Pete Coles, transpersonal counselor and somatic practitioner, shares how listening in an embodied way to grief, anxiety, and other overwhelming emotions softens self-judgment and shame.   

He tells us about his journey, from working musician to therapist for adolescents dealing with drug and alcohol addiction. Seven years in this work led to burnout.  

A 600-km trek through the Tasmanian wilderness brought him to a deeper, more holistic relationship with healing. Pete transitioned into working with adults, integrating somatics to enhance trust, body listening, and self awareness.  

We discuss the significance of family narratives and inherited personality traits. Understanding those, we can explore our internal landscapes with curiosity and compassion, recognize destructive patterns, and move to deeper understanding of ourselves and others. Pete offers insights into relationship dynamics, and how conflict is often a collision with events in the past.  

He says: Slow down and listen to your body. Honor the discomfort that arises—not as a problem, but as a signal that there’s something to take care of.  

This conversation will move you beyond words.  

TESS’S TAKEAWAYS: 

• Rather than trying to solve reality in your mind, listen and care for your body.  
• Somatic practices expand how we meet ourselves and others.  
• Reframing problems as puzzles shifts our responses to disruptions.  
• Give anxiety, sadness, and other overwhelming emotions seats at the table. 
• Grief is a meticulous and sacred journey that heals and builds resilience.  
• Observing yourself with curiosity expands inner dialogue and choices. 
• In taking responsibility for our inner stories, we can move from conflict to resolution.   
• Knowing your internal myth leads to greater compassion for yourself.  

ABOUT PETE COLES 

A transpersonal psychotherapist with extensive experience in drug and alcohol addiction, Pete has a nuanced understanding of mental health, compulsive behavior, and trauma.  

In his therapeutic approach, he integrates somatic awareness, helping people connect with their bodies and explore internal myths and formative stories that shape perceptions and behaviors.  Pete also supports clients in the safe use of psychoactive plants in their therapy.  

Specializing in relationship dynamics, Pete works with couples to uncover how personal narratives intersect, guiding them toward greater clarity and connection.  

As co-founder of Elk & Me Therapies and Dispensary, Pete works with a complementary team to offer a holistic and integrative approach to mental health and wellbeing. 

CONNECT WITH PETE 

Website: https://elkandme.com.au/practitioners/pete-coles/ 

Website: https://www.emotionalintellect.com.au/  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elkandme/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElkMeTherapiesDispensary/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-coles-125879a2/ 

MEET TESS MASTERS:   

Tess Masters is an actor, presenter, health coach, cook, and author of The Blender Girl, The Blender Girl Smoothies, and The Perfect Blend, published by Penguin Random House. She is also the creator of the Skinny60® health programs.       

Health tips and recipes by Tess have been featured in the LA Times, Washington Post, InStyle, Prevention, Shape, Glamour, Real Simple, Yoga Journal, Yahoo Health, Hallmark Channel, The Today Show, and many others.    

Tess’s magnetic personality, infectious enthusiasm, and down-to-earth approach have made her a go-to personality for people of all dietary stripes who share her conviction that healthy living can be easy and fun. Get delicious recipes at TheBlenderGirl.com.    

CONNECT WITH TESS:  

Website:  https://tessmasters.com/     

Podcast:  https://ithastobeme.com/      

Health Programs: https://www.skinny60.com/  

Delicious Recipes: https://www.theblendergirl.com/  

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/theblendergirl/     

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theblendergirl/     

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/user/theblendergirl    

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmasters/ 

Thanks for listening!  

If you enjoyed this conversation and think others would benefit from listening, share this episode. And, please post your comments or questions below. I’d love to hear what you think.  

Subscribe to the podcast.   

Get automatic updates so you never miss an episode. Subscribe to this show on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app.   

Leave a review on Apple podcasts.  

Ratings and reviews from listeners help our podcast rank higher so it can reach more people. Please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.