Teach your brain to listen to your body

I had been struggling with dealing with my feelings all my life. I also kept getting that mirrored from those around me: that I was weird for being autistic. I was convinced that my feelings were wrong and that I could not trust myself. I did not allow myself my emotions and avoided any conflict. I came to Tessa because I wanted help dealing with my neurodiversity. During therapy, I learned to look at my life differently. I recognize my own patterns and behaviors now, allowing me to choose not to step into them again. I have learned to feel what I want and don't want and to make choices that are right for me. I do now enter into conflicts when necessary to stand up for myself. I know now that I am allowed and able to do that. I feel like my brain has started working differently: I was more rigid before, now I feel more positive and relaxed. What Tessa offers really suited me and made me see the deeper problem. Sometimes I felt that Tessa could see into my head and already knew what was going on inside me without me understanding it myself. A sweet woman, someone who tells it like it is but not in a nasty way. In short: a great professional woman.

I wanted to send you a small thank-you, because today felt like a milestone for me. I spent the day redecorating my living and dining room, and tonight I’m sitting here with the lights low, candles on, and for the first time in my life… it feels like home. It feels like me.I know therapy is something I pay for, but I’ve paid others before — and none of them cared the way you do. Your support, your consistency, and the way you’ve held me through the hard parts… it made a real difference.I’m still on the journey, I know that. But the fact that I’m here, in this space I built for myself, feeling present and alive — that’s partly because of the work we’ve done together. And I’m really grateful for that.Thank you for actually caring. It mattered more than I can explain.

When I first came to Tessa, I was struggling deeply with unresolved childhood trauma that had started to affect me more and more. I found it very hard to cope. I had been in therapy before, which gave me insight, but not the kind of tools I could actually use in everyday life. I was quite apprehensive beforehand, but after six sessions I feel a world of difference. From the very beginning, Tessa created a sense of trust that made me want — and dare — to tell my story. How she manages to do that, I honestly don’t know. The beliefs I had carried with me from the past, and that had continued to weigh on me for so long, have gradually started to loosen their grip. I would never have come up with this approach myself, but it works remarkably well. I’m much less hard on myself now. For most of my life everything felt like “I must, I must, I must.” That pressure has eased a lot; I allow myself much more. I also feel more in control of my emotions. For as long as I can remember, it felt as if there was a stone sitting in my stomach. That feeling is gone now. What a relief that is. And if it occasionally comes back, I can pause and ask myself: where is this coming from? Did something happen? Once I understand that, I can actually do something with it. Looking back now, I sometimes think: in a way it’s actually quite simple. Have I really been carrying this for 64 years? But of course you can’t turn back time. So now I choose to look forward, and to enjoy life.

I came to Tessa after a difficult period in which I had really pushed myself too far through long-term, intensive caregiving. I was dealing with grief, and with the realisation that somewhere along the way I had lost myself. The sessions with Tessa have given me a lot. Taking time to pause and notice what I feel, even at moments when I thought it wasn’t really necessary. Especially then, it turned out to matter. It helped me move through things differently. I became more aware of my patterns, both physical and emotional, so I could start working with them. And I learned to look at myself with more kindness. What I appreciated about Tessa is her ability to truly listen, patiently and with attention. She reflects clearly what she hears and sees, which made things easier for me to understand. She follows closely what shows up in the moment and always remains respectful. Tessa has very perceptive hands: she lets me literally feel what is happening in my body, and what changes when something shifts. She works carefully and gently, and when I needed more guidance she first asked what I thought I needed, and then gave me exactly that. For now, I can move forward. The process is still continuing, and that is okay. I honestly can’t think of anything unpleasant about the way she works.

Good Morning Tessa. Noted the following on the plane to Taiwan: - Physical blockages have had mental consequences that have interfered with my behavior and happiness. These blockages have stopped / severely reduced "flow" of feeling (physical and mental). The blockages were created by traumatic experiences and have been allowed to grow and or become more fixed for years. - My body feels balanced now, it is flowing, in terms of energy and feeling. The blind spots (numbness) are gone. - Going into this experience uninhibited, and completely open has helped me more than any other form I have had. Many therapies are based on sounding boards and reflection (someone to help look in the mirror). This therapy, in addition to providing insight, provides actual change in the balance of body and mind. - The result is overwhelming. - The result is that I have become more confident, less introverted (i.e. more open, I talk to strangers, for example). I am happy and love myself.

The sessions with Tessa have been really valuable for me: she sees connections I would never have made myself and then explains them in clear, often beautiful metaphors. She also explains what is happening in your system from a theoretical perspective and works with different exercises that help you experience your feelings more clearly. And sometimes it’s simply very nice to have a kind of check-up for how you’re feeling, so I will definitely come back.

"With Tessa, I feel comfortable like no other. She listens attentively to what I am saying and has an eye for the little details. I feel tremendously seen and understood and like I am allowed to take my time and do it at my own pace. Every time she surprises me with sharp insights, questions that illuminate something I was close to but just couldn't reach myself and sometimes she mainly confirms what I actually already know deep inside myself but don't dare to admit."