What People Are Saying
I Discovered And Strengthened Connections With My Ancestors, This Work Helped Me Connect More Deeply With My Truth & An Image Of Rainbows And Different Possibilities
“Before working with Leigh, I was struggling with realizing, accepting, and welcoming all the parts of myself lovingly. I was focused on “optimizing” to be the “best version” of myself, instead of treating each part with empathy and compassion.
Additionally, I was suffering from two uterine conditions that caused me to have debilitating periods.
I chose to work with Leigh because I wanted to really tap into what my body was trying to tell me. I knew my body was screaming at me through my conditions for a reason, and I wanted support in navigating that.
In our sessions, I discovered and strengthened connections with my ancestors. I have truly strengthened the connection I have with my deceased maternal grandmother. Through this connection, I was able to have more compassion for the parts of myself that I normally despise.
A huge realization that I am still working through months later is that I am not exempt from caring about what other people think. Even though it doesn't tend to drive my decisions or day to day actions, it still lives as a part of me, that is there to protect me, not hurt me or prevent me from living my highest potential.
This work helped me connect more deeply with my truth. I've always been a person that questioned my truth or the truth that I saw in others, but now I feel connected and rooted in that truth.
I have so much more compassion for the parts of me that I once tried to burry, invalidate, or shame. Now, when I notice these parts of me, I treat them with compassion, and welcome them (with balance) as part of my whole person experience.
An image that constantly arose in our sessions was one of a rainbow and the different possibilities represented as colors of the rainbow.
My experience with Leigh is like exploring the different parts of myself and life possibilities that are all equally beautiful, bold, and belong.
Even if you're not completely bought in to the "magic" of it all, there's nothing to lose.
Something tells me that if you somehow landed on her website, or were referred to her, it was for a very special reason.
I didn't completely know what to expect (even with Leigh's gracious time describing CI), but once I completed a session I knew I had made the right decision.”
— India, Chicago, IL
Giving Space To What Arises In Your Journey, Meaningful Guidance & Mentoring
“I had the pleasure and honor to have two Compassionate Inquiry Mentoring Sessions with Leigh. She is kind, respectful and makes sure the mentee is always in the driver seat. She has a gentle presence. What I liked the most is that she asks the kind of feedback that you would like to get and designs her guidance accordingly. She makes sure you feel fine with the feedback and gives space for what might arise in you in your journey towards being the best therapist you can be through self exploration with meaningful guidance and mentoring. I learned so much in our sessions and I found myself quoting the information she shared with me during some of my sessions with my clients. Thanks Leigh!”
— Siymah K., Istanbul, Turkey
Greater Understanding Of My Inner Critic & Confidence To Resume Working With Clients After A Period Of Self-Doubt
“I was privileged to work with Leigh for five Compassionate Inquiry Mentoring Sessions over a couple of months in preparation for applying for Compassionate Inquiry certification.
Prior to each appointment, Leigh emailed me with questions about my expectations for the session, encouraging me to reflect on and communicate my specific goals and needs. The written communication before and after each session provided a supportive framework for our work together.
Leigh was flexible in her approach, and at different times reviewed videos, provided resources, offered CI during the session, or reflected on qualities and processes of CI. I appreciated her commitment to asking permission for shifts during the sessions, and her attunement to me at all times.
The most significant impact of mentoring has been a greater understanding of my inner critic, and resources to explore this further. This has given me confidence to resume working with clients after a period of self-doubt and discouragement.
I have found Leigh to be insightful, affirming, and generous in sharing out of her vast knowledge and life experience.
I highly recommend Leigh as a skilled and compassionate mentor.”
— M.D., Tasmania, Australia
Grounding, Self-Awareness, Clarity, Regulating My System & Celebrating Myself
“Compassionate Inquiry Sessions have been a life changer. Over time, Leigh has guided me during C.I. sessions into grounding, self-awareness, and clarity, which led me to regulate my system.
This work allowed me to connect to my higher self - my authentic self, that helps me to live my life in a state of calm, and engage in wholehearted relationships with my loved ones.
I celebrate and honor myself for the work I am doing, and will continue on this journey for the rest of my life. I highly recommend Compassionate Inquiry with Leigh, as she is a genuine soul, and truly cares about her own practice and helping others. I am extremely grateful to have her in my world.”
- L.A., New York
Presence, Compassion, Non-Judgment, Safe Holding & Listening With Heart
“Leigh is one of the kindest souls I have met. Leigh embodies presence, compassion, non-judgement and safe holding. She listens with her heart and makes all those present in her orbit feel seen and heard.”
—P.D., Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner Facilitator and Circle Leader, Ontario, Canada
I Use The Techniques In My Daily Life When Stressful Situations Arise, It Was A Safe Space To Explore How Troubling Life Experiences Can Be Understood And Put Into Perspective
“Two years ago I was hospitalized because of a stress-related health issue. Afterwards I was fortunate to stumble upon the book “When the Body says No” by Dr. Gabor Maté. While reading, I recognized that my health problem might be related to patterns of thought I learned when growing up.
I worked with Leigh for three months on how to think about situations that were routinely stressful to me. She used Compassionate Inquiry techniques help me see solutions. Now I find myself automatically using these techniques in my daily life when stressful situations arise, so I would say that the exercises were effective.
Leigh also brings other education to bear. In addition to being a CI practitioner, Leigh has trained in traditional and non-traditional schools of thought about how one finds peace with oneself in our world. She has the insight to know when to offer teachings from these disciplines to round out a session.
Finally, Leigh is herself a compassionate individual. In a setting where clients are sharing personally difficult information, Leigh is supportive. She provides a safe space to explore how troubling life experiences can be understood and put into perspective.”
— K.S., San Luis Obispo, CA
Supported In A Safe Container, Standing On New Ground, Awed By What We’ve So Easily Uncovered
“I chose to work with Leigh because her orientation to the mystical, metaphysical resonates with me. Leigh opens doors gently, inspires curiosity and before i know it I'm supported in a safe container looking at stuff I didn't realize was there, standing on new ground, awed by what we've so easily uncovered.”
— Freeman, Sebastopol CA
Heart-Centered & Compassionate Space
“I've had the pleasure of working with Leigh across several projects. Leigh has a wonderful ability to hold a heart-centered and compassionate space. I have witnessed her deliver her own work and I am always amazed at the impact she has on the people she is delivering to. I couldn't recommend Leigh highly enough, whether that be in her therapeutic or mindfulness and meditation work.”
— Kevin Young, Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, Facilitator and Circle Leader, Northern Ireland
Support During Transition, Immensely Safe Space, Generosity & Understanding Of My Role As Therapist
“Leigh met with me for a Compassionate Inquiry Mentoring Session at a time when I needed the most support. This was at the start of a new chapter and during a transition going into the mentorship programme.
The session helped me to understand some of the questions and curiosities I had about my own role as a practitioner/therapist.
It was very easy to communicate with Leigh about my vulnerabilities and insecurities too, as I believe Leigh creates an immensely safe space. I felt encouraged and empowered in areas as a practitioner, which has set me off with more confidence than I initially expected.
In addition, the generosity and sharing that Leigh expressed in our session, has helped me to connect more with certain stepping stones and other relevant references.
As mentioned, I felt incredibly safe in the session with Leigh. I felt heard, and I was able to receive the support that I needed at the time.
I would highly recommend working with Leigh to anyone who is curious to develop themselves either within the mentorship programme, and beyond.”
— A.T., Stockholm, Sweden
Awareness Of My Body’s Responses To Thoughts And Feelings In Real Time & Inner-Child Exploration That Directly Impacted My Current Experience
“Working with Leigh on specific intentions at times when I am going through major life changes has given me the most rewarding set of therapeutic experiences I've ever had. I wish Leigh's practice had been available decades ago.
Her combination of intellectual, emotional, and somatic reflection has enabled me to take my personal practices of meditation, breath work, and journal-writing beyond the limits of my beliefs.
Leigh has provided gentle guidance in becoming aware of my body's responses to thoughts and feelings in real time. This has been essential to my healing process.
She has also guided me through inner-child exploration in ways that directly impacted my current, real-life experience.
I am grateful for her generosity, perception, and gifts of sensitivity that make her Compassionate Inquiry Sessions so meaningful.”
— V.C., California
I Felt Safe And Supported In Opening Up To My Subconscious Mind And Emotional Body, I Was Able To Experience Inner Holding And Acceptance Within Myself
“Experiencing Compassionate Inquiry Sessions with Leigh was transformational in ways I could have never predicted.
The process immersed me within areas of my psyche that I had not previously been fully aware of and I left each session feeling like I had discovered something new.
I felt safe and supported in opening up to my subconscious mind and emotional body. The presence, compassion, and guidance that Leigh provided allowed me to relax into myself in significant ways.
I felt fully held and accepted by Leigh, and therefore was able to experience inner holding and acceptance from within myself.
I would recommend Leigh to anyone who is looking to explore themselves in new ways and receive the alchemical medicine of Compassionate Inquiry.”
—Lillian S., Brooklyn, N.Y.
Connecting With My Younger Self And Experiencing The World Through Her Eyes, I Have Been Able To Appreciate The Protective, Loving Nature Of My Own Coping Strategies As They Show Up In The Present
“In each Compassionate Inquiry Session with Leigh I was met with safety and gentle curiosity. I felt so at ease that I was able to comfortably explore, deeply, my inner terrain and my emotions.
I felt a need to get clarity on some unhelpful behaviours of mine and Leigh guided me toward my own inner knowing with such skillful questioning and reflections, bringing me to clearly understand why I use those strategies to cope. I came to experience what true compassion actually feels like, for myself, which led to profound and important shifts in my perspective.
By connecting with my younger self and experiencing the world through her eyes, I have been able to appreciate the protective, loving nature of my own coping strategies, as they show up in the present.
If I were to describe my session experience with Leigh, in 1-3 words, I would say…. Sacred, Spacious and Attuned.
I recommend sessions with Leigh to everybody who has a dilemma, a question for themselves or any challenging behaviours that they would like to address.
Leigh is a rare gift.”
- Teri P., Dorset, UK
This Work Has Helped Me Develop A Deeper Connection With My Intuition And Values & Gracefully Acknowledge, Understand And Release Beliefs That No Longer Serve Me
“Working with Leigh in Compassionate Inquiry Honoring Sessions and Akashic Records Sessions has been an amazing component in my emotional and spiritual journey. I came to work with her when I felt that I was out of touch with my intuition and authenticity. She has a gentle way of allowing me to welcome, connect with and understand my emotions, which in turn has helped me work with them on the day to day. The work has helped me develop a deeper connection with my intuition. As well as adopt a much more gentle and kind tone with myself. It has helped me uncover my values, as well as gracefully acknowledge, understand and release beliefs that no longer serve me. I am always amazed at how much I am able to uncover in just one session. Her Akashic Record Readings have also offered great affirmation and inspiration. Leigh is gentle, mindful, and as a creative, I really enjoy the way that when I express my feelings in abstract ways she offers a “playful” environment to get reallllly curious.
My sessions with her became a non negotiable in my spiritual practice and have offered me invaluable lessons that I will be able to take with me always.”
— Carley, Miami, Florida, U.S.A.
The Compassion And Energy Gave Me A Deeper Understanding With Every Intention
“Working with Leigh was a profound introduction to the Compassionate Inquiry approach. Her embodiment of compassion and the energy she connected me with through such meaningful curiosity gave me a much deeper understanding with every intention that I brought forth in our sessions. I often thought I had nothing to bring to the session, but was left amazed at how much needed to come up because of the safety and space she provided. Thank you for reflecting everything with such love and attunement.”
— Mike K., Nashville, TN, U.S.A.
Heart Held, Gentle, Safe, Seen, Nurtured & Confidence Improved
“During my process towards certification I had four beautiful Compassionate Inquiry Mentoring sessions with Leigh. I really believed she held my heart. It was such a gentle, safe space to be fully seen and nurtured. I can not thank her enough for such therapeutic, relational work. I was honored to be her client.
Not only did she support me relationally her documented notes following the session were wonderfully thorough and invaluable. She improved my confidence and gently highlighted my gifts. During my final session she reviewed my video and sent me a comprehensive report with general comments, strengths, points to practice and possible further self inquiry work. I would highly recommend mentoring sessions with Leigh.”
- Alex Wiltshire, Certified Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner, United Kingdom
Increased Confidence, Increased Capacity To Attend To My Experience With A Client & Deepening Trust In My Intuition/Gut Feelings
“Having had the experience of two Compassionate Inquiry Mentoring Sessions with Leigh Aschoff, I have come away with increased confidence in my own capacity to embody the qualities of a CI therapist, as well as an increased capacity to attend more closely to my own experience in-relationship with a client, and, how I might attend to deepening my trust in my intuition/gut feelings.
I am also more aware of ways in which I can more clearly cultivate curiosity, and, how that manifests in practice with a client, which may then afford a deeper sense of safety and attunement in the therapeutic relationship.
I also appreciate Leigh's unerring capacity for both clarity and compassion, and her willingness to brainstorm together as co-learners and co-creators.
Her approach is the perfect balance of soft and precise. If I had to describe sessions with Leigh in just three words, they would be: Spacious, Vibrant, Fruitful. And, ok, a fourth: Inspiring!
My deepest respect and gratitude to Leigh--I highly recommend working with her.”
— C.W., Massachusetts
Examining Emotional And Physical Reactions As They Are Happening, More Equipped To Create Meaningful Boundaries With People & Respecting Others’ Boundaries
“Having had numerous therapists (individual, marriage counseling, child psychiatrists for offspring) all with differing approaches over the years, these sessions felt like a revelation.
Instead of just talking about and intellectualizing emotions from outside the session, the Compassionate Inquiry Sessions examine the emotional and physical reactions as they are happening.
Leigh is brilliant at then opening the door to the origin of one’s various reactions to the world, mostly meaning your childhood. I found that it has produced powerful and productive new skills for coping and examining my relationships in a way that is compassionate to myself and the people in my life
The process connected me with a clearer picture of the person that I believe I am, all my flaws included, while providing me insight into the personal growth journey I intend to keep exploring during my life.
I feel more equipped to create meaningful boundaries with people, including the guilt free ending of relationships that have become untenable, and even the respecting of painful boundaries others have set with me and being ok with it.
As long as there are other people in the world, emotional challenges seem to arise sooner or later. So, it was easy for me to draw from my own life experiences for a session wherein Leigh would hone in and clarify and simplify what I was bringing into a clear intention for the session which she then gently refocuses on if things drift off course. It really makes you feel that you have accomplished something at the end of the session, which feels wonderful and positive even when it is dealing with the more difficult things in life.
My experience from the sessions was continuously grateful to both Leigh and her gifts and to myself for giving myself the gift of meaningful self exploration.
If I were to describe the session experience in 1-3 words, I would say - It is golden.
I recommend Compassionate Inquiry sessions with Leigh to everyone.”