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.

My dream remains to have my own physical sanctuary and retreat space. For me and for others. But for now what feels right is to use the tools at my disposal and create the scared space I envisage in my mind right here, online. This I know exactly how to do. And so now I have the Branches of Wisdom online retreat. You’ll find it here. As a member you can join me for the monthly Retreat Gathering, listen in to the podcast - Through the Seasons, access my e-Course Bloom From Within and read some words of wisdom whenever you feel you need it.

Join the Branches of Wisdom Online Retreat

Within this sacred space it is my intention to share my own pot of wisdom, the guidance and insights I receive and follow what comes. Trusting my soul knows the way, now I choose to tune in, to listen deeply and to act on what I hear and know. I’ve done this for many years, often without realising what a gift this is.

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.

I never know. Until it happens. But magic happens when it’s meant to. This I do know. Moment to moment something within me will spark and this may be the balm for your weary soul precisely when you need it.

My mentoring style is infused with the feminine, mindful well-being practices and led by mother nature and seasonal life cycles.

I have a Level 2 Certificate in Counselling Skills from Newcastle College, a Diploma in the Divine Feminine and am MBSR certified from the University of Massachusetts - (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) which is incorporated into my mentoring work and services.

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.