This week, Mystic Mag had the opportunity to interview Colette McKinlay from Wild Women Holistics. We talked about her beginnings, how her career developed, and what she loves most about her profession.
When did you first realize you have a healing gift, and how did your career develop?
I always wanted to do herbal medicine since I was in school. When I left school there wasn’t any form of “school” to learn so learning biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology at school and then became self-taught on herbs, edible flowers, and foraging. After years had passed I was able to get “formal” qualifications.
What kind of therapies do you offer?
At the moment the therapies I offer are Integrated Healing Therapy, Sound Healing, Chakra and Aura Clearing, Medicine Buddha Reiki, Pellowah, Emotional Freedom Technique, and the 13th Munay Ki Rite along with death doula work. I have, over the years studied everything from massage to aromatherapy to reflexology and back again. I also offer reiki shares, women’s circles, monthly “Gathering in the Garden” summer days, and sacred cacao ceremonies.
What can a person expect from them?
I am able to cater to clients requiring help with mediation, reset days, rebalances and most things in between. My goal is for my clients to feel rejuvenated and rebalanced, calm, and at peace when they leave my sacred space.
What is the most important detail in maintaining a relationship of mutual trust with customers?
For me, this requires confidentiality, openness, and honesty. If anyone comes to me for a treatment and I feel that nothing I can offer is suitable I will always be honest and give them the details of another therapist who will be able to help. It is all about connectedness and network and openness.
Was there anything that you felt you needed to do to deepen or develop your abilities?
I’ve always worked on my knowledge base, studying different modalities, not to be able to offer them as therapy but to see how another little bit fits into the puzzle that is the mind, body, and spirit connectivity. Another piece of the puzzle can sometimes be the penny drop moment when someone is looking for help. Other than eternal study, trusting my instincts, the inner knowing, and spending time with my plants and nature in contemplation.
What do you love most about your profession?
Everything! I love helping people, I love growing my plants and making my concoctions, and I love knowing that I may have touched someone’s life in a way that makes a difference, and this happens more and more through my death doula work. Being there to support someone on their last journey and knowing that they and their family were as peaceful as possible is such an amazing gift.
