MISSION STATEMENT
Nature provides an abundance of resources for us to heal, balance, and thrive.We owe the natural world much gratitude, respect, and support in return. To live our best, we must feed ourselves not only with clean air, water, and food…but with actions that support our wellness, and experiences that bring us joy and light. We can often forget that we are a part of nature just as much as the plants, the animals, the waters, and even the stars. By truly supporting the health of our own body, we are also supporting the health of the planet and the greater good.
Improving your health supports the planet...
and supporting the planet improves your health…
About
MELANIE JOHNSON
I grew up in a small town in the mountains, developing a deep passion about the planet's health early in childhood. I've always valued my connection to nature, and how it enriches my spiritual, mental, and physical health.
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I have also been a dancer since childhood, which led me to complete my B.A. in Dance from UC Santa Barbara. After college, I continued to enrich my love for movement and knowledge of the human body. I became certified in personal training, Hatha Yoga, and Therapeutic Yoga. I went on to study reiki and spent several years offering yoga and reiki in studios and treatment centers. I also taught dance, creative movement, and yoga to children and adolescents for many years in school and studio settings. I cherish my work with children as it has grounded me in approaching the world with curiosity, as if through a child’s eyes, always keeping a beginner’s mind. I notice this shows up in my coaching and teaching sessions - whether working with children or adults.
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After a profound experience with healing through nutritional changes, I became certified in nutrition and health coaching, and then continued my studies in coaching skills. I now help clients to discover their own balanced lifestyle. I am passionate about integrating more whole/pure foods, into the diet- for both human health, and environmental health. Connecting to nature and our food enhances balance in our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
I am drawn to working with one’s deeper intuition and the wisdom of the body. I am currently a student at Naropa University, studying Counseling & Somatic Psychotherapy, with an emphasis in Dance Movement Therapy. I have also recently completed trainings in dreamwork. While I do not offer therapy services, my coaching methods draw upon the somatic and counseling skills from all of my past and current trainings.
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My mission as a coach is to support clients to enrich their mind-body connection and overall wellness- through nourishing lifestyle choices, our innate connections to nature, and communication with the body's wisdom.
TRAINING & QUALIFICATIONS
Naropa University
-Working towards M.A. Clinical Mental Health Counseling/Somatic Psychotherapy, & LPCC
Pacifica Graduate Institute
-Dream Tending and Deep Imagination Certificate I
National Board Certification for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBC-HWC)
-Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
Institute for Integrative Nutrition
-Health Coach Certification
White Lotus Foundation
-Therapeutic Yoga Certifications (Levels I & II)
-Hatha Yoga Certifications (Levels I & II)
Jikiden Reiki Institute
-Jikiden Reiki Certification
Usui Reiki Institute
-Usui Reiki Certification
National Academy of Sports Medicine
-Personal Training Certification
University of California, Santa Barbara
-Bachelor of Arts in Dance
About
Melanie's Somatic Wellness Coaching
Wellness Coaching sessions involve guidance and support in the areas of life where you seek balance or healing. Following your vision and intentions towards wellness, we will co-create strategies to help achieve your desired personal growth. Wellness coaching is designed to help you to make incremental shifts over time to create long-lasting change.
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In sessions, I draw on my coaching and counseling skills to discuss and navigate the areas where you are seeking better wellness in your life. Somatic therapy tools are integrated to connect with the wisdom of the body, tapping into your deeper intuition for personal growth. Dreamwork can also be incorporated at your request. All of these skills will assist in gaining better insight to yourself and the world around you, with clearer understandings of what is best for your well-being moving forward.
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As needed, I may also provide guidance in wellness skills or experiential along the way.
(For example: gentle breath work or visualizations for stress reduction)
My mission as a coach is to support clients to enrich their mind-body connection and overall wellness- through nourishing lifestyle choices, our innate connections to nature, and communication with the body's wisdom.
What is a Coach?
A coach is a guide and mentor who empowers you, and provides ongoing support and guidance as you make sustainable changes towards improved health and happiness.
My coaching service emphasizes holistic health & wellness, and offers a support system that is unique to your needs. I will guide you to define and achieve your wellness goals, help you create action plans, hold you accountable, and support you through your barriers in achieving these goals.
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A Coach is NOT:
-A doctor or physician, so I won't be diagnosing, prescribing, or treating you.
...but I WILL support you in navigating your doctor's orders and recommendations.
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-A registered dietician, so I won’t be providing meal plans or specific diets.
...but I WILL support you in navigating a nutrition plan prescribed by a dietician or doctor... and I WILL provide education and suggestions regarding nutrition to support your wellness intentions.
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-A therapist, so I won't be treating mental health concerns.
...but I WILL support what arises for you in sessions, acknowledging what is relevant for your inner balance and wellness intentions.