Karin Hendriks is by far an outstanding counselor and an even better person. She helped me learn how to relax for the very first time in my life and taught me how to embrace my emotions rather than to run from them. Her knowledge of the mind and body connection is extensive. And it’s because of her dedication to the subject that my pain has decreased exponentially.

By the time I met Karin I was literally at the end of my rope. I had had chronic back pain for two years. It was so bad. It came to the point I couldn’t work, exercise, or think of anything other than the pain. My life had become consumed by the pain I experienced daily. I had also visited every doctor under the sun. This included my general practitioner, chiropractors, osteopaths, physical therapists, and even acupuncturists. All of them told me there was nothing structurally wrong with me. It wasn’t until a particular osteopath I visited convinced me that my needs were beyond physical intervention. That’s how I decided to go see a therapist.

My first counseling appointment ever was when I met Karin. I immediately noticed that she was very warm hearted and real. The kind of person that wouldn’t judge me, even after hearing my most personal thoughts and past experiences. I quickly learned that she herself had experienced the same pain I had, but even worse. She labeled this pain TMS and slowly started teaching me what was happening in my body and how to approach the healing process.

We spent some time digging up some events from my past that were bothering me. We talked about my relationship with my mother and how certain fears I had were formed at a very young age. Karin helped me process the emotions I had in that relationship and helped me let go of a lot of fear I had built around it.

She also introduced me to pain reprocessing therapy (PRT). This really helped to see what I was doing to perpetuate my pain and help me approach my pain differently. Overall, she taught me not to be afraid anymore of my symptoms and emotions, which in turn made me feel confident again.

My pain still comes and goes occasionally. I can now appreciate my pain because it’s a signal from my brain to remind me to relax and to identify my feelings in the moment. In the end I feel lucky to have had TMS. It led me to someone who could teach me how to feel, and to think in a healthier way. It’s good to finally feel like I’m ok again just the way I am. Thanks again Karin Hendriks!