Despite her formal training as a life coach, Thersia Breedt of Benoni inadvertently found herself in an emotional spiral, 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.

“I felt helpless with no one to turn to,” she said, sipping on a steaming cup of coffee.

“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 can consume mental well-being.

“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 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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