Testimonials
My first wardrobe session with Denise Cavanough proved to be a much deeper experience than I had originally anticipated! Her easy-going approach and astute observations, along with a healthy dose of inquisitiveness, unveiled a plethora of ways that I had been actually hiding the amazingness that I now can more clearly see is my natural way, but that I was suppressing in the way I settled for certain aspects of my wardrobe choices, even down to the way I blocked my closet with a swivel chair! This is an example of one of the many great observations Denise made that had previously not even been on my ‘radar’ and for which I am truly grateful. I’m looking forward to continuing this exploration, that for me now feels like a true healing modality and much more than a simple wardrobe tune-up.
Michael Goodhart
Work in progress
I had the recent honour of going through most of my wardrobe with Denise Cavanough of Living Expression. Well! What a tour through past choices: good, bad and ugly, both in terms of purchases, and lifestyle choices that led for instance, to fluctuations in weight. Clothes are with and on us almost all of the time (unless we are nudists), and they become imbued with how we are living. There are some clothes (those I have kept) that reflect me in all my graceful spunk and style. Others were a poor representation of me, be that because they were too girly, too revealing, not mine to begin with, too big, too old-fashioned, etc. These I let go of.
With each garment, Denise honoured me by reflecting back what she felt worked to support me and what didn’t. We came up with surprising combinations that really work, and when taking these to the outside world, on my return to work, each has been deeply appreciated - and then some! Put simply, a wardrobe session (or series of sessions) with Denise is life-changing. Highly recommended.
S.P
Time flew during my Wardrobe Session. Through Denise’s warmth and insightful questions, I became aware of how I tone myself down through some of the habits I have acquired. These habits go beyond the clothes in my wardrobe although the clothes were usually the starting point of our discussion. I have always liked clothes and I felt supported by Denise to deepen my awareness of my reasons for purchases and subsequently the choices I make when dressing myself.
Irene Lelonek
Time flew during my Wardrobe Session. Through Denise’s warmth and insightful questions, I became aware of how I tone myself down through some of the habits I have acquired. These habits go beyond the clothes in my wardrobe although the clothes were usually the starting point of our discussion. I have always liked clothes and I felt supported by Denise to deepen my awareness of my reasons for purchases and subsequently the choices I make when dressing myself.
Irene Lelonek
An afternoon in the company of Denise was indeed a revelation!
She sat herself down, virtually on my bed and gently guided me through the process of discarding wardrobe items that had no further purpose to serve. Almost three hours later there was so much space in the wardrobe and a correspondingly big pile of clothes on the bed! This spaciousness felt amazing. With Denise’s creative flair and input I could now see so many different possibilities and combinations for the remaining clothes. The whole experience was thoroughly supportive, very therapeutic… and exhausting all at once. Each item had its own story or ‘baggage’ and some stories had to be explored before they could be consigned to ‘out’ pile, while for others, there was no hesitation where they needed to go.
I folded each item and placed them on a clearing card in preparation for moving them onto the opportunity shop. As I did this, I felt so much clarity and appreciation for being able to take this step into a new cycle. Denise has dared me to lighten up, dress my age and embrace my natural beauty and attributes. Ever practical, the loving suggestion of spraying eucalyptus in the wardrobes after the items were removed has left a fresh new imprint, which feels gorgeous along with a spacious new vibe. There is something very poignant about less being more and with this comes a feeling of deep settlement. A fun, magical and necessary experience awaits you if you choose to enlist Denise’s help.
Jenny Greenham
24.04.2020
She sat herself down, virtually on my bed and gently guided me through the process of discarding wardrobe items that had no further purpose to serve. Almost three hours later there was so much space in the wardrobe and a correspondingly big pile of clothes on the bed! This spaciousness felt amazing. With Denise’s creative flair and input I could now see so many different possibilities and combinations for the remaining clothes. The whole experience was thoroughly supportive, very therapeutic… and exhausting all at once. Each item had its own story or ‘baggage’ and some stories had to be explored before they could be consigned to ‘out’ pile, while for others, there was no hesitation where they needed to go.
I folded each item and placed them on a clearing card in preparation for moving them onto the opportunity shop. As I did this, I felt so much clarity and appreciation for being able to take this step into a new cycle. Denise has dared me to lighten up, dress my age and embrace my natural beauty and attributes. Ever practical, the loving suggestion of spraying eucalyptus in the wardrobes after the items were removed has left a fresh new imprint, which feels gorgeous along with a spacious new vibe. There is something very poignant about less being more and with this comes a feeling of deep settlement. A fun, magical and necessary experience awaits you if you choose to enlist Denise’s help.
Jenny Greenham
24.04.2020
Denise gave me a wardrobe session. She has a keen sense of style and gave me ideas of how to put together outfits. It is uplifting to keep clothes that feel like me and make room for new items. She is enthusiastic and collaborative. We talked through decisions and had fun doing it. I would recommend her services for a wardrobe session.
Glenda MacAskill
Glenda MacAskill
Today I had one of my greatest shopping sprees! Denise and I headed to my wardrobe and I was supported to rediscover sass in the closet. I have struggled forever to discard unwanted items – whether it’s because I’d paid top dollar for some items, or I had an attachment – I was never strong enough to get rid of that which was needed to be discarded. Recently, I could sense a staleness when I went to my clothes and wardrobe– it wasn’t like it was ‘dirty’ but it just felt cumbersome and off and didn’t inspire. But oh my goodness, Denise supported me to just go there and discard; we had so much fun. I love Denise’s sense of humour and warmth – I felt very supported yet there is an authority and assurance from her, which simply directed me to know what was in and what was out. What I also loved was how I claimed and re connected to the joy of a lot of my clothes; Denise offered some tips to reinvigorate some favourites I didn’t want to let go of – a trim here, a pilling there, a mixing up with other clothes I hadn’t thought of. It was a heck of a lot of fun. I thoroughly recommend taking Denise with you through your wardrobe – by the end I could feel how clearing out my cupboards, was a support and reflection to how I felt in my confidence and attitude to myself– I felt re-invigorated on my inside. Thanks Denise; it was awesome.
Gina Dunlop Mt Isa.
Gina Dunlop Mt Isa.
Time flew during my Wardrobe Session. Through Denise’s warmth and insightful questions, I became aware of how I tone myself down through some of the habits I have acquired. These habits go beyond the clothes in my wardrobe although the clothes were usually the starting point of our discussion. I have always liked clothes and I felt supported by Denise to deepen my awareness of my reasons for purchases and subsequently the choices I make when dressing myself.
Denise assisted me to go through the clothes in my wardrobe, mostly as a support to feel the energy in there and recognise the musty smell as a sure indicator that items needed to move on. She allowed the space for me to try on the items, to feel what still felt true to keep with where I was at in my life and what needed to move on. I realised as I was going through this process that my wardrobe had not been fully emptied in 12 years so it was quite monumental the energy that was being shifted. I had always done small clearing out of clothes but never to this extent and it felt so effortless and loving to do this.
I came to appreciate the wardrobe as a whole, the love and care it requires and the significance of what it holds - as it holds my clothes which adorn my gorgeous body.
The biggest reveal for me was not about clearing what no longer supported me but how I was hiding a part of my body in my clothes. I didn’t think I was hiding anything but when Denise showed me, with authority, it was so obvious it was easy for me to accept. This meant a revamp of some old clothes meaning I didn’t have anything new to buy.
As with any area of our life, clearing a wardrobe should be done regularly and I can already feel a few items that will soon need to go. I once again open the doors to my wardrobe, love the feeling in there, have a deeper appreciation and care for the clothes that beautify my body. Thank you Denise for supporting me to connect more deeply to the energy sitting in my wardrobe and appreciate the loving feeling of the wardrobe once it’s cleared. I would recommend Denise to anyone who is thinking of making some space in their wardrobe and home.
I came to appreciate the wardrobe as a whole, the love and care it requires and the significance of what it holds - as it holds my clothes which adorn my gorgeous body.
The biggest reveal for me was not about clearing what no longer supported me but how I was hiding a part of my body in my clothes. I didn’t think I was hiding anything but when Denise showed me, with authority, it was so obvious it was easy for me to accept. This meant a revamp of some old clothes meaning I didn’t have anything new to buy.
As with any area of our life, clearing a wardrobe should be done regularly and I can already feel a few items that will soon need to go. I once again open the doors to my wardrobe, love the feeling in there, have a deeper appreciation and care for the clothes that beautify my body. Thank you Denise for supporting me to connect more deeply to the energy sitting in my wardrobe and appreciate the loving feeling of the wardrobe once it’s cleared. I would recommend Denise to anyone who is thinking of making some space in their wardrobe and home.
From a WAR-DROBE to a LOVE- ROBE
It wasn’t until Denise said the word war-drobe that I became aware that yes, for as long as I could remember I had always been at war with myself and my clothes. Never satisfied with what I had worn or with how I looked in whatever I chose to wear, and I had certainly never ever dressed just for me. In my slimmer days my getting dressed was always to seek approval or acceptance to be seen and noticed, especially by the opposite sex. I dressed to show off my assets, which in turn buried my pain and sadness. Then later on when I was very obese I dressed in baggy, unfeminine bright size 26 plus garments and wore an even bigger smile on my face and a bubbly personality all to hide the deepening pain and sadness. But truthfully neither worked as underneath it all I was drowning in my own sea of buried emotions. My huge unfoldment all began with Denise asking me to take a couple of photos of my bedroom and walk-in robe. Mmmmmm, the taking of the photos was, I will admit somewhat challenging but Oh My! That was nothing compared with my having to actually STOP, LOOK & FEEL the photos. It feels unbelievable how I had lived in and with a mess and easily turned a blind eye but once I looked at the photos reality hit and so did “responsibility” which made it all too real. Well, I just glanced at them and then promptly deleted them. A few days later after some re-assuring and gentle prompting by Denise I took some more photos and that time promptly forwarded them on to Denise without any judgement. When Denise phoned me she shared that she felt it was just a mess, a complication that I had created to not feel what was truly going on for me. So based on that I was able to face the fear in letting go of what I was so afraid of last time with what came up. I was shocked to discover that there wasn’t anything behind the fear, I mean I had been caught up in an illusion set up, if you will, to constantly fail by self-sabotage. I had been continuing an ingrained behaviour that originated way back in a bid to bury my pain, hurt & emotions. You see previously I used excessive fitness, alcohol & cigarettes to bury it all but then I stopped all those and promptly turned to potato chips, chocolate & coca cola ending up at a weight of 165kgs whilst becoming messier, messier & messier. I have since dealt with the emotional issues I had buried and am now re-learning a more loving way to live. The way I eat has changed as instead of eating emotionally, I now feel what to eat … well this I am still learning to navigate but I have let go of a lot of weight so far. I walk regularly, enjoy a good night’s sleep and I no longer abuse my body physically. But even with doing all that lovingly, I had still managed to avoid dealing with truly loving my-self…… that is until I realised that my wardrobe is a reflection of me. On going through the clothes in my wardrobe I was absolutely blown away by what I felt when trying on the clothes. In one top I felt so hard and masculine whilst the next I felt so fake and false, and how in a cheap pair of jeans I too felt as cheap. But then, there was the Leopard Skin Skirt, a black Blouse with a pair of boots that I felt so sexy and feminine in, now that blew me away, and how in a Red Jacket with Purple Flowered Scarf I was beaming with confidence and grace. As the time passed the piles began to grow (the keep, the sell, the donate and the throw out), and so did my self-appreciation and self-love. It was so amazing to feel and see the changes that were occurring in me during the process that was unfolding before my very own eyes. With love now building within I feel so naturally impulsed to keep my bedroom and walk-in robe clean and tidy. How easy it now is to put the washing away, hang my clothes, to put my shoes away & to keep my room tidy. Everything has a home and home is where it goes. But the best of all is to now sleep in a bed that is not covered in washing that has not been put away, but rather now has been lovingly made each morning by me for me and oh how absolutely divine that feels to sleep in at night. I became aware through my session with Denise that I used to dress for the roles I played as a Mum, a daughter, employee and previously as a sex object. But now I so lovingly choose to dress in clothes that honour me and how I feel as a “Woman”. Gosh!!! I had never before felt the intimacy, beauty and joy there is in simply getting dressed for no other reason than “for me”. And the more I do it, the more I love it and now I am allowing myself to love and appreciate who I truly am each day. Denise, words cannot express my appreciation for your loving support and guidance through my unfoldment and my wardrobe makeover. I now know that by continually choosing my love, dedication and commitment to myself, my ever unfolding relationship with my bedroom will continue to amaze me. Thank you Denise with love and appreciation Kirstin |
Recently I had my 3rd wardrobe session with Denise. This made me reflect back to my first session over a year ago. At that time Denise was supporting me to let go of clothing items that were not really me, but were cluttering up my wardrobe so I could not see the gems I actually had. That session really helped me recognise, and then release quite a few limiting and stifling rules, beliefs and limitations I had accumulated over the years, of how I had to dress, and how I should dress.
My second session was a few months later, and that built on the unfolding that had been triggered by our first session. Being with Denise, going through my wardrobe, helped me in so many ways; putting things with things I would never have thought of, and really starting to get a feel for what I love to wear and what suits me, and what I feel really supported in wearing. The big healing was to actually start enjoying playing with clothes again, having fun and experimenting and taking the time to do so. After all, what I choose to wear is a big part of my expression as a woman, so it was high time to explore that, to develop and deepen that.
After that session I was able to go shopping and find lovely things, sometimes supportive basics, sometimes real statements of who I am. I now fully enjoy the process, before that it was a chore I used to dread; I didn’t want to spend the money on me, didn’t want to spend the time having a look as I believed I could not find anything that would suit me and my body anyway.
Gradually my wardrobe just naturally got extended, whilst other things had to go. When it was time for my overseas trip there was no rush trips to the shops to get this or that in case I may need it, I already had lovely outfits that I knew I felt comfortable and beautiful in, and that I would enjoy wearing. I had made huge changes compared to past experiences with packing and going away. I now shop with a confidence and this is reflected in the clothes I choose. My style is more elegant and sophisticated.
Just lately I felt I wanted some nice photos of myself, but felt a bit stuck with what to wear. Then, with the change of season I had made some purchases and I remembered Denise; I knew it was time for the next step in my unfolding of my style and my relationship with clothes, and how I express with what I choose to wear.
Denise came round and I could feel how I was this time; much more self assured than the previous time. I was much more confident in myself and daring to play than the previous times. I felt a huge difference. And we had a lot of fun. My wardrobe is now very supportive of me, of what I bring to the world, and I realised that - my shoes have totally changed from drab, sensible and boring to funky and fun! I have always loved shoes, but didn’t allow myself to find awesome shoes for years, as I had the belief that beautiful shoes would be hurting my feet for sure. I so appreciate Denise’s loving support. Her honest feedback is very confirming, as I already know, but I had not allowed myself to go there.
How I have been with clothes, how I have been ‘making do’, and compromising, borrowing clothes; I can feel how unloving and how unsupportive that way of holding back actually has been for me; it feels now like I have been in hiding. I had not honoured the woman I am for a long long time. The beauty is, I’m in my fifties now, and I feel sexier than ever - so, it’s never too late to explore our relationship with clothes!
I know this session will be unfolding for me again for weeks to come, and I know I will then take it to the next level again when I feel to, I already have a sense of the theme of that one, and I will give Denise a call.
I am worth it, thank you Denise. All women are!
with love,
Esther Auf der Maur
0418 989 707
esther@esther.net.au
My second session was a few months later, and that built on the unfolding that had been triggered by our first session. Being with Denise, going through my wardrobe, helped me in so many ways; putting things with things I would never have thought of, and really starting to get a feel for what I love to wear and what suits me, and what I feel really supported in wearing. The big healing was to actually start enjoying playing with clothes again, having fun and experimenting and taking the time to do so. After all, what I choose to wear is a big part of my expression as a woman, so it was high time to explore that, to develop and deepen that.
After that session I was able to go shopping and find lovely things, sometimes supportive basics, sometimes real statements of who I am. I now fully enjoy the process, before that it was a chore I used to dread; I didn’t want to spend the money on me, didn’t want to spend the time having a look as I believed I could not find anything that would suit me and my body anyway.
Gradually my wardrobe just naturally got extended, whilst other things had to go. When it was time for my overseas trip there was no rush trips to the shops to get this or that in case I may need it, I already had lovely outfits that I knew I felt comfortable and beautiful in, and that I would enjoy wearing. I had made huge changes compared to past experiences with packing and going away. I now shop with a confidence and this is reflected in the clothes I choose. My style is more elegant and sophisticated.
Just lately I felt I wanted some nice photos of myself, but felt a bit stuck with what to wear. Then, with the change of season I had made some purchases and I remembered Denise; I knew it was time for the next step in my unfolding of my style and my relationship with clothes, and how I express with what I choose to wear.
Denise came round and I could feel how I was this time; much more self assured than the previous time. I was much more confident in myself and daring to play than the previous times. I felt a huge difference. And we had a lot of fun. My wardrobe is now very supportive of me, of what I bring to the world, and I realised that - my shoes have totally changed from drab, sensible and boring to funky and fun! I have always loved shoes, but didn’t allow myself to find awesome shoes for years, as I had the belief that beautiful shoes would be hurting my feet for sure. I so appreciate Denise’s loving support. Her honest feedback is very confirming, as I already know, but I had not allowed myself to go there.
How I have been with clothes, how I have been ‘making do’, and compromising, borrowing clothes; I can feel how unloving and how unsupportive that way of holding back actually has been for me; it feels now like I have been in hiding. I had not honoured the woman I am for a long long time. The beauty is, I’m in my fifties now, and I feel sexier than ever - so, it’s never too late to explore our relationship with clothes!
I know this session will be unfolding for me again for weeks to come, and I know I will then take it to the next level again when I feel to, I already have a sense of the theme of that one, and I will give Denise a call.
I am worth it, thank you Denise. All women are!
with love,
Esther Auf der Maur
0418 989 707
esther@esther.net.au
Denise, I wish to express my gratitude and appreciation to you and your lovely connection to yourself, which allowed me to explore this opportunity in myself. I didn’t realize that my wardrobe could be such a reflection in every aspect of my life-
WOW “that will do” seems to be the running theme in my life.
The integrity and love that you came with to my house was amazing and I totally felt supportive to my reconnecting to feeling amazing in myself.
Although I had a slight sense of apprehension in revealing my amazing self to the world, I look forward to the unfolding of me, and this feeling I have experienced with you today, to be a daily routine.
Jacque Gold Coast.
I had the absolute pleasure of starting 2015 with a wardrobe consultation with Denise. Denise brought much clarity to our time together, making observations on the way my facial expressions changed with different outfits, and feeling into what was happening at the time as well as the history of the item of clothing.
The consultation was always all about me and my preferences, with insights from Denise’s expertise, observations and feelings. Denise has helped me to see new possibilities in the way to wear various items where previous judgements had been influenced by harsh self-criticism and ingrained beliefs. Also, Denise showed me where sometimes I may have been trying to justify wearing an item (because of its cost or other reason), when it just wasn’t me.
This consultation was so much more than what may be offered by regular colour consultants. It is not about needing to go out and buy lots more clothes. It is about deepening your understanding of self, and from there, being able to confidently choose what is right for you to wear in this moment.
Thank you so much Denise for all that you brought to our time together. I think I want to live with you - imagine having that support every day!
Narelle Poole
I just wanted to say how much I appreciated you coming today to assist me with cleaning out and decluttering my wardrobe. It was great to look at my clothes and experiment with fabulous new ways to wear them, ways I had not even thought of but certainly will now!
I now have a far greater range of of choice than I thought and I am really looking forward to going to my wardrobe and choosing an outfit. My wardrobe has grown with possibilities and I haven't even had to buy new clothes yet! I have a lot more confidence in being able to put together an outfit from the clothes I already have and will have a lot more confidence when I do need to buy new clothes.
I felt very very comfortable with you and with your gentle guidance and support I was able to expand myself as a woman and feel feminine in and with my clothes. Your little hints and tips were invaluable.
Thank you Denise, it was a wonderful experience and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
~ Loretta Bright
I now have a far greater range of of choice than I thought and I am really looking forward to going to my wardrobe and choosing an outfit. My wardrobe has grown with possibilities and I haven't even had to buy new clothes yet! I have a lot more confidence in being able to put together an outfit from the clothes I already have and will have a lot more confidence when I do need to buy new clothes.
I felt very very comfortable with you and with your gentle guidance and support I was able to expand myself as a woman and feel feminine in and with my clothes. Your little hints and tips were invaluable.
Thank you Denise, it was a wonderful experience and a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
~ Loretta Bright
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"Recently Denise came and reorganized my kitchen. I had moved 4 times in 2 years and hasn't given the kitchen and its cupboards the time and care they had needed so it felt quite flat and functional. After Denise worked with me on this, the kitchen felt completely different, it came alive and now feels like a fun place to be and to really enjoy"
Shannon, 35, Goonellabah |
The support Denise has offered me has been amazing. She has supported me to understand why I was in such overwhelm with the job of cleaning my house, and helped me to understand that bit by bit, by dealing with things and not letting them build up, that I could gradually reduce that feeling of overwhelm. She offered really practical tips on how to clean, what to use, and when to clean. I had been in the mindset of thinking that I had to have a 'cleaning day', and Saturday seemed to be it. What I found, though, was that I was either not cleaning at all, or trying to do too much all at once, and ending up feeling frustrated and resentful that 'cleaning was a chore' and I had no time to actually enjoy my weekend!
Through my sessions with Denise I have been able to understand and appreciate that I clean my house for me, and that cleaning is a very self-loving thing to do for me, because it feels so awesome when my house is clean! I am learning to do bits and pieces during the week as I see them - eg dust the bedside table, clean the bathroom mirror etc - rather than letting it all build up. I am slowly changing my relationship with cleaning, from one of seeing it as a chore and keeping myself busy with other things so that I never got to it, to understanding that it feels so good to clean my house, it somehow 'cleans me', and I get to enjoy the end result every day, the feeling of being in a house that is beautifully clean and fresh.
Denise also seems to have an amazing knack of feeling what areas of the house need cleaning, and has supported me with this through her cleaning. When she cleaned my garage, at first I was a bit annoyed - why had she moved all those boxes of 'stuff', they were in nice neat little piles and she had moved them around and rearranged them - however it didn't take long to feel that that was exactly what needed to happen, that I had become very 'comfortable' having my boxes of 'stuff' (undealt with 'stuff') just sitting there, and by her rearranging them I was able to feel that I needed to deal with them and not put if off any longer. So much has now been dealt with, thrown away, given away and it feels awesome!
~ Kathy, Brisbane
Through my sessions with Denise I have been able to understand and appreciate that I clean my house for me, and that cleaning is a very self-loving thing to do for me, because it feels so awesome when my house is clean! I am learning to do bits and pieces during the week as I see them - eg dust the bedside table, clean the bathroom mirror etc - rather than letting it all build up. I am slowly changing my relationship with cleaning, from one of seeing it as a chore and keeping myself busy with other things so that I never got to it, to understanding that it feels so good to clean my house, it somehow 'cleans me', and I get to enjoy the end result every day, the feeling of being in a house that is beautifully clean and fresh.
Denise also seems to have an amazing knack of feeling what areas of the house need cleaning, and has supported me with this through her cleaning. When she cleaned my garage, at first I was a bit annoyed - why had she moved all those boxes of 'stuff', they were in nice neat little piles and she had moved them around and rearranged them - however it didn't take long to feel that that was exactly what needed to happen, that I had become very 'comfortable' having my boxes of 'stuff' (undealt with 'stuff') just sitting there, and by her rearranging them I was able to feel that I needed to deal with them and not put if off any longer. So much has now been dealt with, thrown away, given away and it feels awesome!
~ Kathy, Brisbane
