Life is a Sacred Journey. We all come into this world with our own unique gifts, lessons to learn and a chance to co-create our sacred path with Spirit.
— Melanie O'Leary

From my earliest memories, embraced by the untamed beauty of Northern British Columbia, I was nourished by nature's abundant gifts. This wilderness, a boundless teacher, instilled in me an intrinsic reverence for the natural world's intricate cycles of life and death. It was here, among serene forests and expansive farmland, that I first learned the language of the earth – a dialogue of growth, decay, and rebirth that guides my practice today.

Yet, as is true for many, there were chapters in my life where this connection was clouded, moments when I wandered far from my true path, swept away by life's tumultuous tides. These detours, though fraught with challenge, were not without their lessons. They taught me the art of navigating in the darkness, the importance of inner silence in a world brimming with noise, and the courage to confront and heal my deepest wounds. These experiences, once sources of pain, have transformed into wellsprings of medicine and wisdom that I now share in my practice.

In my journey back to my roots, I discovered that healing is not merely a return to a state of prior wholeness but an evolutionary process of becoming more profoundly connected with oneself and the world. My practice is a sanctuary where ancient wisdom and modern techniques merge to create a nurturing space for growth and healing. My practice draws upon a broad spectrum of therapeutic modalities, encompassing culturally responsive and socially just counselling, depth psychology, person-centered therapy, ecopsychology, along with somatic practices, ancestral and earth medicine, dream work, soulwork, ceremony, and sacred craft.

This sanctuary I have created is more than a space for therapy; it is a container for transformation. Here, you are invited to be fully present, to be seen and heard in your entirety. Together, we set out on a path of profound change, navigating the complexities of life with grace and resilience. This path is not about seeking quick fixes but embracing deep, lasting change. It's about discovering your medicine, unraveling the mysteries of your being, and learning to dance with life's ever-changing rhythms.

As we walk this path together, we honour the sacred longing within and awaken to the wisdom that resides in your heart. My role is to guide, support, and walk alongside you as you uncover the strength, healing, and wisdom you inherently possess. Let us begin this journey of self-discovery and healing, reconnecting with the sacred essence of who you truly are.

It’s a passion for me to guide people to connect to the land that they live on and to honour their roots and their ancestry. To support people to heal their past, dream their future, connect to their authentic self and becoming who they really are. Holding space through the challenges in life and celebrating their victories.
— Melanie O'Leary

EDUCATION AND TRAINING THAT HAS INFLUENCED AND DEEPENED MY WORK.  

Counselling
2020 ~ Healing Trauma - Peter Levine
2021-2023 ~ Registered Therapeutic Counsellor - Member with Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT)
2022 ~ Introduction to Hakomi - Dominique Lando, MFT, CHT
2023-Ongoing ~ Specialized training and mentorship in Cult Recovery Counselling
2024 ~ Gottman Method Couples Therapy – Level 1 - The Gottman Institute

Traditional Healing & Animism (Shamanism)
2014 ~ Curanderismo: Traditional Medicine - University of New Mexico
2015 ~ Journeying for Guidance and Healing Part 1 & 2 (Teacher Training) - Sandra Ingreman
2017 ~ Introduction to Shamanic Herbalism ~ Shamana Flora
2017-2018 ~ Universal Shaman & Universal Shaman 2 ~ don Oscar Miro-Quesada
2020 ~ Practical Animism ~ Daniel Foor  
*** Since 2008, I have been dedicated to studying Traditional Healing & Animism. I have made the choice to no longer list some of my previous teachers due to the harm that has been done.

Reconciliation & Decolonization
2016 ~ Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education ~ UBC
2019 ~ Honour the Land = Honour the People ~ Palnata7 (Robbi Wilson)
2020 ~ Decolonize First ~ Synthesizing for Social Change ~ Ta7talíya Nahanee & Amanda Fenton
2020 ~ Indigenous Canada ~ University of Alberta

Women's Medicine & Coming of Age
2016 ~ Red Tent Facilitation Training ~ DeAnna L'am
2016 ~ Mentoring Girls Training ~ Journey of Young Women
2016 ~ Pink Tent Rising: Mother-Daughter Circle Facilitation Workshop ~ Molly Remer
2017 ~ Transforming the Mother Wound ~ Pixie Lighthorse
2018-2019 ~ Deepening Woman ~ Rachael Crow & Eartha Love Varda
2019 ~ Sacred Menarche Mentor ~ Tnah Louise

Pregnancy & Birth
2007 ~ Postpartum Doula Training ~ Maternity Wise
2007 ~ Birth as a Hero’s Journey ~ Birthing from Within
2008 ~ Postpartum Doula Training ~ Douglas College
2008 ~ Breastfeeding Support Training for Health Care Providers ~ Douglas College
2017 ~ Spectrum of Loss Course (Pregnancy & Birth Loss) ~ Molly Dutton-Kenny

Natural Healing Modalities
2001 ~ Reflexology Certificate ~ Touchpoint
2003-2004 ~ Diploma in Natural Nutrition ~ Canadian School of Natural Nutrition
2008 ~ Psychosomatic Energies (PSE) Level 1 & 2 ~ BioMed
2009 ~ Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) ~ Pivot Point 4 U
2009 ~ Life Coaching Training ~ Heart Song (Colin Hillstrom)
2009-2010 ~ Post-Secondary Teacher Training ~ Canadian School of Natural Nutrition  
2018-2019 ~ Sound Therapy Diploma Level 1&2 ~ Siddha Sandra
2019 ~ Sound Therapy Teacher Training ~ Siddha Sandra

Sacred Art Creation
2013 ~ Medicine Doll Making Course ~ Barb Kobe