‘Stories which will heal your heart’
Mossel Bay resident, Nicholas Neaves (47), has published his second book, An Unbound Heart: Healing Stories To Open and Heal your Heart.
He is a qualified homeopath, pastoral narrative therapist, life coach, couples counsellor and master counsellor. He describes the book as stories shared about victims, many of sexual trauma, and the perpetrators.
"They are stories of people who have been brave enough to delve deeper into their experiences to find the meaning of and ultimately freedom from the trauma," he says.
"Trauma compromises our ability to engage with others, replacing the need for connection with the need for protection.
"If we can do the work to heal past traumas and build healthy, regulated nervous systems as individuals, families and communities, we can end the cycles that continue to reinforce our greatest challenges and create a safer, vibrant and more connected world."
Nicholas' first book, Unbound: An Invitation into Deeper Connection and Intimacy, was published in 2020 and was a huge success.
He lost his wife and the mother of his three daughters in 2014 to cancer. Much of the content in Unbound was based on his own journey and healing process, whereas An Unbound Heart is mostly based on the stories of others.
With 20 years' experience in counselling, running workshops, writing and speaking, Nicholas is a thought leader in alternative treatments and relationship solutions for women and men.
He specialises in treating digestive disorders, cancer therapy, hormonal problems, skin problems and relationship coaching and healing.
The official launch of An Unbound Heart will take place on Wednesday, 16 November, at Krotoa coffee shop in Mossel Bay.
For more information, contact Nicholas (082 718 5346). Mossel Bay Advertiser asked Nicholas some questions:
What is the biggest lesson you learnt from your book, An Unbound Heart? That healing is possible for us all.
What is your message to people about healing and 'moving on'?
There is a magic inside all of us and all we need is time, someone to trust, some good humour and then we can begin to heal. We have to partake in our own rescue, so start slowly.
What do you do when you don’t write or
counsel people?
Spend time with my girls, listen to music and walk in the forest.
For the men out there, what’s your one-liner to them (any topic)?
Show up, man up and look up. We need you to lead.
Do you plan to write another book?
Yes, one on masculine leadership and regaining the healthy masculine spirit that has been lost.