testimonials

A TRAINED PSYCHOTHERAPIST & COACH, SPENT MANY YEARS AND LOTS OF £ TRYING VARIOUS MODALITIES FINALLY GETS TO THE ROOT CAUSE.

I got in touch with Jessie after having spent many years trying various modalities, including psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, NLP and mindfulness, to deal with a recurring issue I had. They would all work for a bit, but the issue would always come back. Within a few weeks of working with Jessie, I truly felt that we had got to the core, which I hadn't managed to do in all the years before. I am a trained psychotherapist, coach myself and working with Jessie helped me realise that what was missing was the integration of the somatic body felt experience of my emotions. 

The work with Jessie seemed very gentle and gradual, but with her tracking my responses to life's triggers, without having to go into the 'stories', we were able to get to the root of the ways I'd adapted to my environment in childhood. By truly attending to the resulting patterns in my adult life in a more holistic way, I was able to process and let go of those patterns. I feel that I am a much more stable person now. I am able to notice my body sensations and thought processes before they get 'out of hand', which means I can attend to my needs at the time and defuse any escalation.

It was no easy decision to make the financial commitment, but If you truly care for yourself and want to improve the quality of your life, it is worth every penny. Jessie is a highly skilled therapist, caring, attentive and a very intuitive person. I would thoroughly recommend her to anyone wanting to address any issues in their life that are stopping them from living their best life. Thank you so much Jessie

FROM FEELING TRAPPED IN A SEVERE PIT OF ANXIETY & DEPRESSION TO FEELING A SENSE OF HOPE AND EXCITEMENT FOR THE FUTURE.

When I first came to Jessie, I had felt trapped in what I describe as a pit of severe anxiety, overwhelming sadness and loneliness and lack of self-esteem or sense of self. A history with depression, the effects of the pandemic and relational issues with my family had all come to a head and I felt stuck with a sense of hopelessness and was completely unsure as to how to move forward.

My depression had always been misunderstood by both myself and others so at the time, I had built up a lot of guilt and shame around myself, my struggles and the impact it had on others. I didn’t fully know whether trauma therapy was right for me as I wasn’t sure my life experiences could constitute as trauma. However, Jessie put me at ease and made me feel validated from the start so I knew I was in the right place. She helped me understand that trauma can come in varying shapes and sizes and identify the various trauma responses my mind and body were using as coping mechanisms so that I felt seen and heard.

I was very dysregulated when I started working with Jessie and was having a really tough time holding myself together so Jessie adjusted our work and pace to meet me where I was and we began by focusing on getting to a place of stabilisation and safety and incorporate movement into my life to address feelings of ‘stuck-ness’ using practical tools and exercises. The tools/exercises were simple, manageable and helped me feel equipped to continue the work outside of our sessions together. Jessie encouraged incorporating a sense of ‘play’ and showing myself kindness and compassion, which took the pressure off and helped reduce overwhelm when challenging emotions would come to the surface.

Building on this, Jessie helped me get in touch with my younger self and, without dwelling on the details of the past, supported me in releasing a lot of that guilt and shame as not my own to carry as well as starting to rewire the tape that was playing in my mind of negative self-talk and not being ‘good enough’. She opened my eyes to the importance of ‘small wins’ and the knock-on effect holding on those can have.

In our time together, I learned so many valuable tools and concepts to help me be self-aware and guide myself through difficult situations – I’ve started finding I catch myself wanting to give into a negative thought which would have before been all-consuming and I’m able to take a step back and evaluate. I’ve learned to gently nudge myself outside of my comfort zone and do things I would’ve previously felt too small to do. I’ve started enjoying the process of learning, I’ve found a hobby that actually gave me enjoyment and has turned into a passion, I’ve started getting in touch with my creative self – all of which is helping me build a sense of self and of hope and excitement for what the future might hold.

Through her expertise, kindness and willingness to be open and share her own experiences, Jessie has made me feel heard and validated, provided me with tools and knowledge I’ll continue to carry with me, and helped me onto my feet at a time when I felt frozen.

She is not only an expert in her field but also so full of love and passionate about her work and clients – I can’t recommend her enough! S.B.

FROM LIVING IN MY INTELLECT & BEING DISCONNECTED FROM MY BODY - REWIRING MY NERVOUS SYSTEM AND EXPERIENCING A NEW WAY OF BE-ING.

Prior to coming to Jessie I thought I was self aware and well informed in the field of well-being and trauma, after all I had read every book you can think of, been to therapy, I practiced yoga and meditated. I thought I had worked through my ‘stuff’ and was good at looking after myself in terms of physical mental emotional and spiritual health. I had just been through an extremely stressful few years personally and professionally, with covid too as well as caring for sick parents and suffering from stressed family dynamics. I kept myself level headed throughout all of this. I was finally coming out the other end hoping to get back some sort of normality and to concentrate on myself. And then out of nowhere (or so I thought) I had an unexpected health problem which made me very poorly requiring several months off work. There was no way of escaping what my body was trying to tell me now (and had been telling me my whole life). At this point the Universe sent me Jessie.    

I was ‘fine’ but my body was experiencing the effects of not being ‘fine’.  Oh the irony and cliche of a highly functional intellect. With Jessie, the real nitty-gritty deep work gets done with lightness of slow unfolding and little or no re-living of trauma or pain. There is a focus on safety always. Knowing something intellectually is not the same as embodying it and that it one of the biggest lessons I have taken away. Sounds simple but it was not for me. For years I had been disconnected to my body, living in my intellect and knowledge. I learned through my 4 months of hard work that my body is so incredibly powerful, knowing and sensate. Tuning into this superpower is now my biggest superpower. It has helped me see reality clearer, understand my primary relationships better, set boundaries in a more realistic and robust way, know that my voice matters and that I matter. I now embody this mantra whereas before they were just words in my head. My heart has definitely expanded.  

Jessie has a very unique approach, one has to experience it in order to understand it, there are no words to describe her magic as it unfolds (including the look on her face when you know she knows you are re-wiring old habits)! I now have a toolkit for navigating life in a more emotionally authentic and safe manner where my voice, my being and I matter. I honestly believe and feel I have re-wired my nervous system and am experiencing a new way of be-ing. This gift Jessie, aka Little Yoda, has given me is priceless. Thank you for the gift of knowing myself better, in deep gratitude of your wisdom and energy in this lifetime and beyond. 

If you want to change and improve your life from a deeper level, I would highly recommend Jessie time and time again. J.M.

ANOTHER BAD BREAKDOWN, NOT HAVING MUCH HOPE FOR LIFE- FEELING HOPEFUL, IN A GOOD PLACE & COMING OFF ANTI-DEPRESSANTS.

When I started working with Jessie , I was in a really bad way. I had been in and out of therapy from 15 years old, none of them ever being much help and just before getting in touch with Jessie , I had another (particularly bad) breakdown after deferring from university during the peak of covid. I really didn’t have much hope for life at this point, and realised I really needed to get some proper help, and find a therapist that would have the skills I needed to deal with lots of trauma. And was also open to working with someone who is non-binary, ADHD and LGBT. I asked Jessie  lots of questions during our initial consultation, which she happily answered, and felt that she was the person for me. 

During our 6 months together, I have learnt a lot about myself, become more accepting of myself, and created a safer space both in mind and body, which was very much needed. The reality is that for all of my life, I have constantly been in a state of fight or flight, and have never really felt safe. But since working with Jessie, I have far more times I feel safe, and far less I don’t. and I have many tools and techniques to use to help myself when things are harder. I currently am doing well in a new university course whilst also doing a part time job, plus I should hopefully be moving into accommodation with a friend. All of which I honestly couldn’t have imagined doing at the start of this. 

Coming into therapy, I thought maybe id end up being okay, which I was content with considering how bad I felt, but I’m coming out of this hopeful and at a really good place overall. I still have my ups and downs, as does anyone, but they aren’t so extreme anymore, and I feel much more capable of navigating the downs and appreciating the ups. The process has been hard work, but I feel that the outcome is worth it. I have also gotten off my antidepressant which I have been on for at least 3 years, which I never thought I’d be stable enough to manage. Thank you very much Jessie! B.E.

STRUGGLING WITH ANXIETY AND ANGER ISSUES - FEELING SAFE AND STABLE AGAIN.

Jessie has helped my sister to overcome her anxiety and anger issues with some fantastic techniques, which have helped her to feel safe and stable again. She's done some incredible work in a short space of time ( 8 Xs 30 minute sessions) to help my sister who has learning difficulties. We're so thankful for Jessie’s help. H.K.

RELATIONAL TRAUMA, STRUGGLING IN RELATIONSHIPS & DEPENDENCE ON ALCOHOL, SLEEPING MEDICATION - FEELING HAPPIER, MOVING IN WITH GIRLFRIEND & ALCOHOL AND SLEEPING DRUGS NO LONGER HAVING SUCH A HOLD ON MY LIFE.

When I started therapy with Jessie it was for relational trauma and problems I have with romantic relationships. I lived a very solitary life, still damaged from a violent suicide attempt in 2010 and had a heavy dependence of alcohol and sleeping medication. I’ve had therapy before and wasn’t particularly optimistic.

Because of the pandemic we met in a park and, very quickly, I found myself looking forward to these sessions. Jessie is a delightful human being. I felt like I was talking to a friend and the sessions (although clearly seriously thought about by Jessie) felt informal, easy, conversational and the park was the perfect place for me to practice the stabilisation and safety techniques that Jessie taught me along the way.

I am an artist and what was particularly nice was that I felt I could talk about my work and she understood and got where I was coming from.

In a serendipitous course of events I started seeing Jessie just as I began dating someone and I am sure that relationship wouldn’t have blossomed if it were not for her. My defence mechanisms set in but I was able to talk them through with Jessie and she also provided me with some stabilisation and safety techniques to rewire my nervous system into the present moment. I can honestly say that I would still be single if it wasn’t for her!

Leaving the therapy I am happier than I have been in a long time. I am moving in with my girlfriend and alcohol and sleeping drugs no longer have such a hold on my life. It was money well spent. Jessie is thoughtful, caring, really knows her stuff and has helped me to grow as a human being. I feel I am embarking on a new part of my life and I am so glad that Jessie was there to help me find the way. D.P. D.P. VIDEO TESTIMONIAL

SELF-LOATHING MUM OF 5 - MUMPRENEUR

‘Jessie took me to another level. I was in a place of self loathing and unbelief as to what I could achieve in my life. I wrongly believed that, as a single mum of 5 I was limited to what I could achieve.

Jessie helped me work through my complex trauma and other deep rooted issues which had held me back.

I practiced the therapeutic techniques that Jessie suggested and honestly, I'm in such a different place now. I believe in my self again and I have just launched my new business and podcast.

Jessie’s therapy is worth it's weight in gold. She has changed my life and I would wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone needing a breakthrough in their lives. The best therapist and a true kind soul’. B.A.

ANXIOUS & DEPRESSED - BAGGAGE FREE

‘There is a common misconception that trauma is only for extreme situations but coming from a South Asian background I think we are all exposed to more trauma than we realise and it is important that this is recognised.

When I reached out for help and started my sessions with Jessie I was frequently being triggered, either in a state of anxiety or depression, and none of my coping tools were helping me.

I felt at ease with Jessie from the first call. I was made to feel safe, secure, assured that my feelings were valid and it was clear that there was no judgement. During my 8 sessions I was able to give my inner child a voice and speak about my past traumas without going too deep. I was offered valuable coping tools, strategies, taught stabilisation & safety techniques and slowly, finally, began to release the past.

I initially reached out to help manage my low days but I gained so much more. Jessie also supported me to identify my blind spots, in my business, unlock my self imposed limitations, and insight which really empowered me. I started to clear blocks I didn’t even realise I had. I now feel stronger, more in tune with myself and for the first time in years, feel like I am baggage free. Jessie’s help and support has been invaluable, I found her to be a professional and down to earth Trauma therapist. In each of my sessions I was always met with warmth, kindness, compassion and offered so much support.

Going to therapy is the best investment I’ve ever made. I am grateful I chose Jessie as I gained so much more than I ever expected. Thank you Jessie for helping me find my voice and come back to myself. P.H.

STUCK IN THE PAST & BARELY SURVIVING - LOOKING AHEAD, WORKING ON MY FUTURE & THRIVING

‘Before I found Jessie on southasiantherapist.org and began my first therapy session with her, I would often find my mind stuck in the past. I was easily triggered by my environment and felt constantly overwhelmed by everyday tasks. Despite being safe, I was still only surviving. I was unable to function, because of the nightmares that followed those stressful days.

Within just 8 sessions, with Jessie’s help, I’ve learned how to train my mind, body to feel safe and to remain in the present. My sleep has improved tremendously and I finally feel comfortable looking ahead and working on my future instead of letting my past weigh me down. For the first time I feel safe exploring my individual being. Thanks to Jessie’s support, I feel as if my real life has just begun.’ G.M.

UNFULFILLED HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR - DEEPLY FULFILLED, HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL & REVITALISED ENTREPRENEUR

I approached Jessie in early summer 2021 and did so as a highly successful businessperson with all of the trimmings that many aspire for in life. Unfortunately I had come to realise that no matter what I attained be it promotions, pay rises, bonuses or new possessions I was never fulfilled. I had for many years viewed this as an issue but just not a major one, a byproduct I thought of being an ambitious, driven and successful person and that somehow people would just stumble upon happiness as one does finding a fiver in the street. 

I also didn’t approach Jessie viewing my childhood or life as having being overly traumatic. I knew, from years of silently struggling, that my mental health wasn’t always amazing and that I had been through the ringer with it quite badly. However, I suffered from an inability to let people in and form close, resounding bonds with partners and secondly, the inability to allow myself to be happy or content.

My main concern when I undertook the initial consultation, which I raised with Jessie, that I didn’t wish for the price of my mental state improving to be dependent upon my ambition decreasing.

I had, through prior years, framed my outlook on happiness insofar as it would come from attaining the next achievement, salary bracket, company car or momentary glory. This had left me constantly hunting for the next big thing, the next source of fulfillment but then never stopping to realise that my fulfillment didn’t lie in a materialistic form, but rather in an appreciation of who I am, where I’ve come from, what I have and more importantly what sits in front of me in the present moment.

After unsuccessful attempts to find a therapist through the NHS I came across Jessie’s website at a low point in my life where I was searching for meaning and finding none. What Jessie offers, in my view, isn’t therapy in the usual sense. It’s honesty, it’s perspective and most of all its’ self-improvement. 

Through 16 sessions Jessie helped me unpick the past trauma which was placing my brain on a loop and rather than dwelling on those events, provided me with the tools to be compassionate to myself and to my past. The tools to build a stronger and sturdier platform upon which to enjoy the present moment. She taught me the value in opening my emotions, opening up to who I am and seeing the joy in the everyday beauty of life. 

I had for many years spent my time and money pursuing items and people which did not add to my experience but rather sapped it. I could write a book on what she has offered me, how she has helped and moreover how she has changed my life. But I won’t, I will end this testimonial saying this . . . 

If you have spare cash that was going to be spent on a holiday to escape your issues or a night out to forget them, save it and invest it in this course of therapy. If you are in a cycle of unfulfillment and unhappiness with no discernable end, motivate yourself to look inward with her guidance. If you are left feeling alone and like the world is against you, stop, take a breath, look at the sheer beauty of everyday life and then understand that after your time with Jessie, that wry smile you have on your face at the sudden realization of how vibrant and stunning the world is can be your permanent feeling towards the world. Invest in Jessie’s time and expertise and invest in yourself. I can confidently say that I will carry with me not only the lessons I have learned during this time from Jessie but more importantly I will carry with me the sheer abundance of laughter, happiness and joy my time speaking with her and taking on board her teachings has brought me. 

I can also happily attest to several new things which I have come across as a result of this course of therapy. The first is that my motivation with regards to work and career has increased, but it now has healthier and more resilient boundaries enabling me to regain a work life balance. It has enabled me to push on and begin to work towards physical goals and targets and the desire to explore and have something more than just my day job from life. Again, all factors I didn’t either expect or I thought would not come about as a result of this experience.

Jessie hasn’t just been a therapist; she has been a guiding force in me becoming the person I always knew I could be. G.M.

LEAVING UNIVERSITY DUE TO MENTAL HEALTH - ACHIEVING A 2:1 IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES, WINNING AN INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE INNOVATION TEACHING AWARD & PUBLICATION

Before I started having therapy I was worried about going back to university and deciding what degree to do which was causing anxiety. Jessie allowed me to explore this before I returned to university as my previous attempt caused some emotional scarring. The pressure I was under at the time was difficult to cope with. After some thought and sessions I did decide to go back to university but to do a different degree and go to a different university, while I was there. I struggled with anxiety, depression, and worrying about past experiences which caused anxiety. and sometimes led me to self-harm.

The therapy sessions that I received allowed me to learn coping strategies and grounding techniques that allowed me to cope with everyday life while being at university. As I was receiving sessions throughout university I learnt how to also talk in front of people in presentations and how to deal with the anxiety relating to performing these tasks. Over time these sessions have helped me thrive at university and cope with the pressure that I had while studying.

Final year was the hardest for me as lockdown made it harder to cope with everyday tasks.

Where I am now is astounding, I’ve won an International science innovation teaching award and a science dedication award along with a 2.1 in Biomedical Sciences. My final year dissertation is also in the progress of publication and I have spoken at my first conference. Before therapy I wouldn’t have expected to talk at a conference or even finish my degree. The therapy I received has changed my life, and me as a person as I am now more confident than I have ever been as well as stopping self-harming, coming off antidepressants and medication. Without Jessie’s help I would have struggled. These sessions have helped me become the person I have become today which is more confident and someone who has a future ahead of them.

I have previously had therapy before that did not work for me. I feel that a therapist can be personal. From the first session I could tell that it was going to work for me. Jessie’s way of therapy seemed different from what I had before, it was more about looking at the here and now, having a point of reference and not panicking about the future. The tools and techniques I have learnt have allowed me to live my everyday life and set healthy boundaries that allowed me to do the work I needed to do.

I definitely would highly recommend Jessie as a therapist to anyone such as family and friends. I honestly couldn’t imagine going to someone else’. S.F

STRUGGLING WITH P.T.S.D. - UPGRADED TO A MORE ENERGISED AND CONFIDENT VERSION OF MYSELF

“Prior to connecting with Jessie I enquired with other therapists but found their approach cold and transactional. I wasn’t looking to do my dry cleaning(!) I needed help on a deep, meaningful journey towards healing. Jessie got this straight away. I felt the warmth of her spirit in a generous, long telephone conversation. I recognised Jessie not only had the requisite (and extensive) professional training – she possessed something more valuable. A wise soul full of boundless compassion and simple humanity. She seemed grounded in her own existence, and thus, well placed to help me to re-cast my own anchor.

Jessie was able and willing to walk with me on my difficult journey. Quite literally in fact! Our first session was in partial-lockdown and we met for a walk-and-talk in a park. Within 30-minutes she helped me realise I was dealing not only with PTSD , but probably also grappling with death anxiety, relating to a sudden bereavement some years earlier. This was the exact moment I knew I had made the right choice, and that my sessions with Jessie would prove to be an invaluable, lifelong investment in myself.

I am a rational and intelligent person, so I was all the more (pleasantly) astonished when Jessie helped me discover profound truths about myself, and about my past. I was also glad Jessie didn’t just help me deal with current pain. She taught me various techniques that allowed me to cope with subsequent instances of anxiety and other symptoms, particularly at night.

 Overall, within the space of a few short months, my mental health and well-being improved dramatically. My anxiety went away completely and my insomnia virtually disappeared also. Thanks to Jessie’s competent and compassionate care and guidance, by the time we reached our final session together I felt like my old self again, or rather, upgraded to a more energised and confident version of me!

 This was my first experience of psychotherapy following my first major difficulty with my mental health. I wanted to get it right first time. After all, we only have the one mind. I am supremely thankful to have found Jessie and benefitted from her expertise. I am proud to offer this recommendation of Jessie’s professional services. I have already passed her details to several friends.

 For anyone reading this message, who is suffering in pain and turmoil, I would advise you to invest in yourself. Trust in the candour of my words above. Choose to get it right first time. And seek out the help you need to obtain the healing you deserve. Good luck.” M.S.