Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Shakespeare.
Hi Denise, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Through my own healing journey, I learned the power of implementing simple lifestyle behaviors that support the mind and body. I was diagnosed with psychogenic seizures in January of 2017. At that time, I was in a wheelchair, dangerously thin, and spent most of my time in bed. I’d spent much of my life trying to find answers to the various health issues I experienced, and having a clear diagnosis allowed me to focus my efforts on healing.
My trauma history is known as complex trauma, meaning it’s been a lifetime of hyper-vigilance and scanning for threats. There wasn’t any “big thing” that was traumatic, but rather a pattern of thinking, behaviors, and relationships that were not healthy and/or safe. This type of trauma is exhausting to the nervous system and, in my case, led to seizure-like activity to preserve life.
Through extensive trauma therapy and learning to support my physical and mental health, I’ve created a life beyond my dreams. Small, consistent behaviors have shaped my thriving life. I love to travel, meet new people, and try new things. Of course, I love all things nutrition and wellness.
Over time, I became aware of the unusual recovery I’d experienced as I surpassed the projected recovery from my condition. My life has become a manifestation of the significant healing the body is capable of. I am no longer allergic to anything. I am physically, mentally, and emotionally strong. My capacity continues to increase, and I continue to explore more ways to learn, grow, and improve. I am currently working on a degree in Family and Human Services.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has definitely not been a smooth road! I had to learn how to sleep, how to nourish my body, trust myself, and let go of old patterns of behavior that were detrimental to my wellness.
For example:
My initial goal was to walk from my bedroom to the front door once every hour.
Healing my gut microbiome took concentrated efforts for about two years.
Equine therapy helped me learn healthy boundaries and how to trust myself.
It took four years of consistent sleep hygiene to regularly sleep through the night.
Though the road has been full of challenges, I’ve chosen to focus on the investment, and the benefits have been and continue to be remarkable!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I’m a Master Certified Integrative Nutrition and Wellness Counselor.
I graduated from The Nutritious Life Studio based in NYC,
I focus on all aspects of nutrition, including movement, hydration, sleep, relationships, stress management, mindset, time in nature, self-care, and food. Additionally, I offer the modality of foot zoning to help my clients understand what their body is communicating with the symptoms they’re experiencing.
While I see clients of all ages, I specialize in teens with a history of disordered eating.
How do you think about happiness?
I find a tremendous amount of joy in life. Why? Because of the tools I have to help others as well as myself. I have much life experience that has informed my journey to wellness and that influences my ability to mentor others on their healing journey.
I love to share what I’ve learned with others. That looks like humanitarian work, one on one sessions with clients, and speaking to groups wanting to improve their lives. Serving others brings a beautiful level of happiness as I give hope and skills to improve their well-being.
I like to spread sunshine to those around me, to be an example, and a force for good.
I find joy in giving hope to those who’ve experienced hopelessness. My healing has been remarkable and while everyone’s journey looks different, I don’t believe in limits. I’ve overcome too many things that were “undoable,” and I believe in the body’s ability to heal.
It may sound cliche but truly, every day is a gift. I live what I teach!
Pricing:
- $120 60-minute appointment
- $170 90-minute appointment
Contact Info:
- Website: https://denisesdaisies.com
- Instagram: @denises_daisies
- Facebook: Denise’s Daisies
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/denise1shakespeare
