How it all Began: From healing my trauma to helping you heal yours!

WELCOME!

 I’m excited to share a bit about my journey and the philosophy behind my work as an authentic living counsellor. I hope  that by sharing my story, you’ll feel a connection to my experiences and gain insight into the transformative power of living authentically.

My Early Years

I was a beautiful little girl. I loved nature; fiercely feeding geese with my bare hands, petting dogs 4 times my size, and holding ladybugs with the gentleness I intuitively knew they needed. I loved to dance, swim, and be silly. I was free. I was perfect. 

But life wasn't always. For as long as I can vividly recall, I felt the weight of trying to fit into moulds created by society, family, and even my own fears. This led to a profound sense of disconnection from the free little girl I was, and from others.

I struggled with deep-seated anxiety, people-pleasing (which is just a trauma response that we now term 'fawning'), and eventually a battle, that felt more like a war, against anorexia. I often felt that my worth was tied to how others perceived me, leading to unhealthy relationships and a cycle of depression. Rock bottom for me even included a brief period of homelessness, which added another layer of complexity to my journey. On top of that, I encountered harassment and sexual trauma: pain unlike any other that shattered not only my heart but my spirit.

A significant turning point for me was my ‘awakening’ to the realization that I wanted more from life; more of what nourished me, and less of what didn't.  I discovered the depth of love I had for life, for being in nature, surrounded by loving people, and free to breathe at my own pace. I felt the calling for fulfillment and so nature became a refuge, a source of grounding and inspiration. I found solace in the simplicity of the natural world, whether it was walking barefoot on the grass or swimming in crystal clear waters. Through meaningful practices like yoga, dancing, and baking, I began to reconnect with myself and the universe around me.

I turned my life into a therapeutic experience; I made it healing, safe, fun, and unique to what I craved to be my truest self. I began to realize that embracing my authentic self was everything I yearned for: freedom. I began to understand my strengths and grow my skills in union with my vulnerabilities and past traumas. This journey led me to explore various philosophies, ancient wisdom and therapeutic avenues. I deeply resonated with psychodynamic theory, positive psychology, humanistic psychology, spirituality, and many others that felt like freedom to me. Through them, I was finally beginning to understand the unconscious patterns that influenced my thoughts and behaviours, providing clarity and empowering me to break free from what wasn't serving me.

The Power of Trauma-Informed Care

As I continued my education and training, I became increasingly aware of the impact trauma has on our lives. I realized that many individuals, like myself, carry burdens that often go unseen but which are the root of why our lives look the way they do. This revelation ignited my passion for trauma-informed care, which emphasizes creating safe spaces for healing and being an overall healing presence beyond my profession. I want my clients, and everyone I encounter, to know they are not alone in their struggles; there’s a community of support waiting for them.

The Heart of Humanistic Psychology

In my practice, I draw heavily from humanistic psychology, a framework that focuses on the inherent worth and potential of each individual.  I believe that everyone deserves to feel seen and valued, and I aim to embody empathy and unconditional positive regard in every session. By encouraging clients to tap into their passions and embrace their imperfections, I hope to inspire them to celebrate their individuality. If we all felt safe to be ourselves, free of insecurities, limiting beliefs, fear of rejection and worries around uncertainty, the need for 'self-defence' would be limitless, further perpetuating an environment of connection and care.

Finding Joy in Life’s Simple Pleasures

Amidst my struggles, I’ve cultivated a love for healthy eating, spirituality, and spreading love. The mere idea of travel felt like flying: experiencing different cultures, eating foods prepared by an elderly community, and seeing breathtaking views. My battle with anorexia and body dysmorphia has turned into cooking and baking have become creative outlets for me. They've allowed me to connect with Mother Nature, and all the beautiful souls involved in providing me with the ingredients that what would soon become a nourishing meal for myself and my loved ones. I've begun to align with the principle that if my ancestors didn't have access to a certain food (i.e. anything in a plastic wrapper) I won't eat it. I've fallen in love with my body for what it is; my home and vessel through which I experience life. It allows me to move in ways that make me feel good: weight-lifting, yoga, swimming and dancing are my therapy. Through these 'simple' pleasures I get to quiet my mind, and connect with my soul: coming home to the very essence from which I came, and connecting with all of you that much more.

Building Authentic Connections

I want to emphasize that authenticity is not just a concept—it’s a lived experience, one that I am honoured to experience with you. As I do, I invite you to join me in embracing your true self, 'flaws' and all. Together, we can explore the layers of your identity, uncovering the strengths and resources that lie within, noticing just how much magic resides within you. I want you to know that not just here as a counsellor, but as a guiding light, and fellow traveler on our path back home. 

Thank you for being here. 

I’m looking forward to sharing more insights and experiences in future posts, hoping they make you laugh, feel, move and believe. 

When you’re ready to start your own journey toward authentic living, I’m here to light the way, every single step. 

Love & Light,

Marta Justyna