World Mental Health Day Special

Hi Amber. It is great to be talking to you.

Can you please share about yourself and your journey so far?

Hi Francesca! Yes, of course. My name is Amber and I’m a witch of about 17 years now. I’ve been practising spellwork (like candle magick and magickal visualization) since I was about 18 years old. I consider myself a kitchen witch, coastal witch, and hedge witch, among other things! My practice is nature-based and I spend as much time outdoors and working with natural elements as possible. I consider all nature, and all living things to be symbolic of the Great Spirit or the God/Goddess.

I believe that Spirit can manifest in a variety of forms, even in various faiths, spiritualities, and religions. This is part of why my spirituality is so open and eclectic. I was always interested in the afterlife and mysticism. I was raised in a Roman Catholic family and studied Buddhism in college. I feel like some of these influences are also a part of my spiritual foundation. Above all, I revere nature and talk/pray to the Great Spirit which I also see as the God/Goddess.

I am a certified Reiki Master and a psychic medium. My first experience with a spirit/ghost was when I was 3 years old and I frequently have experiences with the spirit realm. It is part of the fabric of my life and why I try to help as many people as I can with my psychic gifts, Reiki healing, and tarot. As far as my educational background goes, I have a Creative Writing BA from the University of Central Florida. I earned a Creative Writing Workshop Leader certificate for teaching creative writing workshops for public school students, women, and seniors. I have post-graduate counseling training from Walden University.

I received my first mental health diagnosis at the age of 12, but what I uncovered years later is that I was dealing with trauma. I spent many years before this exploring my anxiety and depression. I became a certified Guardian Advocate in the courts in the state of Florida so I could help others get the care they needed and receive support once they got out of the hospital.

I am a former mental health technician and an experienced peer supporter and mental health support group leader. I am also a professional copywriter for marketing agencies and brands in various industries. It’s my goal to use my unique flavour of witchcraft, my skills in writing and communication, and my mental health experience to help other witches and healers like me.

Great question! Mental Health for Witches was first established in 2020, a year after I had my daughter. I took a break from the marketing agency world and wanted to do something purposeful with my writing and mental health experience. It was then that Mental Health for Witches was born.

Since then I’ve been building the community and concept into something that can truly help witches and nature-based healers. I’m proud to say that my hard work is paying off and that we’re extending our witchy service offerings in 2023 and 2024. You can find out more by signing up for the Mental Health for Witches E-Newsletter.

What do you endeavour to achieve through MHW?

I want to help witches who are searching for healing resources and a caring place for holistic support. It’s important that witches of all ages and backgrounds feel empowered. It’s my goal to offer truly educational, healing information and services to help all witches heal and grow.

There are so many therapies and healing modalities out there. Some are more common than others! What I know from 20 years of trying various approaches is that the same formula doesn’t work for everyone. Also, what’s most popular isn’t necessarily the most effective.

The world of therapy and healing is changing rapidly. Witches are taking charge of their emotional and mental health like never before. What resonates with many witches is listening to their inner voice. This inner voice can help you unlock the keys to your healing, especially if you’ve been healing from trauma.

When I was younger, medication and therapy were the basic recipe for trauma survivors. They were given a mental health diagnosis and sent on their way. These days, there are more options. As you get to know yourself, you’ll discover the right recipe. It’s important that witches start with the basics, like getting enough sleep, nutrition, physical activity, and time outside. It’s also helpful to research various approaches to find what resonates.

Don’t give up! It could take years before you discover the best form of therapy or the best healing method for you. Listen to your heart. If you feel that a counselling method or therapist isn’t right for you, make a switch. You can take control of your health! Workbooks and peer support groups can be excellent options for those who need to take a break from traditional methods or want to add supplemental support.

I personally believe that we put too much emphasis on drugs and pharmaceuticals in America without addressing the core issues that we’re facing: family and childhood trauma, poverty, low wages, self-esteem issues from overuse of social media and technology, etc. Everyone has their own way of healing, but my point is that we simplify mental health and emotional wellness way too much with broad diagnoses and medical model healing approaches. We need to get back to basics and take care of our minds and bodies. We also desperately need a supportive, loving community!

Every witch is safe here to heal. We will share various ideas and resources, but we will never try to push one approach on our coven. It’s the same way we treat friends and family. What’s most important is that you feel great about yourself, your life, and your craft. Whether you take medication, love your therapist, or focus on natural methods of healing, MHW aims to show a variety of approaches so witches can find what’s right for them.

We are most focused on trauma healing, natural healing methods, and a combination of modalities for holistic mental health. We don’t push medication as the only option or require diagnoses like bipolar or borderline personality disorder to participate. And we don’t claim to be psychiatrists or certified mental health counsellors. What we are here at MHW are peers who guide and empower our coven to heal, grow, and achieve better mental health and emotional wellness.

We recognize that since the beginning of time healing has come through nature. Spending time outside with the Goddess and Mother Earth can help us reset and recharge. If we get quiet in nature we will find the same spirit that is inside of us. Embarking on a spiritual journey and serving others through our witchy gifts can help us find purpose during our challenges with mental health.

There are many out there just like you! No matter how dark things seem, you can take steps today toward healing. Be patient with yourself and take things one step at a time. There is a coven of healers out there like you who need your light and your support to grow and heal.

Here at MHW, we look at modern trauma-healing solutions and evidence-based practices to find new ways for you to feel better. Don’t give up because we won’t, either! There is magic inside of you and here at MHW we can help you find its purpose.

Thank you for sharing your views with me, Amber.

Please, make sure you reach out to Amber if her work resonates with you! 

She is a wonderful person and professional :)