top of page
2022_OKT_20_LIZZIE_KarinJonkers020.jpg

earth lover, shape shifter, gardener of sorts

ABOUT ME

What does it mean to be human?

In the unstable world we live in, being human is complex, dimensional, riddled with challenges. Much of my life has been in exploring and confirming my belief - that it is possible to inhabit a changing body and mind with understanding, appreciation and ease, despite, or perhaps because of unique and challenging circumstances.

My interest is in aiding the process of knowing oneself - through touch, movement and dialogue. I invite you to come as you are to unearth the truth about who you are: to rebuild connections which may have been lost over time: to acknowledge your completeness and to enhance the onward journey.

2019.10.16_Lizzie-159.jpg

ILLNESS AND RECOVERY

The context of my life.

At three years old I was diagnosed with an auto-immune digestive disease. Uncertainty associated with illness was a cornerstone of my youth, and became a guiding force behind my lifelong interest in philosophy and health. In 2013 I had a liver transplant as a result of long-term chronic illness. Due to the complexity of my case, this resulted in a 59-day stay at the Royal Free Hospital in London. Eventually I recovered physically, but it took me longer to understand that I left the hospital with PTSD, and even longer to understand how to adapt to it.

Over the ten years since my transplant, I have processed loss, grief and gratitude many times over, and now understand this is an ongoing process of being in relationship with life experiences, even the earliest ones that fade over time. The challenges and joys of raising an autistic child magnify my gratitude for the enormous blessing of participating in life.

More recently, I made the difficult decision to have colorectal surgery, removing the site of uto-immune disease, after 47 years living with a fear of cancer and a belief that I would die young. This latest major surgery has brought a tremendous relief to my entire system, freeing myself of the shackles of living in fear, bringing more health and abundance than I ever thought possible.

People often asked me after my transplant and other surgeries whether I’m ‘fixed’ — whether life is ‘back to normal’. My experience is that whether it is an organ transplant, an invasive injury or chronic illness, or simply raising an atypical child, when the body or mind undergoes a significant experience, there is challenge, and there is change. Our systems have an opportunity to become more intelligent, more sensitive. Wisdom emerges from this sensitive intelligence over time. Learning to live with what presents itself to me now, with the knowledge and experiences provided to me along the way, has been integral in healing, self-acceptance and moving forward. It has also informed how I navigate daily life, and why I am so very passionate about this work in guiding people through change.

(Please become an organ donor. Dare to care and save lives.)

2019.10.16_Lizzie-123.jpg

HOW I SEE YOU

There is nobody else like you.

Each of us have our unique history, experiences, inhibitions and creative spark. My work is in creating a safe space so that you feel supported exploring and realising your human potential.

For some people, the entry point is through the body, where a movement practice or bodywork like Rolfing can provide the link to orienting and connecting with the self through synchronic breathing and increased mobility. For others, a forum for being heard is key: talking through held assumptions, traumatic imprints and a mental exploration guide a change process.

The nature of all this work is seeded in awareness. Many people might not know how to begin a journey of change — and the truth is, there is no one ‘right’ way. The first step begins in showing up.

 

Degrees & Certifications

Compassionate Inquiry Year-Long Program with Gabor Maté (2021)

Compassionate Inquiry Year-Long Program with Gabor Maté (2021)

InnerMBA Certification (2020)

IFC Certified Coach (2020)

Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher (2007/2015)

Rolfer® + Rolf Movement® Practitioner (2013/2015)

Craniosacral Therapist (2010)

Ayurveda 4 Year Course (2004)

MA, Communications and Design (1997)

BA, Philosophy and Psychology (1994)

2022_OKT_20_LIZZIE_KarinJonkers007.jpg
bottom of page