As a successful physician in Germany, I had what seemed like a great life. I was working in my ex-husband's family and naturopathic practice doing meaningful work. I even took a second residency in dermatology, naturopathy, and allergology. I had two wonderful sons and thought I was happy. Despite the seamless blend of professional success and personal fulfillment, life took an unexpected turn, leading me down a path filled with new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Unexpectedly, a sudden onset of severe back pain debilitated me, forcing me to give up my practice. To manage the pain I was prescribed codeine and even morphine, but deep down I knew these weren’t sustainable solutions. Shortly after, my then-husband committed suicide. Devastated and in a deep depression, I moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my two sons in 1997. I found myself in a severe health crisis, struggling with chronic pain, depression, and morbid obesity. I ballooned to 325 lbs. and even attempted suicide twice. For a decade, I tried to get better with conventional medicine, but nothing seemed to work.
I went through traditional psychotherapy, like CBT, DBT, and ACT, even group therapy, but it didn't help. I worked with dieticians and nutritionists, tried Weight Watchers, but any weight I lost came right back. Physiotherapy barely made a dent in my severe back pain. I was prescribed sertraline (Zoloft), Abilify, and occasionally clonazepam, among other medications. While on these psychiatric drugs, I felt emotionally numb – the pain was gone, but so was the joy. I merely went through the motions, not wanting to do anything. I would sit on the sofa, watching TV without really comprehending. It was as if I had become a mere shadow of my former self. The medications also caused me to gain weight, which only added to my distress. Simple tasks, like climbing a few steps, left me breathless. Gradually, I lost all hope of ever feeling better. My sense of purpose and passion had vanished, and I simply followed orders, struggling to make decisions, and often making mistakes when I did.
I reached a critical point, realizing that if I didn't make a change, I might not survive. I decided this was not the life I wanted to live. A turning point came when I asked a psychiatrist from the Amen Clinics about the medications, and he responded, "Shouldn't that be your decision?" These words truly resonated with me. I took matters into my own hands and started researching online. I found an integrative psychiatrist who helped me withdraw from all psychiatric medications and replace them with nutrition and supplements. Under a carefully controlled plan, I successfully discontinued all the medications, replacing them with targeted supplements and lifestyle changes. I also sought help from a skilled chiropractor, massage therapist, and physiotherapist, and began practicing Tai Chi. It was like a fog lifted, and I finally felt human again.
I then tackled my weight, opting for weight loss surgery in India in 2006. I lost 150 lbs. in one year, but the real struggle began after this success. I started regaining weight and discovered that most people, even after surgical or medical weight loss, gain it all back. I also found that not a single licensed physician or naturopath in my area knew how to treat long-term patients after weight loss surgery.
So, I took it upon myself to learn from books and online sources. But the biggest breakthrough came when I discovered Havening Techniques®, a psychosensory healing method based on neuroscience. Havening Techniques involve applying touch to specific areas of the body while focusing on a traumatic memory or feeling. This process helps to encode the memory or feeling in a calming way, essentially disconnecting the emotional response from the event. With the help of a Havening Techniques practitioner, I was able to use this method to disconnect past traumatic events from my emotional stress response and change negative thoughts and beliefs into positive ones. By gently stroking my arms, face, and hands while thinking about my challenges, I was able to release my emotional distress, leaving me feeling empowered and at peace. This enabled me to start living in a completely new way and finally achieve the healing for my body, mind, and soul that I had desperately yearned for.
Before finding this holistic approach, I felt hopeless and like a failure. I thought I wasn't good enough and that food was stronger than I was. But after learning and applying these techniques, healing happened. The weight stayed off, and I now have the skills and strategies to easily manage any small fluctuations. Throughout my journey, I am grateful for the unwavering support of my current husband, who stood by me every step of the way.
Inspired by my own journey, I became a Certified Havening Techniques Practitioner, a Certified Brain and Mental Health Professional, a Licensed Neuroencoding Specialist, a Gastrointestinal Disease Specialist, and holistic healer. I now offer a variety of methods working together to create lasting benefits for my clients and help them "Recover Their Sparkle."
I teach my "InstantCalm Formula" for rapid stress relief and my "Soulful Nutrition and Weight Loss System." I find joy in guiding others and sharing my gifts as a healer. I've spoken on many stages, including TEDx, written books, hosted events, and created online courses. My clients call me "The Doctor Who KNOWS How I Feel" and the "Weight Whisperer," appreciating my care, compassion, attention to detail, accountability, and sense of humor.
My favorite thing is finding the root causes of my clients' suffering and working with them to heal – to shed excess pounds, let go of emotional eating, and heal their soul. I'm glad I can often provide help with natural recovery from psychiatric illness and safe psychiatric drug withdrawal, removing dependency on the conventional system and harmful pharmaceuticals.
No one should have to suffer as long as I did. There is hope, even if you feel stuck in a deep, dark tunnel. I feel compelled to share what I've learned and experienced, to reach out and connect with others. This is my life's purpose, my joy in teaching others how to heal themselves and, if they feel the calling, to become healers themselves.
