Despite her formal training as a life coach, Thersia Breedt of Benoni inadvertently found herself in a spiralling abusive relationship.

Caught in a prison of toxicity, its walls threatening to close around her and her two young sons, she drew on her knowledge, digging deep to unearth her buried confidence and self-worth.

“It was a typical Cinderella story. He promised me safety and security, but once his web was spun, my sons and I were exposed to his abusive nature,” she said, sipping on a steaming cup of coffee.

“I was ensnared, feeling helpless with no one to turn to and nowhere to go. I was trapped.”

Drawing on her inner strength, Thersia and her sons escaped the 12-month ordeal, starting a new chapter with uncertainty.

“Continuing to look inward, working on restoring myself, visualising my goals and trusting my instinct as I navigated through opportunities, I grew increasingly aware of how lonely and isolating womanhood could be.

“We put so much pressure on ourselves to be strong and independent. We often set unattainable standards of being the perfect wife, partner and mother.

“Expectations like these often lead to stress, anxiety and depression – emotions that can lead to isolation.”

Currently completing a degree in psychology to supplement her life coaching experience, Thersia said that feeling unfulfilled and trapped are not emotions exclusively related to victims of abuse.

“Women change through every chapter of our lives. We grow as individuals; our bodies change to bear children, skin becomes looser, and hormones change, which can often make us feel like strangers in our own bodies.

“Factors like these can further influence how we see ourselves and how we measure our value.”

In an effort to reach women struggling against the grip of low self-esteem and those wanting to reassess their lives through self-discovery, Thersia has launched Made Woman, an online programme which puts counselling and life coaching in the palm of their hands.

“Mental health services often come with a hefty price tag and one-on-one physical sessions may feel intimidating.

“I aim to bring these services to women in the form of intimate and personal conversations via WhatsApp. Guidance, care and compassion are only a message away.”

Thersia hopes to extend her reach, offering mindful and purpose-driven actions which may give women the courage to step out of abusive relationships, discover their voices and flourish through every chapter of womanhood.

“There is no shame in admitting that you are not your truest self,” she said.

“Discomfort is temporary, but growing in knowledge of self, acknowledging your value and working to be the best version of yourself is invaluable.

“We owe it to ourselves to invest in ourselves.”

For more information about Made Woman, email Thersia at hello@madewoman.net

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