In The Words Of A Song is a wonderful, rich combination of music, art and reflective writing which fits together beautifully. With Kassi’s gentle support and encouragement as a compassionate “Witness”, and through the idea of taking a song, creating art intuitively, then writing about it, I was able to delve deeply into the memories, feelings and experiences of my past as they came alive in my art and writing.

They were then ‘let go’ as I created a new layer on top ... moving forward with a different level of awareness and acceptance.  There were challenges, resistance and tears along the way, but also smiles, amazing discoveries and acceptance. Through this process I have been introduced to new parts of my Self and seen old ‘forgotten’ parts develop in strength and resilience.  This course offers total control and freedom, both through song choices and the depth of exploration. I feel very attached to my final ‘image’ as it seems to be a very powerful, accurate reflection of where I find myself now and yet is built on all the previous, sometimes ‘rocky’ layers of my memories and experiences. 

Working With Kassi:
Each course/experience has been illuminating and provided wonderful new awareness. I have been able to see and ‘interact’ with so many different parts of Self that previously I didn’t even know existed! I always learn something new.

Working with Kassi in such a creative, reflective way has allowed me to experience myself and connection with another from a new perspective. No matter the depths I have travelled, Kassi has been supportive, unwavering and totally accepting and her presence has been invaluable ...a very precious thing to be able to offer. 

I enjoy all of Kassi’s courses and this was no exception.  My intuitive collage unfolded very naturally through a very well guided set of prompts and questions and demonstration videos.  I found myself being totally committed to the production of my collage and to the messages that arose as a result of delving deep into the layers of images and colours. I couldn’t stay away from my collage too long and each time I re-connected with it, I became totally absorbed in the process. It was a very healing experience.  I opted to have Kassi alongside me as I created in the interpretation of my collage, especially where areas of the collage had trouble speaking to me. Kassi uses a variety of strategies which enable you to interpret your visual work in a non-threatening, non-judgemental way that supports your emotional, mental, spiritual and physical wellbeing. Both laughter and crying (the latter I am particularly working on) are allowed to be welcomed.  I am always interested in Kassi’s courses as I know that I will further deepen my awareness of my sense of self and grow in ways that not only I will benefit from but also the people and the world with whom I engage with will too.

Kassi is a great Teacher who makes beautiful art. She doesn’t push you, or judge.  Kassi gently guides you and teaches you to be yourself by being present and kind.  Painting with Kassi has helped me process and express my feelings.  I couldn’t communicate what I felt very well until I started painting. I feel it slows me down so I have time to listen to my thoughts and feel my intuition.  I am proud of taking Part in this course, and I am grateful.

This may be my favourite of Kassi's courses so far ...I cried and laughed, struggled and celebrated my way through this, but I’ve loved it all. Kassi’s way of working, her Support and Acceptance is powerful and affirming. She encouraged me to find my own way of working which increased my confidence in trusting and following my own impulses - when I did this my Angel appeared easily.  My finished image means a lot and is a constant reminder to embrace the me that I am and to allow all of myself to emerge, especially my creative side.  It also reminds me to trust myself and follow my instincts.

I thought there was something physically wrong with me a few years ago - I felt nervous - and when I spoke, I felt like I wasn’t making any sense. Half way through a sentence, I’d lose my confidence and want to stop talking. In fact, I didn’t even feel sure of what was coming out of my mouth and worried I was developing Alzheimer’s.  Working as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, I knew only too well how the NHS works, and how a story like mine may be viewed - I would be judged by them all.  I did not want to admit to anyone in the medical or nursing profession that I was struggling. I knew I would be viewed as weak.  It was my job to Help others - not the other way round!  I was never off sick.  Never complained. Listened endlessly to the struggles of others. Problems, illnesses, at work, socially and at home.  Kassi pointed out that I wasn’t weak. In fact I was very Strong and being so strong all these years had worn me out.  This helped me consider what was happening to me. Kassi shed light on a lot of things over the sessions.  She taught me a lot about Stress and Trauma and the Body which I didn't know. This helped me to join up the dots and make a more complete picture of the problem. I was so close to burn out at the time.  I know lots of people say they feel overwhelmed but I didn't know what it was physically to feel this way.  Kassi said it sounded like my Brain was stuffed full of cotton wool in all the crevices.  It Did! Exactly that! That was part of the Overwhelm. Unable to think clearly, process or feel very 'there'. Sort of distantly there.  The techniques Kassi gave me to use were instantly useful! I passed these on to my patients and it felt so good to do so, because I knew they really worked.  I rarely spoke about my difficulties to anyone. Very occasionally over a drink or two to a close friend.  I was very ashamed back then.  Although I was nervous, never seen a therapist before, I was absolutely astounded at how Kassi helped me to see that these symptoms were stress related.  After one session the nervous feelings when speaking, started to ease. I felt so heard. Really heard. The pressure began to ease off as I met with Kassi and I felt a bit better and a bit clearer as the weeks passed. Kassi has an amazing ability to see things in me that I couldn’t see. It did at times feel like magic.  I have had lots of sessions with Kassi. Sometimes it’s talking. Sometimes using her art materials. She has all sorts of other tools up her sleeves which she brings out as and when she feels I will benefit from them.  She just seems to know what will work best for me and now I trust her, I go with her ideas and they are so effective.  When I first began seeing Kassi she sensed I found it hard to say “No”. One of the first things she did was encourage me to say No to her. It was so hard to try to say No even when it was “arranged” between us. This made me realise how powerful the family 'rules' I'd learned when growing up were.  She helped me to process it, all of it, from simply preparing to say 'No' and all that happened in my body, so I could finally say 'No' and not feel anxious or go bright red.

Then I actually began to say 'No' at work. Whist working with Kassi I always felt cared for and respected. Like I really mattered. My feelings mattered. They were 'allowed'. For a very long time Feelings had been treated as if they were 'bad' and to be avoided, not just at work but at home and when I was a young girl too. I just did what I was told to do because I was a good girl and liked to please everyone. I never caused a fuss even when I was being walked all over.  As my Feelings were now “allowed”, they seemed to gain perspective for me. Through working with Kassi I really learnt to look after myself. I learnt that looking after myself was okay. In fact it was essential. I was able to allow others to have their feelings too. In fact, I now LOVE Feelings!  It didn’t make me any less kind, considerate or empathic. It didn’t make me a worst parent or a worse partner or a worse Nurse. In fact, it made me better at all of those things because I now had something of me to Give. My children, now grown ups, are doing very well for themselves. They learnt and mirrored my behaviour. I’m so proud of them. We all support each other. They are amazing young women. I look back at how I was at their age with sorrow. I was a 'yes' person that everyone liked. I never put myself first. Kassi asked me where I was on my 'list' but sadly I wasn't even on my list back then. I can't believe how badly I treated myself.

My girls are high up on their own lists. I'm so proud. They speak up and speak out, ask questions and challenge. They astound me!  The challenge of their teenage years was difficult. Kassi helped me to manage and find my way through, staying boundaried which I think Really helped my girls most. It wasn't easy, you have to be prepared to put the work in yourself if you want your life to change for the better. However, Kassi is an enlightening, knowledgeable and strong guide for me. Never faltering - it’s very do-able. I really have never looked back. I feel better. I sleep better. I enjoy life much more. The difficult times are so much easier to cope with and process.

In the beginning I had quite a few sessions. Latterly they reduced as I felt better. I still have occasional sessions when I feel I need one. It’s much better than a shopping trip or a new handbag. I love working with Kassi in her studio. The best money I have ever spent.  I am eternally grateful to her for literally changing my life. I can hear Kassi's voice saying “No, you changed your own life, I witnessed it! I’ve got more confidence. My self esteem has improved. I’ve lost weight because I actually enjoy taking care of myself. I’m mentally and physically fitter than I've ever been.  I’ve loved writing this testimonial Kassi - it’s been a great reminder for me of just how far I’ve come with you beside me, sometimes in that roller coaster car - thank you!

Lots of love and gratitude, Rosie xx

Kassi when you share your process, imagery and story it helps bring your whole process to life. I've seen many of my own stories expressed in my Art and is very empowering. Having permission to own my stories and vulnerability with my art has allowed me to find the place where I am now, which is about giving myself permission to find out more about me and for this experience, I am really grateful.