Meet Melanie - Award winning mentor, author and counsellor
As I support my clients and navigate the juggles and struggles in my own life, especially around bereavement, long-term health issues and the stresses of being a mid-life woman, I know we need to consciously create pockets of stillness and mindful moments to help us tune out from the incessant chatter around us and tune in more deeply to ourselves.
Based in Surrey you’ll often find me outdoors in my wellies, immersed in nature and pottering in our garden which is surrounded by wildlife, flowers and plants. I live with my beloved husband Mr M and our beautiful tabby cat Lola. We are fortunate to live among a Scientific Site of Special Interest (SSSI) along with various wildlife next to the water. There is always something for us to observe which brings moments of joy whatever the season.
Retreating and being among nature is a much-needed balm for our weary souls.
As when we grasp the opportunity to pause and gift ourselves time and space to simply be only then can we calm our frazzled nervous systems, find the clarity we seek and re-energise our minds, bodies and spirits as we reconnect with the divine guidance awaiting within.
I started my own writing journey fifteen years ago with my own blog, Scarletta’s Blog. With nothing more than instinct and an idea. This Wordpress blog quickly began a petite business – Scarletta Media. Which grew and expanded several times over immersed in the ever-changing landscape of the social media revolution.
In 2018 a new chapter unfolded as I launched another business, as a Mentor, in my own name, which gave me the opportunity to expand my services and interests even further particularly around the benefits of nature and forest therapy, mindfulness for stress reduction and counselling.
It has long been a heartfelt dream of mine to have a sacred space whereby those who hear the call can find sanctuary and retreat. This place exists in my mind’s eye. It’s there. Clear as day. I go there in my mind, I can see it and feel it. It’s been calling me for some time.
If money were no barrier what would you do?
My answer to this question is always - “Open a retreat, in France by the sea. A place where weary souls can gather and just be”.
Over the years this calling has been buried under a pile of rubble, we’d refer to as everyday life. My dream diminished. Almost. Until I remembered. Until I heard the whisper. Until I stopped thinking of reasons why I couldn’t and began to think of all the ways I could bring this space to life.
It might be a word, or an insight, a simple knowing that arrives in the moment.
It may offer you reassurance, comfort or a sign. It may encourage you to take another step, and another.
It may give you an alternative perspective or approach that you hadn’t considered before.
It may encourage you to listen and act on your own soul whispers.
It may give you a sense of belonging and feel less alone when you’re immersed in a load of life rubble too.
My mentoring style is infused with the feminine, mindful well-being practices and led by mother nature and seasonal life cycles to support mental health and well-being.
Accreditations
Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills from Newcastle College
Diploma in the Divine Feminine and am MBSR certified from the University of Massachusetts - (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)
Mental Health First Aider - MHFA England
Samaritans First Aider
Safeguarding Adults
Safeguarding Young People
Citizens Advice First Aider
MINDFUL MENTORING INFUSED WITH DIVINE FEMININE AND NATURE LED PRACTICES
And you’ll often find me sharing snippets and mindful moments on Instagram. Come and say hello.
The values behind my words and work
There are three values that remain firmly at the heart and soul of my words and work, they are authenticity, connection to self and others and community.
I intentionally speak up and use my voice if it supports a good cause, shares valuable wisdom or insights and inspires others.
I passionately believe in encouraging and empowering women of all ages to be themselves, who they really are whilst building their lives on their own terms.
I actively support and mentor modern day women (and sometimes men!) through big and small life transitions including divorce, bereavement or their own mid-life awakening.
I believe - the only way to see and experience more positive feminine change and shift the balance is if we collectively stand together and use our powerful voices to speak up.
I know - we owe it to ourselves and all the women who came before us and all those who follow to lead the way and light the path ahead whilst being true to ourselves.
Because we can.
In my world there are no should's or must-do's, we all know what we need to do, however sometimes we'd like someone else we trust to join us and walk alongside as we grow, evolve and bloom with encouragement, morale, support and branches of wisdom.