I began working with Stephanie after having major back surgery. Not being able to physically do much was very unfamiliar to me and I needed help with being loving, gentle and patient with myself— all the things Stephanie helped me with. Stephanie taught me to get in touch with my body and ask what it needed. Sounds simple but the concept was foreign to me. I was used to doing what I “should” do and not what I wanted to do, and most often those should’s were back-breaking, vomit-inducing workouts, eating in a very restrictive way and doing for others what they could do for themselves.

I needed to learn to get back to me and take my life back. I was always giving and here I was in a place where I couldn’t really give but I had to take. I had to learn that it was okay to need others and even rely on them.

My therapist recommended Stephanie because while this ties into my therapy work I also needed a “how to” sometimes almost on a daily basis which Stephanie provided. At first I was hesitant because I thought I should be able to do this work on my own. But I quickly learned how coaching was helping me change my lifestyle and I began to see how therapy and coaching work together and I benefited from both.

I no longer struggle with “the shoulds”, I give my body what it needs, like naps and restorative yoga classes, and I don’t beat myself up anymore. I’ve increased my awareness and learned how to be present in my body. I’ve become a much better mom, wife, daughter, teacher and person because of this work. I have a healthier relationship not only with the food but with myself. I’m learning not only to love myself but to like myself.

I recommend this work to anyone who wants to change their lifestyle and become a happier, healthier version of themselves.