Today we’d like to introduce you to Helen Parde.
Hi Helen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey to becoming the practitioner I am today has been an ever-evolving path shaped by my own personal struggles. Years ago, I faced crippling fatigue and a range of unexplained symptoms that traditional Western medicine couldn’t fully explain or resolve. That experience motivated me to look beyond conventional approaches and explore alternative methods of healing.
What I discovered not only helped me reclaim my health but also inspired me to build a business that I truly love. I’m deeply passionate about helping others find the same kind of relief and renewal. When I learn something that makes a difference, I can’t help but share it—because I know there are so many people searching for hope and answers.
There’s something profoundly humbling about seeing hope return to a client’s face after years of feeling overwhelmed and unheard. My work began with Foot Zone Therapy, the first modality that helped lift my fatigue over ten years ago. Since then, I’ve continued to expand my toolkit with modalities that help clients map out their own individualized path to wellness. Each person’s journey is unique, so we work together to select therapies that truly resonate with them—always mindful of reducing overwhelm, especially for those navigating chronic illness.
One piece that has led my work for years is respecting the body’s innate ability to heal when given the right support. My work focuses on restoring nervous system resilience and flexibility, and I would say that sets me apart from other paths one might think of when engaging lifestyle changes.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I always say this work found me. I truly believe I came to a crossroads where I had to either fight to live or surrender and fade away. That may sound dramatic, but it was quite literal. My chronic conditions were escalating quickly, and as a young mom, I was losing hope that I would see my children grow into adulthood.
Doctors eventually labeled me with multiple sclerosis (MS), and while I have more answers now, my body continues to lead me down new paths that uncover deeper truths. I’ve learned that there is never just one cause of chronic dis-ease—it’s a complex interplay of emotional, environmental, and physical stressors that shape our health.
This journey awakened my intuition and taught me to listen closely to what my body and spirit truly need. Learning self-regulation and honoring my limits are things I practice daily.
Building my own business has certainly not been easy—it’s full of challenges, both internal and external—but it has also been one of the most powerful catalysts for my personal growth and healing. Every step has deepened my empathy, strengthened my resilience, and reminded me why I do this work.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
About Whole Body and Sole
Years of immersing myself in holistic health have proven one thing over and over again: our bodies have an innate ability to heal. We can guide that healing through our thoughts, our actions, and our willingness to become conscious of unhealed trauma.
As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk says in The Body Keeps the Score, “Trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it is also the imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body.” That quote, along with the groundbreaking work of Dr. Candace Pert in Molecules of Emotion, deeply shaped my philosophy. Their research validated what I had intuitively learned through my own healing journey — that the mind and body are inseparable and that emotional experiences profoundly shape our physical health.
At Whole Body and Sole, we honor that connection. Our name reflects the respect we hold for the whole body — physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual — and the belief that each person’s healing path is unique. What sets us apart is the integrative approach we offer, blending ancient bodywork with modern science and technology to help clients uncover and release the root causes of imbalance.
Our services include Foot Zone Therapy, Massage Therapy, Neuro-Remapping (Cognomovement), Functional Genomics Testing, and Biofeedback through AO Scan. These modalities can be used individually or combined to create a customized plan that meets each client exactly where they are in their wellness journey.
What I’m most proud of is the authenticity behind this work — I’ve personally walked this path of healing. Seeing transformation unfold in my clients’ lives is profoundly humbling and inspiring. Whole Body and Sole was truly born from that journey — a place where science, intuition, and compassion meet to help others rediscover their innate ability to heal.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
This path has been filled with risks—some physical, emotional, and financial. As both a massage therapist and health coach, I’m constantly mindful of balancing my own health while showing up fully for my clients. There have been seasons when I’ve wondered, am I physically up to this work? and times I’ve had to pause and realign. I’ve also had to be aware of professional boundaries—offering insight and guidance while staying within the scope of my practice.
One of the biggest risks for me, though, has been overcoming imposter syndrome. For a long time, I questioned whether I could truly help others while I was still healing myself. Over time, I’ve learned that my personal experience is what allows me to connect with such compassion and authenticity. Healing is not a destination—it’s a continuum—and that realization transformed my approach to both business and life.
Financially, entrepreneurship always carries uncertainty, especially when your work challenges conventional norms. Building a wellness practice that integrates modalities like Functional Genomics, Cognomovement, and Biofeedback was a leap of faith. Yet trusting my intuition, staying true to my values, and knowing when to rest and reflect have made it all worthwhile. The risks have become part of my growth, and each one has ultimately deepened my sense of purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wholebodyandsole.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whole_body_and_sole/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healwithhelen83/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/public-profile/settings
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wholebodyandsole
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@helen.wholebodyandsole
