Melissa’s Story
Holistic Grief Wellness was founded after the unexpected and devastating passing of my husband. My world was completely turned upside down catapulting me into widowhood in my late 30’s, and thrust down a dark, torturous, and heartbreaking grief tunnel.
I discovered grief to be an extremely lonely path that forced me into isolation to cope with my loss and to protect myself from the outside world that didn’t understand the pain and devastation I was experiencing, and a world that I was no longer familiar with or felt I belonged in. My grief was overwhelming as I navigated the constant waves of emotions, and the multi-layered complexities of my loss, as well as trying to comprehend a life without my beloved husband. My heart was shattered into a million pieces.
Finding myself in a dangerously dark place and stuck in my grief, I knew I needed to seek ways to support my grieving process externally as well as tapping into my inner resources. I knew I needed to find some light in the darkness that surrounded me. Guided by my holistic approach and intuition, I integrated several holistic practices within my grief support system which were instrumental in being able to process and shift my grief and continue to support healing throughout my ongoing grieving and healing journey.
Understanding the depth of despair, the immense heartbreak, the utter exhaustion, and the haunting loneliness of grieving a loss, and being able to pull myself from the pits of darkness with the help of holistic tools, I felt a strong call and purpose to support fellow grievers in their grieving process and help them navigate through their ongoing grief and healing journey. It brings me comfort to know that this work will help others in my late husband’s honour.
Holistic Grief Wellness combines all the holistic tools I sought solace in, which were absolute game changers in my grieving process. My holistic approach allows me to see each griever as a whole person - mind, body, and spirit. I compassionately and gently help grievers shift their grief within their physical bodies, process their grief within their emotional and mental bodies, and listen deeply to the wisdom that comes from their spiritual bodies, as well as explore ways our loved ones communicate with us from the Afterlife. I create a safe and sacred space for grievers to feel and acknowledge their grief, and to process and move through their grief, allowing opportunity for transformation.
I am a Masters-qualified Holistic Counsellor specialising in grief and loss, and practising within the complementary therapies and wellbeing field. I am also a qualified Creative Arts Therapist, Mindful Grieving Yoga Therapist, Mindful Grieving Group Facilitator, Yoga and Meditation Teacher, and certified Sound and Vibrational Healing Practitioner. I am extremely driven by my passion and purpose to help others in their grief journey and provide deep understanding, compassion, and authenticity.
I am also a published author, sharing my deeply personal journey of love, loss, grief, and my continued connection with my husband after his passing. My book ‘Love, Loss and Eternity’ explores the many ways he comes to me, communicates with me, and lets me know he is still by my side. Through my story, I also explore the many signs, messages, and ways our loved ones may continue reaching out to us after they have crossed over, offering comfort, connection, and hope.
I live on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, and support grievers throughout Australia and internationally.
I am passionate about sharing my insights and lived experiences, and fostering meaningful conversations around grief, loss, healing, and holistic wellness. I am available for public speaking engagements, workshops, and events, bringing thoughtful perspectives on navigating grief, embracing self-care, and cultivating resilience. My approach is compassionate, authentic, and tailored to the needs of your audience, blending professional expertise with personal understanding.
If you are interested in having me speak at your event or facilitate a mindful grieving yoga, meditation, or art therapy group session, I would be honoured to contribute. Together, we can create a space that promotes grief awareness, healing, and personal growth, offering your audience or group guidance, support, and hope.
I offer a range of grief-related topics and workshops that can be adapted to suit the unique needs and interests of your audience, ensuring a meaningful and impactful experience for all participants.
Please get in touch via email or click on the ‘Contact Me’ button below.
melissa@holisticgriefwellness.com.au
Hire Melissa for Public Speaking and Group Sessions
Melissa’s Qualifications & Training
Masters in Holistic Counselling
Advanced Diploma in Meditation Therapy
Diploma in Holistic Integrated Creative Arts Therapy
Yoga Teacher Training (200-hour)
Yin Yoga Teacher Training (50-hour)
Mindful Grieving Yoga Therapy Training (200-hour)
Postgraduate Certificate in Holistic Therapies for PTSD
Certificate in Holistic Grief and Loss Counselling
Certificate in Sound Therapy and Vibrational Healing
Diploma in Business (Human Resources)
Diploma in Business Administration
Registrations & Affiliations