From People Pleaser to Empowered and Now I'm Here to Help You do the Same
Hi I’m Sureyya Hester, a BACP- registered counsellor, a former teacher of A level Psychology and mum to two young girls.
A former perfectionist and recovering people pleaser my journey into healing wasn't a straightforward one. At the age of 27 I went from teaching by day, to singing at restaurants by night and training to become a counsellor alongside too. My schedule was jam packed and my relationship with rest was non existent. On the surface it may have looked like I was able to do it 'all' but internally I was utterly disconnected from myself and my needs. Overnight my health deteriorated, I found myself sleeping for up to 20 hours of the day, riddled with anxiety and 27 different symptoms from digestive issues to brain fog. I was diagnosed with Chronic fatigue syndrome (ME), which left me wheelchair bound and facing challenges that tested my resilience every single day.
This experience opened my eyes to the connection between our physical body and emotional well being and how we can influence our nervous system response. I realised that healing is more than just managing symptoms - and is about addressing the whole person mind, body and soul. It was from my experience of some very dark times and how I found my way back to thriving not simply surviving that I created R.I.S.E recognise, integrate, stabilise and empower. A method to guide you back to yourself; to step out of overwhelm, silence your inner critic and move through life with confidence and authenticity - so that you never have to self- abandon again.
I know how deeply people pleasing can run - how it can steal your voice, your joy, and your energy. And I also know the way out.
My training and approach
I am a counsellor and proud creator of R.I.S.E a method of healing through self-compassion to assist you on your journey of coming home to yourself. I was trained in person centred therapy and have gone on to create a specific 4 step method to empower you to reconnect with yourself with practical and simple tools. My approach is gentle, I will walk with you and guide you through a new and different way of being; one where you no longer abandon yourself, where self- criticism is replaced with self- compassion and prioritising your needs is no longer another thing on the to-do list but something you will learn to honour as you begin to show yourself the love you give so freely to others.
Professional credentials
Diploma in Psychotherapeutic Counselling
Diploma in teaching in the life long learning sector
Degree in Psychology & Philosophy
Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
