Samantha

Samantha wrote to Mags:

“When I first met you I was an eroded version of myself. I was a chronic people-pleaser who desperately sought out not only people’s approval, but their undying adoration. I thought I needed it, I thought it would make me whole. I craved people’s understanding, I needed their validation and love, because without it I was a shell. I tried to make myself digestible, someone who would be easy to love. 

“I was shattered pieces of feelings, and you helped me make them into a mosaic. I didn't know what to do with all of the things I felt so I threw them at people hoping someone would catch them and care for me. You helped me name the feelings and by doing so I no longer felt like I was a victim to my own emotions, but instead that they were something I should cherish. 

I started breaking apart my desire to be understood and guided, and started trusting myself. Trusting yourself is not something that weak people do. I understood that people are flawed, and that I am flawed, but that does not make us any less worthy of love. I got to know what I value, and used that as my compass for how to make all of my decisions and be satisfied with them. It felt like I was trapped under rubble after an earthquake and you removed all the rocks so that I could emerge. 

“I feel like I got to know myself intimately throughout the process and could finally see past the fog of my emotions. I used to live my life in constant fight or flight mode, adrenaline constantly coursing through me. Now I feel like my body can rest, that it's ok. My thoughts used to be unable to move without bumping into some piece of the past. I paid tribute to my past experiences and they no longer control who I am today.

“I finally feel like I can wrap myself in the tapestry of myself, I don't need other people's contributions. My values are sacred to me and where I used to ricochet between certainties and doubts, now I know every piece of myself and I know exactly what to do. 

“To say thank you seems almost disrespectful because of how little gratitude it conveys, in proportion to the magnitude of improvement I have felt, but I know no better words so thank you for the world you opened up inside of me, I like it here.”

Máiréad

Máiréad is a former primary school teacher, who at first looked forward to retiring and leading a full life. But then several challenging family responsibilities took priority, and her retirement plan was put on hold. After a while many factors contributed to a sense of overwhelm, she felt isolated and under pressure most of the time. Her belief in a conventional medical route was frustrated by her sense of not being listened to and not being taken seriously. She was miserable, unable to sleep through the night and in pain. She had seen her daughter improve as she embraced the Resolving Chronic Pain process but felt it wasn’t for her. In the end her daughter booked an initial consultation and asked Máiréad to try it.

Here is the outcome in Máiréad’s words: “Before I started working with Mags I had been suffering from chronic foot pain for almost a year. I was diagnosed with arthritis but despite having a cortisone injection and taking regular anti-inflammatory medication the pain persisted.

“I got a second opinion and was told that I had a tendon problem and a further steroid injection was proposed. I decided not to follow this route. My daughter suggested that I contact Mags.

“I was quite sceptical at first but having worked with Mags over the last six months I am now practically pain free. I rarely even feel a twinge, and now fully embrace the process which has helped me to lead a fuller life. In addition I am back to swimming, cycling, Pilates and yoga classes.

“I'm also able to pursue my other interests and meet up with friends regularly. I am deeply grateful to my daughter for insisting I speak to Mags, I feel like I lost a year and now I'm having a ball!”