counsellor, healer, teacher, somatic practitioner

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My name is Hester —

it is my passion to help you navigate your life holistically, heart-fully, honestly and humbly — to meet yourself in this body, this moment, however it is.

My work is deeply influenced by:

  • Study in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, with an emphasis on Gestalt, Psychodrama, Person-Centered, and trauma informed practices

  • 30+ years of my own spiritual and healing journey, including my Buddhist practice

  • Affirmative LGBTQ+ practitioner — including gender, relationship and sexuality diversity and my own gender and sexuality journey

  • Training in Chinese medicine, acupuncture and sound healing (1996-2000)

  • Training in NVC (non-violent/compassionate communication) with Marshall Rosenberg

  • Body and breath worker — yoga, meditation, Qigong

  • Commitment to being an anti-racist, intersectional, de-colonial practictioner and human

My approach

I am interested in what is happening right now, in this moment, here — what are you noticing? And what roles you take, avoid, or have banished in your life.

I often ask my clients to speak about what they are noticing in their body in our sessions, and to build comfort with being with how they are — however they are.

I work with helping people attune to themselves, to take responsibility for their lives so that they can make the most informed, embodied, courageous, and loving choices in their lives.

In working with myself and others over the years, I have seen how we learned to disconnect from our bodies and ourselves for various reasons, including, cultural messages, life experiences, traumas, fear of who we really are and how that might be met in our relationships.

Much of the work then is finding ways back to our deeper, more authentic selves, so that we can meet life more fully.

And in finding our way back many of us need a guide, or companion, on the way, and I would be honoured to be yours.

Book a free 20 minute session >

happy clients

  • “(Hester) came into my life just at the point when I was feeling I would benefit from a guide and a mentor. I didn't know exactly what I needed...

    …but intuitively I knew they would stand beside me, quietly encouraging, and enable me to explore my heart's promptings.

    So let them take YOU by the hand! They will walk with you, gently illuminate the route with their generous heart, their deep listening, and their radiant smile…and slowly more of life will start living through you. They will quietly and expertly help you to see through your coverings and start to discover the gold deep within.”

    - jo

    client who came during a major transition in life

  • “I love (Hester’s) all inclusive approach to life. Day-to-day struggles, joys or lifelong koans, including body, feelings, and emotions, its all welcome at the party!

    I love the imagery and at moments I was ready to start drawing or painting. The visualisations we did together helped me to explore the lay of the land. They are there, present and with me, with clarity, encouragement, opening doors and windows and having a look at broader horizons. 

     They have the ability to give me a sense of ownership over my life by getting deeper ‘knowledge’ to the surface. Too important not to forget: they have a great sense of humour!”

    - judi s.

    client who was making a career change in midlife

  • “Working with (Hester) is like stepping into a realm of infinite possibilities.

    …with conscientiousness and great care, they will stand with you to uncover a path of growth with skilled guidance and unwavering support.

    If there is something niggling at you, deep in your heart-mind, something unfinished, something even as yet unknown, I highly recommend working with Hester to help you embody change.”

    - michelle

    client who was experiencing physical pain and trauma symptoms

What sorts of issues do you work with?

psychological

  • Trauma: Experiences of trauma, whether recent or in the past

  • Relationship Issues or challenges with parenting: Difficulties in personal or professional relationships

  • Low Self-Esteem: Struggles with self-worth and body image.

  • Stress Management: Overwhelming stress from work, family, or other sources

  • Mental Health Disorders: Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder,

  • Identity Issues: Questions around identity, including sexual orientation or gender identity.

  • Personal Development: A desire for personal growth, self-discovery, or exploring one’s potential.

physical

  • Stress

  • Chronic pain or discomfort

  • Health conditions affecting mobility or physical ability

  • Past injuries or trauma

  • Fatigue or low energy levels

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Changes in appetite or weight (e.g., overeating, loss of appetite)

  • Physical symptoms with no identifiable medical cause

  • Disabilities impacting day-to-day life

  • Hormonal changes

  • Substance use affecting physical health

  • Recovery from surgery or medical treatments

  • Chronic illnesses impacting mental well-being

  • Impact of caregiving for individuals with physical health issues on the caregiver's own health

spiritual

You may want counseling to explore your inner world, or gain clarity on personal beliefs and values. This journey can lead to a greater sense of purpose, fulfilment, and resilience.

  • Healing from Trauma: Spiritual counselling can provide a safe space to process past events that have impacted one’s spiritual growth. Through this healing, individuals may find ways to forgive, release negative energy, and cultivate peace.

  • Enhancing mindfulness and awareness: practices that encourage mindfulness and presence can help cultivate a deeper connection to your spiritual practices and/or daily life.

  • Clarifying Purpose: identifying ife’s purpose and how it aligns with their spiritual beliefs. This clarity can inspire action and motivation in daily life.

life transitions

  • Major life changes

  • Loss, bereavement

  • Divorce or relationship breakups

  • Gender transition

  • Career shifts

Counselling helps you in navigating transitions, and provides tools to find meaning in what can feel like a chaotic and overwhelming time.

Are you ready to meet yourself?

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I care about helping you to embody radical responsibility in your life.

Contact me to support you — to help you build confidence to take the next right step in your life — to embody the courage you need to meet yourself and the world with joy and ease.

Book a free 20 min session to get started on your journey of connection, healing, wellbeing and liberation via email.