From SGP’s founder

Anxiety, bad relationships, and shame around my sexuality had always been my “norm”. I had struggled with anxiety and depression since I was a young teenager, and my challenges only intensified as I got older. Growing up, I had been told I should “save myself” for someone special, but that never happened. My first sexual experience was through rape, and in just a moment, all the “purity” I was supposed to maintain was destroyed. I felt like a popped balloon or a chewed up piece of gum. All the time I had spent waiting had been worthless. I wanted to reclaim my sexuality, but I had no idea how.

For many years after that night, I cycled between two extremes – performing an over-sexualized sex kitten persona, or feeling disconnected from my body and freezing up whenever I was touched. I had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, relying on it to soothe my anxiety, and drinking in excess on the weekends to ease the fear and shame that prevented me from achieving the sexual connection I craved. I was suspicious and wary of men, often argumentative and closed off. The few charming ones who were able to break through my walls often ended up treating me poorly (at best) or abusing and manipulating me (at worst). I had one long-term healthy relationship (I was lucky to meet a man who’s extremely empathetic, conscious of his emotions, and can communicate openly), but beyond that, I kept falling into the same patterns.

I hit my bottom after a toxic, abusive relationship drained me of my joy. Abuse can feel like the slow changing of the seasons. Your partner starts out charming, bright, loving, and gives you the world. Then slowly, they take their love away, turn cold, and start planting the seeds that it’s your fault. You’re annoying them, you’re too much, you’re driving them crazy, your friends make you even worse. By the time they turn into a swirling, violent, unpredictable storm, you’re convinced it’s your fault. You remember the joyful love you once had, and you’re certain that if only YOU were BETTER, things would return to the way they were before.

This was the storm I was in. I was told I worthless, stupid, and unloveable for almost 2 years – and I believed it. Any time I was happy, I was shamed. Anything that I enjoyed was stupid and pathetic. He gave me crumbs of affection, then took it all away when I did something “wrong”. He told me no one would ever love me, and I held on because I wanted so badly to prove him wrong – that I was worthy of being loved. My spirit was shattered. The deeper his words echoed in my mind, the more depressed I became. I hated myself, blamed myself, and eventually, I saw no reason to keep living. I wanted to escape from being myself.

I am so grateful that I had such bright, amazing friends who reminded me of my own internal light that can never be extinguished, and finally, I ended the relationship.

It didn’t take long for me to I realize that I was trapped in a cycle, and, for my own sake, I had to stop repeating it. I knew I needed to find my way out, but had no idea where to begin. Despite majoring in psychology, dedicating my professional life to love and sexuality, and going to therapy for literally over a decade, I kept falling into the same traps. I was desperate to leave my anxiety and depression in the past, love myself, have a healthy relationship, and reclaim my sexuality. I wanted to feel whole again and create the happy life that I thought was beyond my grasp.

So, I followed my intuition and immersed myself in reading. I spent hundreds of hours reading about communication, healthy relationships, and dating red flags. I learned the science of relationships, attraction, desire, and power. I got to the root of fear, shame, anxiety, self-worth, and the mindset patterns that kept me stuck. One by one, I applied the techniques to my life. It helped, and I knew I was on to something, but it was a slow process. I wanted make big changes, not just read about it.

I started working with a relationship coach to bring my growth to the next level. Within a few months, I had more positive changes in my life than I had in years of reading, researching, and therapy. With her support, I processed my toxic relationship and uncovered the deep-rooted patterns that kept me repeating the same bullshit over and over again. She showed me brand new ways of thinking and approaching my problems, and tools to create a better life. Her guidance and perspective helped me overcome challenges, and create new, supportive habits. I started to find myself again, and began to build the person I wanted to become.

Within six months, I couldn’t believe how much my whole life had completely changed. I became a better version of myself, and was prepared and able to CREATE my life, rather than letting it control me. I started designing my own life, relationships, and career. I’ve learned to manage my anxiety, overcome depression, and value myself. I could see red flags, set healthy boundaries, communicate effectively, and nurture healthy relationships. Most of all, I could nurture myself, so I could have the happier life I always wanted. My experience with my coach led me to new ways of thinking, behaving, and experiencing the world, that I genuinely don’t think I could have reached on my own. I still face challenges (it’s inevitable in life) but I feel confident and empowered that I have the tools and strong mindset to tackle them, without freaking out and making all the same mistakes.

I have always wanted to help and support women through my work, but this experience fueled me with renewed passion. I know so many women are stuck like I was – battling anxiety and depression, challenged by dating and relationships, feeling purposeless in their careers, struggling with the love, worth, and value they give to themselves. We deserve MORE, but what we’re doing isn’t working. I know that the tools that helped me transform my life, can help you get the life you want, too.

I am dedicated to helping women create the lives they crave, and sharing all the tools, practices, and skills that have helped me overcome my challenges and create a life beyond what I thought was possible.

For now, this is taking shape by sharing my journey on Instagram, and opening my coaching program for one-on-one support. You don’t have to walk your journey alone, reading every book, magazine, and blog to try and figure it all out. I tried that, and it only took me so far. My coaching combines my academic and professional experience, with the tools that helped me create a better life, plus the guidance, support, compassion, and perspective needed to push past fear, break through blocks, and develop new habits for lasting change. Whether you want to date smarter, deepen your relationship, get rid of anxiety, reclaim your sexuality, or simply want MORE from your life – I would love to help you get there.

To learn more about working together 1:1, you can visit my coaching form. I would be honored to see how I can support you in creating a better life. You can also connect with me on Instagram, where I’ll share insights and things I’ve learned (and am still learning) along my journey. In the fall, I’ll be launching a new site and workshop, so you can sign up for email updates to stay connected and be notified when they launch.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. I can’t wait to support you in creating the life you’ve been craving.

 

Work with Me in 1:1 Coaching