About Me
“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
Brené Brown
About Me
Hello and welcome! My name is Maria Guimarães, a seasoned professional with a life story as varied as the global landscapes I've traversed.
Born into a mosaic of Portuguese Africa and European influences, my early years unfolded as an exploration of different cultures, shaping me into an individual shaped by immersive experiences, keen observation, and intuitive understanding. From navigating the complexities of apartheid in South Africa to enjoying the landscapes of Botswana and Swaziland, I have been influenced by a myriad of cultures and experiences.
Throughout my life, failure has been my greatest teacher. Initially, my mental programming urged me to play it safe and avoid the pitfalls of grief and suffering. But I soon discovered a paradox: by avoiding these hardships, one also misses the invaluable lessons that drive us to learn, to feel, to change, to grow, to love and to truly live. I now realise that facing life's challenges with the understanding that failure is an integral part of the journey would have been a far more empowering mindset - one that builds resilience and paves the way for success.
From engineering to psychology: crafting a purpose-driven career
My career path unfolded through the analytical world of chemical engineering. However, a pivotal moment in my life prompted a bold change. I made a conscious decision to take a risk and give myself the opportunity to pursue a deep desire to help people understand the roots of their problems.
I made a commitment to return to the academic arena within the field of psychology, seeking wisdom from some of the world's leading educators. This chapter of my life proved to be profoundly invigorating - a time of personal and intellectual rejuvenation.
This transformative journey has given me a unique perspective that combines analytical precision with a deep understanding of the human experience.
Bridging analytical rigour with human understanding
When we confront and embrace our stories of pain, fear, rejection, abandonment, and anger, we gain the power to create a new narrative. This is the power of hypnosis: to dive into the subconscious mind, unravel the roots of current the roots of current challenges, reframing and transforming them - ultimately writing a new and improved life story.