A RETIRED psychotherapist is using his love of Thai boxing to create an innovative new route to physical and mental well-being.

Michael Sones, who lives in Poole and was formerly a consultant child psycho-therapist, has teamed up with a doctor and martial arts experts to deliver a series of courses to help with stress and promote a healthier lifestyle, including weight management and advice on approaching medical conditions such as diabetes.

Michael, who took up Thai boxing eight years ago in an attempt to improve his fitness, said his ideas are based on neuroscientific research, breathing exer-cises and motivation.

“In many activities, including physical exercise, there are impulses, distractions, fears and anxieties which need to be mind managed in order to keep motivated,” he added.

“What I was interested in from my work with young people was resilience and how people deal with it.

“This is not about teaching people how to box; there will be no physical contact or sparring – but it can still have so many benefits and help people who are depressed or have health concerns.”

Michael will be hosting the sessions at Bulldog Ultimate Training Academy, Old Christchurch Road, and although he is keen to emphasise this is not about therapy or treatment, he has recruited the services of Dr Jo Lee, a GP, who was inspired into life coaching after a battle with cancer a decade ago.

Thai Boxing instructors Jenny Eales and Carl Sans will provide the physical side of the course after participants have learned about the psychological components.

Michael has called the new venture Somanous – combining the Greek words ‘soma’ (body) and ‘nous’ (mind) – and is launching the concept today.

For more details, go online and visit the website somanous.co.uk