Testimonials
These reflections come from people I’ve worked with in different contexts over time. While the formats have varied, the heart of the work has remained the same: cultivating self-trust, presence, and a more compassionate relationship with oneself, especially in moments of growth, visibility, and uncertainty.
Personal Growth, Presence & Self-Trust
Reflections from individuals navigating work, leadership, creativity, and personal growth.
Realizing, truly, “you are worthy of being cared for and having peace just by being who you are” was really major for me. I knew this intellectually before, but I think actually bringing that into my life and owning it was a huge revelation for me.
It definitely was a huge transformative piece. It’s helped me with the changes that I’ve been trying to make and the ways that I’ve been trying to focus more on peace and myself. It’s actually still emotional for me to even talk about it because it was such a huge thing for me. I just had never really allowed myself to feel that way about myself.
If someone's on the fence, I would say that they should do it because it's definitely worth their time, it's worth their energy, it's worth their investment. It has really completely changed the way I feel about myself. I feel like a changed person.
— Becca, Artistic Director
“You are worthy of being cared for and having peace just by being who you are.”
I was initially somewhat skeptical of meeting another coach because I already had my business development coach and my therapist, but I quickly realized what Asuna was offering was really different than other opportunities out there. She really helped me break through a wall that I'd been banging my head up against for a very, very long time. Whatever she did helped me break through that plateau.
— Charlyn, Entrepreneur
“Transformative” is the word to describe the experience of working with Asuna. Working with her has changed my life for the good. It’s helped me develop a new outlook on life, a new way to look into myself introspectively with a lot more care and compassion.
Learning self-compassion has been transformative. I think with understanding comes compassion for yourself, and I don't think I had any of that before. I now have new neural pathways that have been created that pop in, and I’m able to give myself the benefit of the doubt more often than before.
She is helpful on every level. I don't ever feel like I'll be judged and I always leave every session feeling cared for and feeling love. Highly recommended!
— Christina, Actor
I still don't even fathom the full extent of it, but you have access to a whole other body of knowledge than what is available to me, as a hypervigilant and hypercritical academic. It opens my eyes to what exists out there.
I feel like there’s a secret trove you’re drawing on that makes you a specialist for exactly this. I don't really know exactly the extent of your background but what strikes me are the depths of your experience, I don't think it's just a social work degree, per se, or the study of people. I don't think it’s just your theatre background, either.
What surprised me is just how rich your skills and perceptions are and how generously and patiently you offer them to others.
— Olivia, Tenured Professor
I just want to say I think you're a great coach. You're a very fun and creative person and it was really fun working with you! That inner child moment with you really brought tears to me, and the images you had us create will stay with me for a long time.
You were really adaptable to my questions and really heard and listened to me. You’re validating, and it was just a really pleasant experience overall.
I’ve been able to reclaim self-kindness, acceptance, and just having fun again for myself. I used to focus so much on my deficits because of high expectations. Letting that go helps me feel much calmer and more comfortable — with my role and with myself.
One of the first things you said to me was that it's okay to invest in ourselves. At first that sounded strange, but I now feel like it’s true. This is just as important as other knowledge or training we go through. It’s life wisdom — to really go inside and explore ourselves.
— Cassandra, Social Worker
Group & Circle-Based Experiences
Experiences from group containers focused on connection, presence, and shared growth.
This was unlike any group I've ever been a part of. I'm a changed person because of it. Asuna brilliantly crafted the container for us to each emerge as our true human selves, while also organically falling in love with the human in each of the other participants. So much gratitude to Asuna for crafting a space that I could be myself, raw, human, and cared for at the same time.
This feels rare, and because I experienced this, I feel it's possible to replicate and share such a space, in my own way.
— Nanae Ito, Circle participant
What I specifically liked about Asuna's approach was her ability to hold space without making it feel rushed or forced. Since the first meeting she encouraged each of us to take our time, which helped me feel comfortable opening up. I also appreciated how she used reflective questions to guide us deeper without ever pushing too hard. It felt respectful and allowed us to go as deep as we were ready for. Her approach was both grounding and inspiring, creating a great atmosphere for connection and healing.
— LF, Circle participant
Space was safe and sacred.
Simply, I have grown and changed as a person. More confident, trusting and respectful of my own feelings, thoughts, ideas.
— Paule, Circle participant
Asuna is a very gifted healer, group facilitator, Brainspotter, and circle keeper.
You will feel held, supported, and deeply cared for in her very capable hands.
— JC, Circle participant
Professional & Peer Endorsements
Reflections from colleagues and peers who have experienced my way of working within professional, clinical, and leadership contexts.