Sandra Heleno

My journey began with a deep fascination for the natural world and a passion for science. After earning a Ph.D. in Technological Physics Engineering, I embarked on a fulfilling career in geosciences, leading scientific teams on projects addressing the mitigation of natural and man-made hazards. I also had the privilege of supervising both master's and Ph.D. students. My work included participating in significant scientific expeditions, such as the 1995 and 2014 eruptions on Fogo Island in Cape Verde, and conducting field mapping in Maritime Antarctica. Despite these accomplishments, I often struggled with perfectionism, anxiety, and the pressure to succeed. About 15 years ago, the constant balancing of personal and professional demands, including being a mother to two young children at the time, led to a health crisis. This forced me to pause, reflect, and embark on a profound healing journey, reconnecting with the authentic self that had been overshadowed by inner conflict. This pivotal experience transformed my relationship with work. I learned to approach my career with greater ease and self-compassion, realizing that I could achieve more without the relentless pursuit of perfection. It felt like a breakthrough! During this time, I embraced practices that deepened my self-awareness, such as meditation, internal martial arts and Chinese medicine practices, and mind-rewiring techniques like hypnotherapy. As my transformation unfolded, I felt called to share the insights I had gained. Today, as a certified Hypnotherapist and Life Coach, I integrate my scientific background with holistic approaches to support others on their paths to self-discovery and healing. My work empowers clients to reconnect with their inner strength, cultivating lasting balance and well-being.