About Me
Sophrologist in Leeds
My Journey
A life-changing diagnosis
Hello, I’m Audrey Zannese, a certified Sophrologist based in Leeds. I began my career in biology and ecology because I was passionate about saving endangered species. However, life had other plans for me. During my PhD studies at the University of Leeds, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Suddenly, I was facing overwhelming anxiety and uncertainty about my future.
When I started treatment, fear took over. I had always been anxious and tended to imagine worst-case scenarios, so my anxiety was at its peak. At this difficult time, a neurologist in France suggested I try Sophrology.
Being French, I had heard of Sophrology before. It is as popular in France as mindfulness is in the UK. Even so, as a scientist in training, I was unfamiliar with mind-body practices and quite sceptical about what seemed like a “woo-woo” approach. Nevertheless, feeling scared, lost, and out of control, I decided to give it a try.
A complete transformation
That choice changed everything. Sophrology helped me feel in control again, manage my emotions, reduce side effects, and even avoid relapses. With regular practice, I found a sense of happiness and confidence in myself and in life.
I completed my PhD successfully and even went on to finish a postdoc. Yet my journey eventually led me to train in Sophrology, driven by a desire to share these life-changing techniques with others who need to regain control of their lives.
If you’d like to learn more about me, you can read the featured articles below or listen to my podcast interview on Overcoming MS.
Why I do what I do
I love helping professionals like you, people who feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and in pain, not just to cope, but to truly thrive.
I know how it feels to have fatigue, pain, and stress take over your life, leaving you feeling powerless. That’s why I’m passionate about showing you that it doesn’t have to be that way.
With the right tools and support, you can reclaim your calm and energy naturally, feel back in control, and enjoy life again. Seeing my clients make that transformation is what inspires me every day.
My Journey
Hello, I'm Audrey, a certified Sophrologist based in Leeds. I started my career in biology and ecology, driven by a passion for saving endangered species. However, life had different plans for me. During my PhD studies at the University of Leeds, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Suddenly, I found myself grappling with overwhelming anxiety and uncertainty about my future.
At the time of starting treatment, I was consumed by fear. Being naturally anxious, with a tendency to envision worst-case scenarios, my anxiety levels were sky-high. It was during this challenging time that a neurologist in France recommended Sophrology to me.
Being French, I had a vague idea of what Sophrology was, as it's as popular in France as mindfulness is in the UK. Yet, as a scientist in training, I was unfamiliar with mind-body practices and quite sceptical about trying what seemed like a "woo-woo" approach. But feeling scared, lost, and out of control, I decided to give it a try.
That decision transformed my life. Sophrology helped me feel back in control, regulate my internal state, modulate side effects, and avoid relapses. With regular practice, I experienced a newfound happiness and confidence in myself and in life.
I not only successfully completed my PhD but also finished a postdoc. However, my journey ultimately led me to train in Sophrology, driven by a desire to teach these life-changing techniques to others in need of regaining control over their lives. If you’d like to learn more about me I suggest you read the featured articles below or listen to my podcast interview on Overcoming MS.
- https://medium.com/authority-magazine/unstoppable-how-audrey-zannese-of-step-into-sophrology-has-redefined-success-while-navigating-dbf2224775be
- https://mstrust.org.uk/news/stories/ms-and-sophrology-how-ms-gave-me-more-meaningful-life
- https://overcomingms.org/live-well/resources/podcast/s5e38-sophrology-ms-audrey-zannese/
- https://medium.com/authority-magazine/becoming-pain-free-audrey-zannese-of-step-into-sophrology-on-how-to-alleviate-chronic-pain-dbc92bae0e9d
I ABSOLUTELY LOVE helping professionals like you, struggling with overwhelm, exhaustion and pain,
to THRIVE.
Don't let fatigue, pain and stress steal your life away.
Reclaim your calm and energy naturally and feel back in control.
That’s what I’m here for
My Approach
My approach as a Sophrologist in Leeds is practical, compassionate, and tailored to your needs. I create a safe space where you can learn and experiment with new tools and skills, enabling you to make meaningful changes in your life. I work both online via Zoom and in person in and around Leeds, West Yorkshire.
I believe short, regular practices can create lasting and significant improvements. Rather than trying to ‘fix’ you, I help you uncover and strengthen your own resources and abilities. Unlike therapy, which often focuses on the ‘why’, Sophrology focuses on the ‘how’.
I guide you through a structured pathway. First, you learn techniques to gently reconnect with your body and regulate your internal state, helping you feel calmer and preserving your energy. Then, we work on developing a positive mindset and emotional resilience, so you feel more hopeful and optimistic. Over time, through regular practice, you will feel more in control and discover a new way of living and enjoying life.
What I Offer
As your Sophrologist in Leeds, I provide a range of services to support your journey to wellness, including one-to-one sessions, group programmes, workshops, and online courses. All are designed to teach you efficient techniques that don't require much time, effort, or energy - practical tools you can use in your daily life.
Beyond Individual Practice
My commitment to Sophrology goes beyond individual practice. I've volunteered for several years at the Sir Robert Ogden MacMillan Centre, supporting cancer patients and carers. Each year during Carers Week, I offer free online sessions for carers.
I've also contributed to academic research, delivering an 8-week pain management intervention in a randomised controlled trial. Led by Charlotte Chatfield and supervised by Professor Caroline Lafarge from the University of West London, this study found that Sophrology had a positive impact on pain management.
My passion for Sophrology also led me to become the Education Director at The Sophrology Academy, where I train the next generation of sophrologists. I'm also an active member of the International Sophrology Federation, and offer an annual free online session to mark World Values Day.
It's important to know that Sophrology is not a "woo-woo" method. It's a practice that blends several scientifically proven approaches to improve health and wellbeing. These include progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, breathing techniques, mindfulness, guided imagery, and movement meditation.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you're tired of feeling exhausted, stressed, or limited by your current circumstances, I'm here to help. Sophrology offers a gentle yet effective path to managing chronic fatigue, reducing stress, and finding relief from chronic illness symptoms.
Take the first step towards a more balanced, energised you. Book a free 20-minute consultation to see how we can work together. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey to wellness.