For many years I have been working on and dealing with what would now be termed CPTSD (complex trauma sometimes termed childhood trauma) using traditional psychotherapy, CBT, hypnotherapy and more realizing that while each has helped in different ways it wasn't reaching the core. While each has its merits I needed to find someone who really understands CPTSD in particular, also who knows how to truly assist in healing from it. Most importantly to face what I was trying so hard to avoid through intellectualization among many other habits that were not serving me well. To dare to face what comes from a life that starts in abuse: the deep pain, repressed anger, flashing anger, shame, shame is a big one, and avoidance, among so many aspects. Most of all to allow myself to feel the deep emotions that I feared to engage with because they would be so overwhelming, fearing I might break or worse that I may never face them and live the rest of my life stuck and diminished. I needed to learn to cry again.

Pedro is exceptionally skilled in so many areas. First there is his ability to listen while reframing what you have said to verify he truly understands while also giving new words to what you have expressed to provide even more inner clarity. It's really a unique skill. This in itself leads to a feeling of trust that makes it safe to follow Pedro into the "room" where all of those scary feels are, to look them in the eye, to look yourself in the eye, then embrace you, them, all of it and fully engage. There is learning here that is very profound, filled first of all with self forgiveness that leads to a feeling of having the inner weights lifted off the soul, a sort of expansion. To breath easier. While all this is going on there are practical tools he likes to pepper in to keep this work going when you are on your own. There is a real feeling of continued support. My journey is far from over. When I met with Pedro I thought this journey was going to be close to insurmountable. That it would take all the years to undo all the years. I really felt like I was laying under a pile of boulders and if I made one false move I would be crushed. I am amazed at how quickly I was able to move through that feeling to a place where that feels far away, where what is ahead is so much lighter and full of potential. It is a different journey for everyone, but it is a journey worth taking. Pedro has been instrumental in mine.

Kimberly Wiltshire
Chef and Photographer
California, USA | Sweden | Lisbon, Portugal