Cancer, Divorce, and Holistic Recovery

Client Background

Triha* (name changed), 40, is a former Veterinarian and a Pharmacologist with the FDA, who came to me via a family referral during COVID. She had endured a toxic, even abusive, marriage for 14 years. Overworking became her escape, leaving her disconnected from friends and family. With a 9-year-old daughter, she felt isolated, powerless, and had even experienced suicidal thoughts. Despite career success, her self-confidence and identity were eroded by a controlling partner.

The Road to Healing Begins

Decades of social conditioning made Trisha hesitant about divorce. Using Energy Leadership frameworks, we identified her energetic blocks and the lenses through which she viewed herself and the world. Alongside this, we introduced breathing and meditation practices—especially Kundalini techniques—to boost vitality and clarity of mind.

Within two weeks, Trisha made the decision to leave her husband. Drawing on my social work experience, we planned her safe exit in the middle of the night with her daughter and essential belongings. From there, she engaged lawyers, coordinated with family, and navigated the logistics of relocation—all while our counselling continued using Solution-Focused Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy.

Rebuilding Vitality & Resilience

Trisha embraced holistic tools to strengthen her mind and body:

• Yoga Nidra and Taoist “unwinding the belly” techniques for deep relaxation

• Eastern psychology texts, including the Dhammapada and Upanishad summaries

• Mindfulness practices including forgiveness and gratitude

Over the next year, she navigated moving cities, enrolling her daughter in a new school, establishing a new home, and handling her finances independently. She maintained her holistic practices consistently, blending Energy Leadership Coaching principles, meditation, and self-reflection into her daily routine.

Cancer Diagnosis & Holistic Recovery

Shortly after the divorce, Trisha was diagnosed with breast cancer. Years of emotional and physical neglect had manifested in her body. Her oncologist offered a standard, reductionist treatment plan—surgery, chemo, and radiation—without guidance on nutrition, energy, or holistic support.

Trisha implemented a comprehensive holistic regimen that I provided her, alongside conventional care:

• Nutrition: Carrot juicing, vegetable smoothies, gluten- and dairy-free diet, 48-hour fasting before chemotherapy

• Physical activity: Treadmill workouts between chemotherapy sessions

• Mind-body practices: Breathwork, meditation, forgiveness, gratitude, reconnecting with loved ones

Her vitality and resilience astonished her medical team. She maintained energy, managed side effects, and stayed actively engaged in her life. Over time, she transitioned to a 50% raw diet, hiking 20 km weekly, and cultivating a balanced personal and professional life, including dating a very successful surgeon who is a kind man. She reflects on her decision to undergo conventional treatment and wonders if she would have done that had this happened to her today.

Outcomes

• Completed chemotherapy with exceptional vitality

• Rebuilt emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing

• Thriving in career and personal life; dating a supportive partner

• Integrated holistic practices permanently into lifestyle
  

Key Takeaways

1. Trauma manifests in the body: Emotional and relational abuse can show up as chronic illness.

2. Holistic care matters: Nutrition, breathwork, movement, and mindset are essential alongside medical treatment.

3. Resilience is cultivated: Energy mastery, gratitude, and self-forgiveness accelerate recovery and long-term wellbeing.
   

Trisha’s story is a testament to the power of combining Eastern and Western approaches, mind-body healing, and actionable energy work to reclaim health and life purpose.