In Mozambique, the area of mental health still faces many barriers due to stigma and misunderstanding. Jéssica Fonseca, a lawyer by training who dedicates herself to personal development and well-being, knows these challenges all too well.
Although she has built a solid career in law, she has always felt a deeper calling to help others directly and personally. In 2016 she began a series of courses focused on coaching, yoga and meditation, and since then she has dedicated herself to personal development and well-being.
‘Mental health is still taboo for many people,’ she explains, because ‘they often don't accept that they need help. Others even accept it, but give up during the process,‘ she says. In order to gain her clients’ trust, she shares her own story of overcoming and emphasises that it's normal to seek support.
Jéssica Fonseca is guided by integrity, ethics and confidentiality. Her therapeutic approach is mindfulness. This type of coaching is an innovative approach. It differs from traditional coaching by incorporating a holistic perspective that encompasses mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. It emphasises the interconnection between mind and body, promotes self-awareness, emotional intelligence and resilience.
Encouraging individuals to develop plans based on their values and inner wisdom, it differs from traditional coaching, which focuses mainly on setting and achieving specific goals.
‘We not only address the person's specific objectives, but also consider their general well-being,’ he explains, commenting that ‘we emphasise the importance of cultivating a sense of calm and balance on a daily basis’.
One of its main benefits is to help with the gradual and effective reduction of stress. By teaching meditation techniques, emotion recognition, trigger management and energy scanning.
‘These tools are essential for reducing stress and promoting a more balanced life,’ he comments, including methods such as meditation and journaling, which facilitate self-discovery and personal growth. ‘People learn to connect with their essence, identify blockages, explore their intuition and align with themselves. The idea is to create emotional resilience and promote a deep sense of fulfilment and purpose in setting goals,’ she says.
Mindfulness facilitates personal transformation, helping individuals to live fully, authentically and joyfully. The holistic approach also promotes a more harmonious and fulfilling lifestyle, aligned with the true essence of each individual.
Despite the challenges, Jéssica Fonseca has received positive feedback from patients, which makes her extremely happy and motivated. Her dream is to expand her services, open larger spaces and reach more people.
Jéssica Fonseca is an inspiring example of how following one's curiosity and passion can lead to a rewarding and impactful career. Her work in promoting mental wellbeing and personal development not only transforms lives, but also challenges the stigmas surrounding mental health in Mozambique. She continues to explore, create and, above all, make a difference guided.
(By Renaldo Manhice)
