How did I get here?
I have often asked myself over the last few years how a suburban skate punk became an intuitive counselor working with one of the most intense traumas a man can experience. Even though I know the answer, the story is an interesting one.
I grew up in Rhode Island thinking everyone was Italian until I was ten. I still to this day think it’s the only state that knows how to properly make an eggplant parmesan sandwich (or “sang-wich” if you’re going to pronounce it correctly).
Crazy Punk Rock
As I entered my teenage years I suffered from bouts of depression but I couldn’t figure out the source (and neither could the shrinks). Music saved my life. The message and stories portrayed through punk rock, metal and other eclectic styles of music lit up a creative inspiration in me that has fueled many of my own musical projects to this day.
I was also always drawn to eastern spiritual traditions and began meditating and voraciously reading texts that I felt aligned with my view of the world and the bigger picture.
Remembering the Fragments
At age 19 I had two flashbacks of childhood sexual abuse that came within days of each other. This resurfacing of memory was terrifying and infuriating. I could only remember fragments of what had happened and like my earlier depressions I felt as though I didn’t have the resources to make sense of it. I was lost as how to approach what felt so overwhelming.
A Whole Approach to Learning
While attending Naropa University, a school with a contemplative-based curriculum focused on educating the mind, body and spirit I focused on Performance Studies and Early Childhood Education. I loved learning how we develop as children and learn about identity, needs and boundaries. The contemplative and awareness disciplines I studied were the foundation for how I would soon develop a systematic approach to healing the core blockages of sexual abuse.
The Bay Area is a New Beginning
I moved to the Bay Area in 2000 to follow my dream of performing but simultaneously ended up on a strong path to healing. As I started to deal with my sexual abuse directly through somatic and talk therapy I also delved into the healing arts that resounded with my experience.
Ever the East Coast Skeptic
I approached the healing arts with skepticism but soon realized the unlimited potential of certain modalities. I dove in (while keeping my critical thinking skills intact) seeing that these methods were practical step by step solutions to effectively healing sexual abuse and all of its repercussions. I worked with the most grounded, direct, intuitively intelligent, no BS practitioners of alternative healing (it’s no wonder they were all East Coast transplants!).
I became a certified Reiki Method Teacher and studied the intuitive healing system of Wendy DeRosa (Held in Light). Through deep and intensive study and consistent work on others it became apparent that I needed to offer this unique system to other men who have gone through the painful experience of sexual abuse. What makes it even better is the opportunity to work with men on a national and international level since sessions can be done over the phone.
Can My Journey Help You?
I get it . You may think there is no possible way that you can heal such a significant trauma; that you are forever damaged to live alone with these memories and overbearing feelings. I can tell you right now that it may not always be easy but healing is possible because I have done it myself.
You are not alone. There are many men struggling with this same issue. I am willing to help you every step of the way. The first step is to subscribe to my free newsletter. There you will find helpful, insightful information and resources to assist you in the beginning of a significant healing process. It is my goal to help you heal the effects of abuse with ease and clarity.
Feel free to contact me.
-Seth Lepore
