“Before SWIHA, I had two decades of social work experience in the context of non-profit organizations and State Government. In 2009, I had a series of unfortunate, life-altering events occur that made me realize there are gaps in services for people like myself (grieving, going through a divorce and the loss of a parent, and also living away from my family) lacking a support network to help me navigate the process or hold space for my grief. This led me on a search for healing and eventually, I landed in massage school, reiki training, yoga, meditation teacher training, and end-of-life doula classes.”
Like many other SWIHA students, Melanie was searching for something bigger than herself. She was searching for a way to help herself as well as help others. Melanie explains, "I needed tools to self-soothe and reconnect to my spirit, hope, and support. I wanted to pass that gift along to others, yet I lacked the confidence and my focus was divided between multiple jobs and doing massage part-time” she continues, “When I saw the SWIHA catalog with the Hypnotherapy curriculum I knew that was the right path for me. It was very close to what I loved about meditation, just with a deeper, longer look at its application.”
With this strong feeling of knowing she was in the right place, Melanie Jean enrolled in SWIHA’s 350-hour Hypnotherapy program. “I had an inner knowing, a real resonance, and excitement about the 350-hour program and how it addressed all of my interests, including dream work, healing from PTSD, spiritual growth, and transformation.”
During Melanie’s time as a SWIHA student, she was also working part-time for a homeless shelter, and taking Massage clients at various times. Eventually, an office space became available for her to rent, so she did! “I left all my other jobs to focus solely on my business and finish the program.” Melanie then finished her program that August and was ready to start working on her own Hypnotherapy business and offerings. While reflecting back on her time during the program, her favorite classes were “Past Life Regression because it has such an immediate impact. I still feel called to offer Dream work classes. I’d say Dreams and Metaphors was the class I most looked forward to and I could probably never tire of learning about them.”
Throughout the first year of being graduated, Melanie worked tirelessly on all the little things that go along with running a business. She worked on trying to sort out technology, creating curriculum for programs, and finding her own rhythm with her business! Melanie reflects, “A lot of things just unfolded as a result of being in business. I was invited to join a networking group. I created a community with my clients and reiki students, which provides a safe container for people to find support and like-minded friends to grow with. I partnered with a business (Chiron Revelations) that utilizes mini horses for business/organizational development. I taught Animal Healing with Reiki and we invite my students and clients to visit the minis - it’s very therapeutic.” In her personal life, Melanie finds that the biggest change is the amount of free time she has and the number of social connections as well - for the better! Melanie asserts, “It’s a much more fulfilling life than I had before. It’s full of activities and social support.”
Melanie is the proud owner of Epiphany Hypnotherapy & Massage. She offers Hypnotherapy, Reiki, Massage, and Tarot Readings. Melanie also teaches various levels of workshops and networking events. Melanie shares, “I think inviting people to socialize together is incredibly helpful in the healing process. Having a community to support you, makes change a lot more comfortable.”
“I wanted to have my own business because I felt limited in a lot of ways. I felt my free time was very limited. My 9-5 WAS my life and there was no time or energy left after work to enjoy life. And what I found to be most important to healing was healing the spirit, which is basically off-limits in the work setting. By leaving that behind, I am able to nurture that spiritual aspect of myself and others that addresses anxiety and depression and alleviates those symptoms naturally.”
As with anything, we are always learning as we go. Melanie shares that her education at SWIHA set her up for success! At the same time, she is utilizing her knowledge one step at a time and trying to get better and better! Melanie elaborates, “I have a wealth of material from the program at SWIHA that I have barely tapped into. I know as I go along, I’ll utilize it and integrate it, and refine my niche so I can go deeper, and be more specific in the types of healing I offer. I also see by observing my own processes that many seeds have been planted in me over the years that are emerging as I walk along the path.” A rather exciting mention in the progress of her business is that Melanie has been invited into the Hospital to do Reiki with Breast Cancer Survivors Support Group in her local hospital! “This is a Reiki Practitioner’s dream! To have the door open to Reiki” shares Melanie.
For all of the people out there pondering if they should take the leap and enroll at SWIHA, Melanie states, “Follow the call of your heart. Let happiness and joy lead the way. If something makes your heart sing, that’s your sign.”
Melanie can also relate to the fact that taking the leap into the unknown can be daunting! Melanie’s piece of wisdom is, “It actually took me a long time to leave my ‘day job’ and transition from a steady paycheck to working for myself. The whole process was 6-7 years. I took a huge pay cut to go change my schedule so I could go to massage school. It’s very scary to leap from security into the unknown. Especially when you’re single and supporting yourself on your own. It can be done, although it’s an act of faith and surrender. There’s no way to cultivate faith without stepping out in faith first and watching how the universe supports you. It tests you and it requires you to practice the tools you teach.”
Connect with Melanie
Instagram: @epiphany_hypnotherapy
Facebook: Epiphany Hypnotherapy & Massage
Website: https://epiphanyhypnotherapy.com/
