TRANSFORMATIVE PSYCH SERVICES

- thriving with gastroparesis

About

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I was diagnosed with Gastroparesis in 2010. For 9 years I thought the key to improving symptoms and my quality of life was to focus on developing a daily symptom management list and ensure each day I meticulously crossed everything off the list. Subsequently my mind was incredibly busy. I was so consumed by my thinking, that I believed it all to be true. I had created a lot of shoulds, “I should feel this way”, “I should be doing this”.

Until I discovered the inside out way of thinking. I came to realise that our thoughts create our sense of reality and thus our experiences. When my mind calmed, so did my body. I learned that I didn’t need to be 100% healthy to be ok. As a result, my mind is quieter and calmer, and I feel as though I am now living rather than existing. This isn’t to say my symptoms have resolved, but they are certainly more manageable and less impacting with this understanding.

As well, I am a Psychologist with more than 24 years experience in the field of mental health. This knowledge coupled with the awareness that ultimately, I will be ok has completely transformed my experience with Gastroparesis and provides me with a unique ability to understand what others are going through. As well, I have done a mentorship with Crystal Saltrelli and am currently engaging in coaching. Above all, I am passionate about trying to help others with their health journey.

Services

Individual Sessions

- Online 1 hour video zoom sessions - Complete the contact form below to learn more AU$250

Group Sessions

- 4 x weekly 1 hour video zoom sessions, with maximum 3 participants - Free 20 minute 1:1 initial Q&A - Complete the contact form below to learn more AU$600

TWGP Community

Immerse yourself in a supportive, empowering community that instils hope and focuses on 'what's working'. Too often we feel guilt and self-blame and unfortunately a lot of online communities promote communal misery and competitive suffering. On the TWGP space, the emphasis is on discovering possibilities and quietening our minds. Having a chronic health diagnosis does not mean we are broken, we are whole, resilient individuals who possess innate wisdom, and this community is about reawakening just that. Please join me on this journey.

Learn More

 Resources

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Conversations on thriving with chronic illness

Hosted by Crystal Saltrelli & Samantha Cook






follow us on Instagram & Facebook @ livingwellpod

Subscribe @ livingwellpod.substack.com Or listen on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.


 

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Testimonials

 Being a part of this group class made me realize how important it is to not become the diagnosis that was given to me. It's been a tremendous experience and blessing, and has changed my whole perspective on Gastroparesis. Thank you Samantha!! 

Sherry (USA) - Dec 2022 group

 I want to thank you for holding these sessions. It is so good to be with people who know what we are going through. When I try to explain to people what I have, they just don't get it. You help to keep our thoughts more positive and it is easier to open up about what I'm feeling when I know you know first hand what a journey this is. Your strength that I see in your own life gives me courage to fight to make a better me. 

Jeanette (USA) - Dec 2022 group

 I've carried the weight of gastroparesis around for the last 7 years. The grief, anger, sadness and frustration weighing me down. After meeting with Samantha, that weight is slowly being lifted off. It's one thing to have someone who is able to sympathize with your struggles but is a completely life changing experience to have someone who has been through the same struggle as you. Samantha is not only able to relate to the darkness of the disease but also provide guidance on how to get to the other side of the darkness and live successfully with Gastroparesis. Samantha has been where I have been in the deep depths of this nasty disease. She knows what it is like to just want to simply survive the day and lose any motivation for the future. While there is still no cure, Samantha is the absolute best person to guide myself on learning how to not just survive but live successfully and happily with this havoc wreaking and debilitating disease. I truly believe the universe brought us together for her to help me out of the darkness and anyone who has struggled with Gastroparesis knows the exact darkness I am referring to. I am beyond grateful for every session I have with Samantha and the battle she is helping me fight. 

Melissa (USA) - Individual sessions since Nov '22

TESTIMONIALS CONTINUED

 You’re the best! Samantha responded to my desperate need for help with a quick 15 minute call and helped me when my gastroenterologist couldn’t. We’ve met every 2 weeks after that since March 2023. My gastroparesis diagnosis seemed to be different than those I read about. Samantha was able to help me with “slow motility” right from my first email. I couldn’t understand what was going on in my body and Samantha helped me pick apart my anxieties and realize that everyone’s Gastroparesis story is different just like everyone’s body is different. There’s really no need to suffer once you figure out what works and then you can go on with life. You’re really not stuck, but rather leaning a new way. Also want to give credit to Crystal Saltrelli’s website “Eating Well for Gastroparesis” as well as her recommendation to “The Little School of Big Change”. Both Samantha and Crystal have passed on wisdom beyond the “medical condition itself. 

Sally (USA) - Individual sessions since Mar' 23

 I'm proud to say I was/am a client of yours. You got me through some dark days. Honestly the brightest part of my days at times was when it was nearing 6pm and we were meeting! You understood what I was facing and thought outside the box, even if it was just for an hour, I felt heard. 

Troy (USA) - Individual sessions 2023

Contact

  • New South Wales, Australia