sharing the journey of self-directed healing

writing, intuative guidence + holding space

This space is carved out for those called to walk the shaded path of self-directed healing. My offerings weave the written word and intuative guidence sessions with ritual space, intending to gently guide beings to re-connect their internal + external landscapes, to soothe and nurture their whole selves into being. 

Black and white portrait of Jasmine Kate Wickens, wearing a dark jacket and a necklace, looking at the camera.

my journey

Trauma has sculpted my life since early childhood, and after my mental distress became apparent to my family, I entered the mental health system at the age of 10 years old. I struggled to initiate myself fully into life, attempting to cope with undiagnosed c-PSTD and developmental disabilities throughout education and into my ‘adult’ working life. Chronic anxiety, depression and medications melted any semblance of personality left after years of continued (re)traumatizations along my path, adding layers of heaviness to my suppressed childhood abuse, and worsening chronic health conditions.

I could perhaps date the emergence of my healing journey back to 2017 - though I was unaware of being on a ‘healing journey’. It started with ASMR videos on YouTube, leading me to my first experiences of Reiki Healing - and several of my teachers - which created a bridge to energetic understanding and spiritualism.

The pandemic in 2020 acted as a major catalyst for me. Held up in my shared flat, I was introduced to a deeper level of astrological understanding just before the start of my Saturn return. I moved to Edinburgh in September 2020, and not long after, my life and body collapsed in on itself. The four years of my return were a deeply humbling experience; it stripped me back to the bone and cleared everything from my path - connections, health, work, masks - offering me the tools to carve myself from the stone in which I had existed.

During this time I walked the ‘alternate’ path alongside healers, guides and teachers in any way I could afford - whether one-to-ones, courses or YouTube videos - exploring my trauma through practices such as shadow work, spirituality, divination, naturopathy, energy work, nutrition, and somatic touch/movement. With each small step I took to heal myself, the world expanded for me. My return birthed me into a new yet ancient way of being with the world, with me being a deeply intertwined part of it. 

My journey has had many stops - some extreme, some unnecessary, many shared widely - yet I stand before you as a sovereign woman, an example of how healing is available to us all, no matter how lost you may feel - hope is present.

  • Healing is not the absense of challenge such as pain, illness or deep grief; healing is the strength and capacity we build through continued practice, to meet these challenges with greater compassion and grace, moving through them, not drowing within them.

Underwater rock surface with shells and aquatic plants, reflected light

what is self-directed healing?

I like the definition that states healing is a process of returning to a state of wholeness; we have all of the pieces within reach, we simply need to gather ourselves back together carefully, and guild the cracks with gold. 

A lifelong journey, self-directed healing is a choice to show up for our well-being; it is acknowledging our capacity to heal ourselves; it is a choice to stop giving our power away; it is owning our responsibility to do all we can to care for ourselves; it is taking empowered action with the tools we have available to us, whether that is talking, gaining knowledge, somatic practice, adjusting our diets or relinquishing unsupportive habits etc.

The over-culture within our modern (western) society has actively trained us to relinquish this power, and removed us from our natural animal ways of being; placed within an increasingly overwhelming, violent and unnatural world, which hurts all beings and the earth we walk upon, there is no wonder our bodies, minds and souls are unwell. 

But the body, mind and soul naturally wish to come into balance; intelligent beyond mental comprehension, our bodies are programmed to heal themselves, so it is our role as self-directed healers to learn the language of our body, mind and soul, building trust by listening to what they truly need from us. We do not force, but simply create the right conditions to support this process, through deeply nourishing ourselves and seeking guidance, and support, when required - whether that is medical or holistic.

With dedication and building trust in our innate capabilities, we can come into balance and live fulfilling lives. My role as a space holder and guide is to offer gentle support as you move into the right conditions for you to heal yourself - offering authentic expression and compassionate space for you. Whether you choose to journey with me or find another pathway forward, I truly hope you find so much nourishment within this work of self-directed healing.