About Me
My reiki and yoga journey
Melissa Benson, BS-Accounting, RYT 500, RCYS, Reiki Master
I battled extreme anxiety and mild depression for much of my life; I fought triggers from trauma, lacked self esteem, confidence and self love. For many years, I felt stuck as I continued to hit a plateau with talk therapy and developed chronic health conditions leading to surgeries and ER visits with no answers from multiple physicians as to what was going on inside my body.
Upon switching to a holistic practitioner and to an alternative therapy counselor; I realized my body continued to store my trauma which was the core reason for my health issues. It was recommended I try massage therapy, yoga, and eventually reiki as complimentary therapies.
As I began to practice yoga and meditation regularly, I felt positive changes in my body, mentally and physically. I noticed a decrease in my anxiety, increased relaxation, and improved sleep. After practicing yoga for several years, I added Reiki to my life. Reiki assisted in opening my mind and body to stored emotions as it deepened my awareness of the mind - body connection. Both yoga and Reiki assisted in decreasing my anxiety/depression, and helped process deep trauma by body was holding on to. I have decreased physical illness and chronic pain, healthy digestive system, increased energy, focus and great sleep!
I have found yoga and energy healing when used separately or together assist in relaxation of the body and releasing deep rooted tension the body holds on to as a result of trauma. I continue to receive massages regularly, practice yoga (almost) daily, and see my Reiki practitioner as needed.
Not only have these complimentary therapies helped in my healing journey, they continue to be my self care which is important maintenance to reduce daily stress and prevent illness.
My journey led me to become a yoga teacher and a Reiki Master. My continuing education includes a 50 hour Trauma Informed Yoga certification and a RCYS Certification (Registered Children’s Yoga School Certification with a trauma informed focus).
I have a passion for trauma informed care and helping others discover and grow their mind/body connection. I look forward to sharing my gifts and passion with you, listen to your story, and be apart of your personal journey.