We recently connected with Leasa Arsenault and have shared our conversation below.
Leasa, we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
For as far back as I can remember, I have been an anxious person, so it wasn’t surprising when, in my late 20’s I was diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Depression, and prescribed medication and therapy. However, after decades of taking medications, (switching prescriptions, increasing dosages) and weekly therapy session, I was getting worse. By the age of 41 I had an executive level job with one of the top 5 banks, a beautiful loving family, a lovely home, a comfortable life; yet on the inside I was tortured, struggling with the 4th bout of burn out, having up to 5 anxiety attacks every day, and dragging myself through the life I thought I needed. You see, I had spent my entire life defining my worth by my external achievements and how others seen me. So being an over-achieving people pleasing perfectionist was the operating system I created within myself to create a false-sense of self-worth, but that operating system was not sustainable.
By the age of 42, I could no longer keep up with the unachievable standards of living I had set for myself, and that’s when I crumbled and hit what I call ground zero. At ground zero my thoughts got really dark really fast, I could no longer rely on my external environment for validation of my worth, I was forced to look within. It was then that I found shamanic healing, energy healing, transpersonal parts therapy, and got connected with a group of supportive, non-judgemental women who believed in the power of these alternative healing modalities. I was shocked and amazed at the shifts and changes that were happening to me on all levels of my mind, body and soul. My anxiety was subsiding rapidly, I was looking forward to waking up the next day and often found moments of true joy (a feeling that was foreign to me).
Fast-forward 5 years later, I live a joyful, emotionally balanced, authentic life. I am so grateful to have this life that I love that I feel a deep calling to get the message out to others suffering with anxiety and depression that they don’t have to live that way. I am living proof that you can turn your life around and live your joy.
I have made it my business and life’s mission to help other high-achieving women break free from the heaviness of anxiety and depression, so they can liberate their authentic selves and live their joy!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
In June 2023 I launched my business Becoming Soulful Personal Mentoring. I use the following healing modalities: Transpersonal Parts Therapy, Energetic Body Clearing, Sound Healing, Akashic Record Reading, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and Laughter Yoga I am passionate about helping high-achieving women to feel calm, balanced and happier in their life without having to spend years in therapy, taking loads of prescribed medications to see little to no changes. I have a 12 week program called Live Your Joy©, where I work very closely 1:1 with individual clients on a journey of transformation and healing.
I host a weekly virtual group meditation and healing circle, which is a supportive non-judgemental space for self-awareness, healing, growth, and we always have some laughs in there too!
I also offer packages of 1:1 sessions for those who may not feel ready to commit to a full transformation but are open to creating smaller changes.
I not only feel passionate to help my clients, I feel strongly called to get the message out that this kind of healing exists and it works! I get the message out through content posts on social media, hosting workshops, as a vendor at wellness expos and as a guest on various podcasts.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful for me were resilience, self-awareness, and continuous learning. Here’s some advice for those who are early in their journey on how they can develop or improve on these:
Resilience: Life is full of challenges and setbacks, but resilience is what helps us bounce back stronger. To develop resilience, embrace failure as an opportunity for growth rather than a defeat. Cultivate a positive mindset, practice self-compassion, and surround yourself with supportive people who uplift and encourage you. Remember that setbacks are not permanent, and every obstacle you overcome strengthens your resilience muscles.
Self-awareness: Understanding yourself deeply is key to personal growth and fulfillment. Start by cultivating mindfulness practices such as meditation, journaling, or self-reflection. Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and patterns of behavior without judgment. Seek feedback from others and be open to self-discovery. The more you know yourself, the better equipped you’ll be to make choices aligned with your values and aspirations.
Continuous learning: The journey of self-improvement is never-ending, and embracing a mindset of continuous learning is essential for growth. Stay curious and open-minded, explore new interests, and seek out opportunities for personal and professional development. Read books, listen to podcasts, attend workshops, and engage with mentors or role models who inspire you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself. Remember that every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.
In summary, focus on building resilience, cultivating self-awareness, and embracing continuous learning as you navigate your journey. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and stay committed to your personal growth and development. And most importantly, trust in your ability to overcome obstacles and create the life you desire.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
As the owner of Becoming Soulful, my mission is to help high-achieving woman who are seeking to break free from the chains of high-functioning anxiety, liberate their authentic self, find their joy, and live it. Here are some characteristics that would make them an ideal client:
High-achieving: Someone who is ambitious, driven, and committed to personal growth and success. They may excel in their career, academics, or other areas of their life, but they also recognize the importance of inner fulfillment and emotional well-being.
Open-minded: Open to exploring alternative healing modalities and spiritual practices. They are curious, receptive to new ideas, and willing to delve into the depths of self-discovery and transformation.
Seeking Liberation: They’re ready to break free from the constraints of high-functioning anxiety and step into a life of greater freedom, authenticity, and joy. They are willing to confront their fears, challenges, and limiting beliefs in order to unlock their true potential.
Self-Reflective: They are introspective and self-aware, willing to explore their thoughts, emotions, and past experiences in order to gain deeper insights into themselves and their journey. They are committed to personal growth and willing to do the inner work necessary for transformation.
Resilient: They possesses a sense of resilience and inner strength that allows them to persevere through challenges and setbacks. They are willing to confront adversity with courage and determination, knowing that growth often arises from overcoming obstacles.
Ready for Change: They are sick and tired of not feeling good and are ready and eager to embrace change and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. They recognize that true growth requires stepping out of their comfort zone and are committed to taking action towards positive change.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.becomingsoulful.com
- Instagram: @becomingsoulful
- Facebook: @becomingsoulful; @leasaarsenault
Image Credits
@sineaddubeau
