Refiya Turner

ABOUT ME

Hello and welcome – I’m Refiya.

I was born in Turkey over 50 years ago and moved to Australia at the age of six. After finishing school, I set out to explore the world—craving adventure and meaning. What I didn’t realise back then was how much that journey would cost me in distance from my beloved family, the comfort of home, and a steady sense of belonging.

Today, I live in the UK with a wonderful man who has been my anchor through many of life’s storms.

The road to here has been anything but smooth. Like many of us, I’ve weathered deep emotional and physical challenges—times when I felt completely lost, exhausted, and unsure how to carry on. I've known financial struggle too, including navigating bankruptcy. There were chapters I didn’t win… and yet, here I am. Still standing. Still learning. Still growing.

That’s why I created Navigating Life.

This space is born from lived experience—a place where you’ll find gentle guidance, real-world tools, and encouragement for taking back your power over your health, your well-being, your career, and your sense of purpose.

There’s no one-size-fits-all path. And that’s the beauty of it. Navigating Life is about finding what works for you, in your own time, on your own terms.

I built this space not just because I wanted to offer what I once needed—but because I still need it too. Community. Honesty. Healing.

So whether you’re seeking clarity, calm, or a fresh start, I’m truly glad you’re here. You can begin right where you are… and grow in ways you never imagined. I know it’s possible—because I’ve done it too.

EXPERIENCE

My Professional Background

Over the past 35+ years, I’ve worked across Australia, the UK, and beyond in the field of human resources, learning & development, and career coaching. I’ve always been in the business of people—helping others navigate challenges, grow their confidence, and feel more in control of their lives and work.

Throughout my career, I’ve designed wellbeing and leadership programmes, supported corporate risk management initiatives, and trained managers to lead with empathy and purpose. I’ve also worked directly with individuals to find clarity during career change, burnout, emotional difficulty, or life transitions.

As someone who has personally experienced life’s tougher moments, I know the value of safe, grounded support. That’s what led me to deepen my qualifications in holistic and evidence-based well-being approaches.

I am an accredited EFT practitioner with EFT International, having completed over 50 hours of practitioner training, mentoring, and live client sessions. My training has focused on trauma-sensitive practice, ethical delivery, and the science behind emotional regulation. I’ve also trained in Mindfulness-Based Inner RePatterning, Qigong Vitality Coaching, and Meditation Teaching, which all influence how I work gently and effectively with the body-mind connection.

In addition, I hold qualifications in:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Counselling

  • Mental Health First Aid and Advocacy in the Workplace

  • Health & Wellness Coaching (Robbins Madanes Training)

  • Activation Method: Life Coaching

  • Nutrition and Health (Level 2–4)

  • Gestalt Psychotherapy (Foundations)

  • DISC and Strengths-Based Profiling Tools (HPTI, SDI, Strengthscope)

This blend of professional and therapeutic experience means I can offer grounded support, whether you’re seeking help with stress, career shifts, emotional overwhelm, or rebuilding after life’s setbacks.

My approach is always client-centred, compassionate, confidential, and focused on what works for you.