushed under the water as a kid or were tossed by a wave and left gasping for air or were a nervous swimmer forced to do scary lessons at school.
Or perhaps you’ve no idea where your fear comes from.
But you know it’s real.
You’ve tried pushing through it. You’ve tried hypnotherapy. You’ve tried mindful relaxation techniques to prepare yourself …
None stand a chance against the panic that engulfs you once you’re in the water.
Because, whatever the source of your aquaphobia, your nervous system is programmed: water equals danger.
Until that changes, no amount of teeth gritting or land-based therapy will help you make progress.
MY UNIQUE BLEND WILL MELT AWAY YOUR FEAR OF WATER …
You need a different kind of therapy.
Therapy that encourages your body to release its deeply stored fear and repatterns your brain to trust that you’re safe - right there while you’re in the water.
That’s why I developed my unique, trauma-informed approach to healing aquaphobia by integrating gentle aquatic therapy with compassionate and skillful swimming coaching.
Why my aquaphobia sessions work (even when nothing else has)
A nurturing 1-on-1 blend of Watsu therapy and whole-body Halliwick swimming coaching - first we’ll soothe your nervous system and create space for your confidence to grow. Then we’ll build your swimming skills - so you too can enjoy the pleasure of being in the water.
A peaceful, private, warm-water pool immersed in nature - no busy swimming lanes, no noisy overwhelm, no shivery chill. The intimate space, garden setting and 33°C warm water are essential partners in your healing.
Insights from half my life spent in the water - With more than 15 years’ experience as a national-level swimmer, swimming teacher and certified aquatic bodywork therapist, water is my second home. So I instinctively know which skills to draw on to help you feel at home here too.
Individualised, holistic care - I’ll hold space for the whole of you – not just your fear – and tailor each session to your emotional, physical and sensory needs. We’ll uncover the perfect pathway for you – whether your dream is to bask in the sea, hurtle down a waterslide or complete a swimming marathon.
A calming space for you to unfurl
Just two of us in the water - I'll be right there beside you - to guide you, support you and ensure you feel safe, with no one else to distract or stress you.
No forced timelines, no fixed structure - We go at your pace. If you’re feeling anxious or tired, that’s OK. I listen to you, your body, your breath moment by moment and adapt our sessions to meet you where you’re at.
Relaxed, fun, enjoyable sessions - the beauty of my approach is that you never need to leave your comfort zone. My classes will move you beyond your panic in the water while feeling safe and calm at all times.
The no-rush method is the fastest way to reach your goals …
When you respect your fear and give your mind-body the time it needs to feel safe, you get on the fast track to becoming a strong and confident swimmer.
WITH THE RIGHT METHOD, YOU’LL BE SWIMMING SOONER THAN YOU THINK …
We’ll go as slowly as your nervous system needs. But, after so many unsuccessful attempts, you may be surprised at how ready your body is to regain its trust in water.
Many clients arrive for their first session scared to put their face in the water or lift their feet. They leave able to float and move through the water.
Like Mila, who was astounded when 36 years of aquaphobia began melting away when she got in the pool with me …
“I came to Kamila with a fear of water, as I survived drowning when I was a child. Water was calling me, even though I could have a full blown panic attack when in it.
I worked with some other swimming instructors before and a hypnotherapist. It didn't help much.
After just the first session with Kamila, I couldn’t believe what was happening. After the third session with Kamila, I loved water. I felt confident.
Kamila is such a great teacher, she really knows what she is doing, observing everything and gives great advice. She lured me slowly into the water and helped me to reconnect with this element.
I can’t wait to continue sessions and learn how to be a better swimmer, now that I’m not afraid anymore and am finding great pleasure in being in water.”
Mila Saunders
Dip-Your-Toe-In: Trial Session
Want to see if my aquaphobia sessions are for you before committing to a block?
One 30-minute 1-on-1 session
Transformational blend of aquatic bodywork and expert swimming coaching
Initial consultation to share your fears and goals
Warm, private pool in quiet, green setting
Personal approach tailored to your pace and needs
Relaxed and stress-free
Trauma-informed, inclusive, accessible
£45
Most clients make more progress in one session than in months of lessons or therapy
READY TO SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR FEAR OF WATER?
Whatever your age, if you’re sick of being gripped by panic and not knowing how to swim, meet me in the pool. We’ll grow your confidence in a few short sessions - so you can enjoy the water whenever and however you choose.
From Fear to Confidence: Class Block
Want to finally rebuild your trust in water and become an easeful swimmer?
Five 30-minute 1-on-1 sessions
Transformational blend of aquatic bodywork and expert swimming coaching
Initial consultation to share your fears and goals
Warm, private pool in quiet, green setting
Personal approach tailored to your pace and needs
Relaxed and stress-free
Trauma-informed, inclusive, accessible
£200
With each session, you’ll grow your confidence and refine your swimming technique
Try my Aquaphobia sessions risk free
If you get no benefit from your first session, I’ll happily refund you in full.
GOT A QUESTION?
HERE ARE ANSWERS TO SOME I’M FREQUENTLY ASKED …
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DWatsu (short for ‘water Shiatsu’) is a deeply relaxing aquatic therapy or water massage. I’ll support and move your body gently, in a way that will transform your relationship with the water around you. The Halliwick concept is a holistic approach to teaching swimming that uses water’s unique qualities to promote confidence and independence.
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We’ll start with a warm welcome and a chat about your past experiences, fears and goals and then I’ll give you time to get familiar with the indoor pool space. When you feel comfortable, we’ll ease slowly into the shallow end together and practise some calming aquatic breathing to help you feel safe and in control. There’s no pressure to do anything, but, if you wish, I’ll give you a short Watsu therapy session to deepen your sense of ease and trust. If you’re ready, we might move on to me supporting you to put your face in the water. The entire process is slow, empathetic, trauma-informed and guided by your comfort and consent.
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Yes, it’s 33°C year-round. The warm water won’t just keep you comfortable, its healing power are an essential partner in shedding fear and tension from your body.
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It’ll be just you and me in the pool. Other clients may be in the changing area briefly at the beginning and end of your session and your companions are welcome to wait on the comfy sofa (they can watch you from there or we can shut the door for privacy).
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Absolutely. I’ve helped many individuals with physical and learning disabilities to become confident in the water and will adapt your session to meet your mobility, sensitive or cognitive needs.
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Yes, I enjoy working with people of all ages in my aquaphobia sessions.
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That’s ok. I’m here to support you through that with patience and calm and to guide you to a place of ease in the water.
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No, many of my clients are beginners.
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Swimming costume, goggles, a towel, shampoo and a hair dryer (if you use one).
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Comfortable changing room with cubicles, a toilet, showers and a sofa for your companions.
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The indoor pool is in a private garden in Chesterton, Cambridge, surrounded by a peaceful garden. You can find directions here.