TOM SEAMAN

I earned my Bachelors Degree in Education and Psychology in 1994 from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Instead of a career in teaching or psychology after college, I was more interested in private business ventures, all of which were in the field of health education. After 6 years as an entrepreneur, I returned to school in 2001 to obtain my Masters Degree in Counseling. Unfortunately, I was unable to complete my degree after I developed a debilitating neurological movement disorder called cervical dystonia. It turned my world upside down, altering the course of my life in ways I never imagined possible.

After numerous failed treatments and years of physical and mental pain, I dedicated myself to learning and applying a variety of symptom management techniques that greatly improved my quality of life. In addition to better managing my disorder, I lost 150 pounds that I gained due to my sedentary lifestyle. Click here to read my full story and click here to order my first book, Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey.

This book was recognized by the Michael J. Fox Foundation and added to their list of suggested resources. It is the only book on dystonia they include. It was also featured in Authority Magazine, Pain-Free Living magazine, and Pain Pathways magazine. I also have over 100 articles published online and in print publications all over the world, most notably, Brain and Life Magazine, the official magazine of the American Academy of Neurology. My story was also featured by the American Brain Foundation. Please see the links below under the heading “Featured In” and view the list of articles in the Resources section. My goal is to spread as much education and awareness as possible to help people suffering with any physical and/or emotional health condition.

These life changing experiences helped me gain a greater understanding and deeper appreciation for the physical and mental pain associated with chronic health conditions, physical limitations, weight problems, general health maintenance, as well as the ongoing every day struggles of life. Most importantly, I learned strategies for battling back when the rock we are under seems too heavy to lift. This prompted me to write my second book, Beyond Pain and Suffering: Adapting to Adversity and Life Challenges, which I discuss briefly below. You can click here for more detailed information. Both books are available on this website and Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook.

Weight Loss Journey

Dystonia Journey

In 2012, I became certified as a professional life coach through the International Coach Academy. Utilizing this education and the tools I learned from my experience living with a life altering chronic health condition, I now dedicate myself to helping others take more control of their lives through better health practices. I have had the pleasure of working with clients ages 11-78 from all over the world including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Portugal, South Africa, Lebanon, Spain, Switzerland, the UK, and China. I was also a keynote speaker for the first ever national dystonia symposium in Canada.

FEATURED IN

In 2015, I published the book, Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey. This combination autobiography, self help, education book provides treatment options, coping strategies, skills for daily living, and tools for dealing with the physical and mental challenges of life with a chronic health condition. Although this book centers on dystonia, much of the information can be applied to any health condition or other life challenge. It provides useful strategies and tools for any life circumstance. Click here to order a copy.

In 2021, I published my second book, Beyond Pain and Suffering: Adapting to Adversity and Life Challenges. This book provides strategies for managing difficulties we are experiencing in the moment, and for the unpredictable stressors in life, such as financial distress, trauma, pain, diseases and other illnesses, relationship issues, fear, depression, anxiety, and grief, to name just a few. This book offers tools and strategies for how to cope and manage these situations and move beyond the pain and suffering they bring, be it physical, emotional, or both. It teaches how to not make the most difficult parts of our life the most significant part of our life. Click here to order a copy.

I have been faced with major challenges throughout my life, all of which came with significant opportunities. What helps me jump over hurdles is my belief that everything has a solution. There is nothing that can’t be altered to improve our quality of life. Every obstacle provides opportunity for us to become better people and every day as a life coach I am grateful for the chance to help others achieve their personal best.

Success is not measured by what man accomplishes, but by the opposition he has encountered
and the courage with which he has maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.
– Charles Lindbergh –