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THIS IS MY STORY.
My journey began amid significant challenges that shaped not just my childhood but also the professional path I would later choose. Growing up in the '90s with ADHD and a learning disability, I faced intense bullying and navigated academic struggles that deeply tested my resilience. These harsh experiences fostered a dependency and a desire to be the 'good girl,' creating patterns of people-pleasing that I would grapple with well into adulthood.
These early hardships also isolated me from typical childhood experiences, like having a best friend or playing freely on the school playground. This isolation, however, led me to develop a rich inner world. It allowed me to connect deeply with my own landscape of imagination and emotions, which became a sanctuary and a source of strength. This profound internal connection has fueled my empathy and understanding, profoundly shaping my professional approach to helping others explore and heal their own inner landscapes.
This internal journey was accompanied by an awakening to a broader, more universal connection to spirit. Recognizing this connection became a cornerstone of my life, guiding me to see the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of living in harmony with these universal energies. My practice, Inner Wisdom Rising, is deeply rooted in this understanding, aiming to help others tap into their spiritual connections, enhancing their holistic well-being, and fostering a deeper appreciation for the unseen forces that shape our lives.
Married for 18 years and a mother to two wonderful boys, our family thrives on mutual growth and respect amidst a backdrop of delightful chaos and creativity. Our home, alive with the vibrant energy of more pets than people, stands as a testament to our love for life's unpredictable moments and the joy found in the small, everyday things. Cooking and nourishing my family and friends brings me immense joy, especially during big family gatherings where my homemade sourdough bread is a crowd favorite.
Living with neurodivergence within our family has woven a beautiful tapestry of understanding, patience, and learning into our daily lives, creating a uniquely chaotic and wonderful home environment. This aspect of our lives teaches us daily about acceptance and the beauty of seeing the world through diverse perspectives.
My husband, who has been my steadfast partner and greatest ally, is also my most profound teacher in terms of personal growth and navigating relational dynamics. Choosing to marry young presented its own set of challenges, yet it remains one of my greatest accomplishments. Continually choosing this partnership and union, no matter what life throws at us, is a journey of commitment and shared growth. In our union, we've each lived distinct individual experiences yet have shared a life through these varied paths. This dichotomy presents the complexity of truly understanding each other's personal journeys while still supporting one another as partners, friends, and confidants. Navigating the unexpected curves life presents, while not always fully comprehending each other's experiences, requires constant communication, empathy, and the willingness to grow together. This ongoing process is not without its challenges, but it is incredibly rewarding and a foundational aspect of our shared life and love.
The sale of our family business marked a pivotal turn in my life, thrusting me into a profound personal upheaval. This event forced me to reevaluate my identity and led me on a path of deep introspection and healing. Through navigating my personal battles with OCD, depression, and anxiety—manifestations of trauma that deeply influenced my life—I embarked on a journey to reclaim my sense of self and overcome the ingrained patterns of people-pleasing and the need for external validation.
In my pursuit of healing, I unearthed deep-seated fears and phobias that controlled my life. I learned that true change requires moving beyond mere awareness; it necessitates a holistic integration of change through the body, mind, and spirit. This realization not only propelled my professional growth but also inspired the principles I passionately advocate through my work at Inner Wisdom Rising.
Comprehensive Training:
My professional expertise is supported by extensive training in various therapeutic disciplines:
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120-Hour Mind-Body Coaching Certification
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Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy
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Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy - Mentorship 2023
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Somatic Parts Work levels 1,2 and 3
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IFS (Internal Family Systems) Training
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Somatic Attachment therapy Certification
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Healing Intergenerational Trauma with Dr. Peter Levine & Efu Nyaki
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Healing Trauma with Dr. Peter Levine
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Shadow Work Training
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Emotionally Focused Therapy
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Imago Couples Therapy Foundations
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Advanced Group-work Facilitation Training
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Thai Yoga Bodywork
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Fascial stretch Therapist
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200 YTT Yoga Trainng
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Myofascial ReleaseTraining
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Meditation & Breath-work facilitation Certification
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Tantra Training
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NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming) Training
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My offerings today are deeply influenced by my continuous journey of learning and personal evolution, including ongoing mentorship and advanced studies in fields such as family systems, somatic healing, and transpersonal work.
Current Focus and Offerings:
I facilitate private 1:1 sessions and group sessions and courses that support individuals in understanding and transforming their relationship patterns, fostering authentic connections and personal fulfillment. As I continue on my path, I am committed to deepening my understanding and expanding the reach of Inner Wisdom Rising. I aim to create a global community where transformative healing and self-discovery are accessible to all who seek them.
WORK WITH ME 1:1
TESTIMONIALS.
Let Others Inspire You.
Working with Melissa was a transformative experience, that allowed me to release embodied feelings of self doubt, and fears of being under qualified in my work. I too am a practitioner in the field of health and wellness, and was excited to work with Melissa in order to elevate my business, and personal well being to the next level.
I would highly recommend Melissa to anyone who is looking to elevate their personal wellness or business adventures to the next level, or anyone who is seeking profound mind-body transformation and personal growth.
C.S
Melissa is an intuitive and compassionate coach. She focuses on what you express as valuable and important by asking questions to help you get in touch with not only what you think those things are but also what lies beneath the surface in your sub conscious mind.
She provides space for you to regulate when your feelings start to come up during the sessions and she embraces the way that you learn by flexing herself to your unique style.
In every coaching session I’ve had with Melissa, I’ve experienced AHA moments mixed with feeling seen, heard and validated.
I am continuously blown away by her depth of knowledge coupled with her ability to gently reframe language that no longer serves the situation. I am so grateful to have such an aligned coach to assist me not only regulating my nervous system but also helping me challenge unpleasant thought patterns while raising awareness around my attachment style and how to navigate the important relationships in my life.
Thank you for showing up for me in this space Melissa, you’ll forever have my recommendation!
Brittany S
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Desire my 50-page Unmasking the People- Pleaser Workbook for FREE?
Begin your transformative journey today with this workbook to help you peel back the layers and discover where you are pleasing others at the cost of you. Journal prompts, exercises and deep grounded kindness will help you get clear and grounded in who you are, and how to stand in your truth.
You'll also receive my weekly encouragement emails designed to inspire profound shifts in perspective. These resources include thought-provoking journal prompts, grounding somatic practices, and empowering rituals, whether you're a mom like me, or on the go.
I see you.
This was made for you.