Young Mum, Melissa, came to the Retreat to find some answers for her depression. After her first Fountainhead Method™ Life Coaching session, Melissa was able to understand her beliefs and why she had been feeling like this.

This was only the beginning of her journey…

Guest Interview with Melissa 14 Days Beat The Blues Program - April 2012

Q. Melissa, just a few more days and you’ll be heading home; do you think you’ve accomplished what you came here to do?
A. I came to Fountainhead because I had depression and I wanted to stop feeling like that.
Well, at least I thought I had depression. When I started my very first Life Coaching session with Mia, within 30 seconds she explained to me that I had the symptoms of anxiety, not depression. So really, finding this out and addressing why I feel like this has been very successful, especially as I have been feeling like this for a long time – I even remember feeling like this when I was a kid.

Q. Has there been a part of your program that has helped particularly?
A. The whole philosophy has been great. I’ve learnt not to be so hard on myself, I was always feeling guilty. The best thing is realising that every thought you have has a reason behind why you think like that.
I’ve also learnt to take a moment (the ‘pause’ button) before I react, especially with the kids.
I’m going to make an effort to try and lead by example at home now – my kids are too young to sit them down and try and explain the Fountainhead Method to them, but if they observe how I behave, hopefully it’ll make a difference.
I think journaling is a good idea, I haven’t done too much of it – but I will use that when a big event happens. In fact I’ve got a three hour train journey home, so I think I’ll use that time to be writing.

Q. You mentioned Mia was your Life Coach, how did you find your other personal therapies?
A. Oh yes, Mia was a real stand out, I felt I could really open up to her and she has just been a huge help – plus she is funny as well.
I found the Journey therapy to be a bit heavy for me, although the outcome is good. The mindfulness session was well taken with Jackie, but it wasn’t my favourite therapy. Life Coaching was the best for me.

Q. How about the rest of your stay, have you enjoyed the social activities?
A. Oh yes, the movie night was good – watched a good movie called The Doctor. We also had a couple of themed dinner parties, French one night, Indian on another – they were fun. We had a beach trip and some bush walking too. I joined in with the group exercise every morning, I felt good about that and I’m going to start doing something every morning when I get home – I’m going to make up a fitness plan –although I can’t go far as the kids are at home, but even if it’s just in my back yard running on the spot!
I really enjoyed my pamper therapies too – especially the ginger compress, that was great. I’m going to use that at home with my kids – even if I don’t use the ginger, just the hot towels on my daughter, it’ll be lovely to share with them.
I’ve still got another massage to go, looking forward to that.

Q. And the healthy food - was that something you enjoyed?
A. Yes! I am going to make a change at home – it’s been so great having a big lunch of healthy food. I’m so used to just grabbing a vegemite sandwich or something, yes I’ll start feeding the kids organic too now.
I actually did the juice detox… twice! The first time I started to feel a bit light headed after the second day, but I still carried on. This time I feel fine – although I keep going into the kitchen and smelling all that lovely food – I can’t wait for breakfast tomorrow now, first solid meal for a few days!

Thanks Melissa, have a safe journey home – and see you on the Fountainhead Facebook page.