Hi, I’m Vannessa
​People feel comfortable opening up to me. I don't know exactly why, but I know that sometimes just being with someone is enough. Whether you're going through a tough time or celebrating life's wins.​​
My Filipino heart
Growing up in the Philippines gave me something I carry into every interaction: kapwa. This beautiful Filipino concept reminds us that we're not separate from each other. Your wellbeing is connected to mine, and mine to yours. It's why I naturally create that space where people feel safe to open up.
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I also learned pakiramdam, that intuitive way of sensing and feeling into what's really happening beneath the surface. In Filipino culture, we don't just listen with our ears. We feel with our whole being. This gift helps me tune in to what your body is really saying, beyond just the words.
​​My unexpected journey
Becoming a kinesiologist wasn't on my radar at all. I spent years working in chemical engineering, quality assurance and business analysis. I loved travelling and exploring new places.
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Then came the big stuff. Becoming a mum through IVF. Dealing with loss. Battling anxiety and depression. Having those deep 3am thoughts about who I really was and how I wanted to raise my kids.
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In my late 40s, I finally saw a kinesiologist myself. Within a year, I was enrolled in a Diploma of Kinesiology. It might sound like a big shift, but it was the first thing that actually helped me realise I could make better choices about how I wanted to live my life.
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Still the same me, just different
I'm still that science-loving kid who wants to understand how things work. Moving from engineering to kinesiology might seem like a complete shift, but to me, it all connects. I'm still curious. I still ask lots of questions. I still want to understand. Now, I get to work with you so you can be curious and understand yourself.
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If you're looking for support, maybe you're dealing with pain, working through emotions that feel stuck, or you just need someone to hold space while you figure things out. I'd be honoured to walk with you. Sometimes having someone alongside you makes all the difference.
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Life feels different now
I won’t lie, it’s been a journey with plenty of ups and downs. But life feels so much more joyful and meaningful these days.
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If you’re looking for support, maybe you’re dealing with pain, working through emotions that feel stuck, or you just need someone to hold space while you figure things out, I would be honoured to walk with you. Sometimes having someone alongside you makes all the difference
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If you want to know more
I've shared the highlights here, but my journey has been deeper and messier than what fits on a professional page. I've been through things that broke me open and changed my life.
I write more honestly about it on my Substack if you're curious. https://knowyourselfkinesiology.substack.com/
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EDUCATION
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Diploma of Kinesiology, College of Complementary Medicine, 2025
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Metaphors and Acupressure, 2024
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Harmonising Qi Flow, 2024
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Current First Aid and CPR Certificate
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Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, 2024
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Working with Children Check: WWC3163908E
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Bachelor of Chemical Engineering, UNSW, 1998
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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION MEMBERSHIPS
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International Institute for Complementary Therapists Member No: AU4733702076