Terés Salmi is a Psychological Coach, Intuitive Coach and an author. Terés worked as an engineer and manager before she ended up burning herself out. This forced her to stop and rethink how to live her life going forward. Terés learned from her own change process that science AND spirituality both are big parts in self-management and in developing life skills. Terés possesses degrees in both areas. She has since then dedicated her life to empower people, supporting them in becoming their true self and achieving their aspirations. Terés own company, FreeGrowing, is helping individuals to overcome obstacles in life and strengthening their self-esteem. Her mission: Be true, be you!
Terés Salmi, FreeGrowing
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
I'm Terés Salmi, a 54-year-old based in Stockholm, Sweden. I share my journey with my wonderful husband, Teemu, and our two children – a girl and a boy.
As a family, we embrace an active lifestyle. When Teemu and I embark on solo adventures, we're often drawn to mountainous landscapes. There's an indescribable sensation that accompanies pushing your physical limits, being surrounded by nature, and finally standing at the peak, gazing upon breathtaking views. It's a sensation that resonates deeply within my soul.
From 2013 to 2017, we had the extraordinary opportunity to call Dubai our home, immersing ourselves in a multicultural haven. Despite always considering myself open and accepting, this experience revealed layers of biases and assumptions I had previously been unaware of. This personal evolution, including cultural clashes and self-discovery, transformed into a book where I candidly share my mistakes and revelations. Those four years ignited a newfound appreciation for our interconnected world, enriched by friendships spanning the globe.
My professional journey began in the realm of Computer and Electronics Engineering. However, since 2009, I've found my true calling as a Psychological Coach, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral approaches, through my venture, FreeGrowing. This endeavor empowers individuals to cultivate personal growth and transformation.
In addition to my coaching, I've delved into the realm of intuitive insights and energy healing. Since 2016, I've proudly held the titles of an Advanced Intuitive Angel Messenger and an Advanced Pranic Healer. These roles allow me to explore the uncharted territories of intuition and healing energy, enriching my path with even more depth and purpose.
What moment do you consider to be one of your proudest achievements?
I have the privilege of reflecting on several proud moments, but if I were to select a single instance, it would be the pivotal juncture when I chose to follow my inner compass instead of succumbing to the expectations of my apprehensive ego or the perspectives of others regarding my path. Frequently, I was entrusted with leadership positions due to my adeptness in making things happen. Around the year 2000, the cumulative strain of fulfilling multiple responsibilities without listening to or taking notice of what I really wanted, culminated in burnout. That moment made me pause long enough to truly hear my inner voice – to recognize my passions and sources of joy.
I discovered that effectiveness in a role doesn't necessarily equate to personal fulfillment. It became clear that prioritizing my happiness and learning to decline endeavors that didn't align with my aspirations were more important. My decision to resign from my position, establish my own company and achieve certification as a Psychological Coach with a focus on Cognitive Behavioral approaches stands as a testament to my pride. This transformative step signifies my commitment to pursuing a vocation that ignites and replenishes my sense of purpose daily.
What is the rationale behind the term "FreeGrowing," and how did you arrive at choosing this name?
The essence of "FreeGrowing" encapsulates my purpose in guiding clients towards a life of resilience and flourishing. I work with individuals to nurture robust foundational roots, simultaneously eliminating obstacles that cast shadows on their access to vital sunlight.
My guidance is centered on helping them discover the essential factors necessary for achieving substantial, expansive growth – much like plants that endure adverse weather conditions to ultimately flourish. The name "FreeGrowing" was chosen as it encapsulates the notion of unrestricted, unimpeded development and the ability to flourish magnificently. It perfectly encapsulates the transformative journey I facilitate for my clients.
Which feedback has left the most significant impact on me?
I believe that feedback is an integral part of every session, aiding in the discovery of the most effective processes, methods, and language that best suit each client. It's essential to acknowledge that there isn't a universal "best way" that applies to everyone. This realization constantly shapes the approach to my work.
One of the most fulfilling aspects for me is witnessing my clients realize their capacity to control their own lives, impact change, and manage challenges. It's like equipping them with a toolbox of self-knowledge, empowering them to navigate life with newfound confidence and inner light. These moments of realization don't always manifest as explicit feedback but are often evidenced through shifts in body language and the emergence of a spark in their eyes.
Frequently received feedback includes clients expressing that they leave our meetings feeling revitalized and motivated to take action. Another recurring theme is the recognition of my ability to quickly find the core of a situation or problem.
What types of questions and topics frequently arise during your coaching sessions?
In my coaching sessions, many clients often perceive their struggles as indicative of failure or inadequacy. They may even express a sense of being abnormal or being apologetic about their feelings. In these instances, reassuring them that their experiences are entirely normal and shared by many often brings relief. No one is perfect and lives a life without struggles.
Here are some of the recurring questions and areas that clients tend to focus on:
Navigating Challenging Situations:
"What should I do in this situation?"
"I'm facing a situation I want to change. How can I approach this?"
"I just can't cope, with this situation how to develop coping skills?"
Changing Negative Thoughts and Feelings:
"I don't want to feel or think like this. How can I shift my perspective?"
"My limiting beliefs or negative beliefs stop me from acting, how can I find a way to overcome them?
Finding Direction and Purpose:
"I'm feeling lost. What's my next step? What do I need?"
"I have a goal in mind. How can I reach it?"
Restoring Confidence and Overcoming Stagnation:
"I've lost my confidence and feel stuck. How can I regain momentum?"
" How can I get back my motivation?"
These common themes reflect the client’s diverse challenges, ranging from addressing specific situations and emotions to finding a sense of purpose and rediscovering their confidence. It's by addressing these areas that I'm able to guide clients toward personal growth, self-discovery, and empowerment.”
What experiences and influences have shaped your journey to where you are today?
My path has been a dynamic evolution, fueled by various factors and pivotal moments. I initially embarked on the engineering route because Mathematics and logic came easy for me, only to discover that my fascination with human interactions far outweighed that with computers. An essential turning point was the burnout I faced, which became instrumental in guiding me toward my true passions. The delight I experienced while pursuing certification as a Psychological Coach far surpassed the satisfaction I felt when learning computer programming
Throughout my life, I maintained a spiritual inclination, distinct from a strong religious affiliation. The concept of synchronicity, coupled with unyielding curiosity, led me to explore and nurture my spiritual abilities. This exploration unveiled the profound connections between scientific principles and spiritual perspectives. I realized the valuable assistance available from angels, spiritual guides, and the like. This journey was transformative, particularly given my background in science, as I embraced and developed my spiritual side.
Today, I also offer Intuitive coaching, where I blend my scientific understanding and spiritual insights. Reflecting, I now recognize that this spiritual thread had always been woven into my journey, yet its' natural presence sometimes went unnoticed. I'm continually amazed by the synergies that unfold in Intuitive coaching sessions.
What is your strongest talent or ability?
My most impactful talent is fueled by my authentic curiosity about people, paired with the capacity to swiftly identify their distinct talents. This dynamic blend empowers me to guide individuals in discovering their inherent brilliance and inner radiance. Furthermore, I possess the skill to quickly transform thoughts and emotions into actionable steps, propelling progress and achievement.
Throughout my career, intuition has been my steadfast companion. It has enabled me to decipher the unspoken, allowing me to construct thoughtful opening questions that penetrate the core of any situation.
For those who are open to exploring Intuitive coaching, there's an added dimension – the universe's perspective on their present situation, offering guidance for potential action steps to take. In essence, clients not only receive guidance grounded in intuition and insight but also the opportunity to tap into a broader cosmic perspective that can shape their journey.
What is the authentic driving force behind your work?
My role as a coach and my natural abilities align harmoniously to create a purposeful impact on others. This is where my talents flourish, and I can genuinely contribute to others' well-being and goal fulfillment.
My core motivation revolves around becoming a radiant source of inspiration for others, igniting their internal glow. By stimulating their inner light, I believe we collectively enhance the world's brightness. Witnessing individuals experience growth, find their authentic selves, and operate from their essence brings me immense joy. I hold a firm conviction that if each of us fully comprehends our intrinsic value and inner brilliance, the impulse to diminish others to elevate ourselves will diminish.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
I do not have insight into the whole coaching industry because there are several different paths and ways to do coaching. I think in this line of work we still have a process until you can say you are a Coach and it means the same for everyone. For me, coaching is when you ask an open question and guide clients to find the answers within them and provide appropriate models in the process that apply to the client's challenges. But the most important thing is to meet the client where they are and facilitate the change or process that they want and need. Because any change and process need motivation, a why, to succeed. If there is no motivation there and we can't find a "why" that is the client's "why", coaching will not work.
Do you do any volunteer work?
Yes, I actively engage in volunteer work as a professional coach for "Wake Me Up" coaching. This initiative is based in Sweden and offers free coaching services to youths between the ages of 16 and 23. The primary objective is to provide support to young individuals, helping them enhance their well-being, navigate their emotions, and create plans to achieve their goals. It's a truly rewarding experience for me as a coach to be able to offer support and connect with young people. Through this engagement, I gain valuable insights into their perspectives on the world and have the opportunity to provide them with helpful models and insights for their life journeys.
