Minke came to me with a history of dating guys that were half-in. She felt unsure and unsettled in these ‘relationships’. She wanted the real deal but wasn’t sure she could have it. 

I came to Andrea because I wanted to feel more empowered when dating. I felt that I wasn't coming from a place of strength, but from need - a need to be seen, to be accepted, to be appreciated. 

I am now happy to report that Minke is at the exciting start of a new relationship that feels worlds different from the past - it’s promising, fun, grounded and exciting.

With the right kind of support, Minke is now experiencing dating and relationships in a whole new way. 
Here’s more about her experience. Minke was feeling tight and constricted in her body, especially when it came to dating and men. And she found she’d keep herself busy so she wouldn’t feel things fully. 
In addition, she had a habit of being extra hard and critical of herself. Of constantly pushing herself to be better and do more to matter, to be loved, or accepted.

During our sessions, I was able to find the power of acceptance and appreciation within me. 
It wasn't that I did not have some feeling of empowerment within me already, or didn't know what it felt like. I have undergone therapy before, and have worked on myself extensively through yoga, meditation, deep listening, etc. 

What I missed - so I discovered - were the tools to connect all of the work I had done previously, integrate it within my entire being, and build it into a solid foundation. 

Over time, Minke learned to listen into and trust her body. She slowed down and cleared the space that was needed to realise that she was done with the internal struggle. There is a part of her that knows, "We are strong women that don't need a man to feel complete! I can do it on my own".She is able to love that part of herself. And understand it. And from there she was able to ask herself honestly if she still really wanted to do it all alone? 

“I am always struggling, fighting uphill battles, I am tired.” 

And the answer came, 

"No, I don't want to do it alone." 

Minke was unsure of whether she was good enough to make her dreams come true. In our work together, she learned how to let go of this doubt and say ‘YES’ to what she really wanted in life – in both her work as an artist, and in her desire for a relationship.

Everything I had done before had only addressed one aspect of myself that could empower me. I was still scattered. But with the work I did with Andrea, we created a holistic approach, and placed it in a safe environment to bring it all together. By doing so, I discovered parts of myself that I had neglected, silenced, and locked away underneath layers of trauma. 

Once these parts got a chance to heal, grow, and shine, my body almost rewired itself automatically and the feeling of empowerment was then just there. 

Minke feels newly confident in her work and life. And a greater sense meaning.
She is in full acceptance of who she is. And holds a kindness in her heart for herself.

With that empowerment also came a clearer perspective of who I want to be, what is important in my life, and how - and with whom - I want to spend it.

I still work with specific tools we developed together, to stay connected to my place of power, and I have developed new tools for myself, to keep my desire map clear in mind.  

Minke is now at the beginning of a new relationship with someone that ‘feels really good, and fun, and solid.’ And making it happen in a way that feels gentle, loving and caring. 

She has the support from deep within herself to go out in the world and let her work be seen and her voice be heard.

She’s writing the book she wants to write versus the one she’s told she ‘should’ write. 
And finds it easier to try things that feel scary and new.

Just by the simple act of creating space for my pleasure and being supported by you in it, a huge chasm of shame has disappeared, replaced with a sense of love and the deep knowing that my pleasure is within my own grasp and no one else’s. 

I recognized the reason for the reaching for and grasping from others I have done so much if in my past relationship on SO many levels. I was overlooking that the depth of my power lies right here, in me.

I know I have been living under a lot of trauma (for years) that has been stored there so to finally be released from it feels like another level of being alive. 

Literally like connecting with my childlike self, but also I have felt a lioness, mother energy come out and I have had to use it this week. So it is fascinating to be dancing between those two archetypes of inner child and Mother/woman. 

There is a lot of energy in my system so I am having to do lots of physical practice to express it so that I can stay balanced.

Andrea, I am so, so, so, grateful for your bright light, safe sense of clarity and tender and joyful heart that has led me through this work. 

Thank you for being my guide and for being a comrade in the re-connection of sensual pleasure and a happy heart.

Before meeting with Andrea I very much wanted to get in touch with the more subtle levels of pleasure. I wanted to feel that sense of empowerment that I as a woman could connect with my sexuality and orgasmic nature without the need for a partner. 

I wanted to fill up and feel great sexually from the inside having had difficulties in the past and having shut down my sexuality for years. 

I was able to connect with a sexual energy inside of me that I had not connected with in a long time by myself. It felt exciting as I had touched on something I knew I could build on myself and I left the session feeling I had that magic back within me.

Andrea has a gift of presence and holding a safe space that enabled me to feel comfortable enough to experience my sexual self in the presence of another person which was certainly outside of my comfort zone. 

What struck me the most from my work together with Andrea was just how much permission I felt from her to let go, and relax which can be hard for me to do. 

I had this sense and knowing she had been there herself and would be the perfect guide to take me to where I wanted to go.