Meet Dominique Antiglio; Wellness Entrepreneur, Qualified Sophrologist, Bestselling Author and Founder of BeSophro, a business dedicated to bringing the transformational practice of Sophrology to the UK.
Dominique and I met by chance at an event last year and I was immediately struck by her passion and purpose. I was also fascinated to learn that this practice - so widely accepted in Continental Europe that it is effectively ‘prescribed’ and accessed via health insurance in Switzerland, has such a small profile here. I’m so glad we finally had time to sit down and capture this Phenomenal Woman Journal Entry. I hope you enjoy learning about her story and her expertise as much as I did
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First tell me a little bit about you - your passion, life, early career and what led you to do what you do today?
My name is Dominique Antiglio! I am a Wellness Entrepreneur, Qualified Sophrologist, Bestselling Author and Founder of BeSophro. I believe that people have in them the resources to be able to deal with the challenges that life inevitably brings and that self-awareness is the most powerful tool to transform ourselves and create a more positive world. This deep belief comes from an early life experience, where as a teenager I was struggling with my health, energy and emotions and I was sent to a Sophrologist by my family doctor in Switzerland.
Can you talk to me about what Sophrology ‘is’?
Sophrology is a wellbeing practice enabling people to overcome the physical, mental and emotional barriers that stand between them and their full potential.
Blending Eastern practices with modern science Sophrology uses relaxation, movement, breathing, visualisation and meditation to guide people towards a specific goal. It can help promote better sleep, deal with stress and anxiety, build confidence and resilience, prepare for sport competition or any other stressful events.
It has been used for decades in Continental Europe in clinics, hospitals, education, corporate and sport settings and is actually reimbursed by health insurance companies in Switzerland.
My book was the first widely published book in English on the subject and is part of my mission is to spread awareness of the benefit of the practice as I feel it is a necessary tool to deal with the challenges we face in our times.
Sophrology is simple but powerful, it can be practised in short sessions of 5 to 10 minutes and can help regulate the nervous system and help unlock new resources.
In a fast-paced world and digitally hyperconnected world, we can all benefit from a tool to help us reconnect with ourselves.
How has the practice impacted your life and those of your clients? And why is it so helpful when we’re managing life’s biggest transitions?
From an early age Sophrology has taught me to listen to my body, to acknowledge my emotions and empowered me to feel in the driving seat of my life. Repeating these simple exercises has truly helped me rewire my brain towards more positivity, energy and transform the way I look at myself and life around me.
Today, as a Mum and Entrepreneur, Sophrology continues to support me through my journey. It is now more than 20 years since I qualified as a therapist and I have witnessed so many stories of empowerment. From women who said they were too scared to have children and became happy mothers, to those who found more meaning and balance through their menopause. Women with a high flying career preparing for expatriation with their family or dealing with a fear around changing their career, going for an interview or dreading meeting their family for Christmas… they all end up discovering that there is a way, their way through the challenge and that if they can remain connected to themselves, they can find peace, confidence and meaning through these challenging moments.
We met as a result of a serendipitous event held for female founders just after lockdown in the UK! How has your life experience and life stage impacted the way you approach business?
My business and my life experience are closely related. I feel extremely lucky to have found purpose and passion and to be able to make a career out of it. The inner work is never finished, and growth is at the heart everything I do. Being an entrepreneur is challenging but also allows me to be constantly evolving, discovering and connecting with inspiring and knowledgeable people. It is the connections and the time we share around the same objectives that keeps me going, especially in times where I feel I can’t do it!
What have you learned about your body and mind’s needs during this phase of life?
I need less to be content: less activity, less agitation, less of saying yes to everything!
With age definitely comes experience and it is shaping the way I want to show up in my daily life and what and where I want to spend my time.
Sophrology is of course at the heart of my wellbeing, but the last 10 years I have educated myself around nutrition, practised more yoga and started walking everyday. My background is in Osteopathy too, so this is also something I truly rely on to maintain my balance.
What do you wish your younger self had known about:
Life: life is fun
Love: love will come
Health: mind and body are one
Work: will take you to places beyond your biggest dreams
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Thank you Dominique for such a wonderful insight into a powerful practice. If you’d like to learn more, please head to The BeSophro website. You can also find daily practices and reflections from Domonique @besophrolondon
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