Angel Therapy is a non-denominational spiritual healing method that involves working with a person's guardian angels and archangels, to heal and harmonize every aspect of life. Angel Therapy also helps you to more clearly receive Divine Guidance from the Creator and angels.
Michelle is an Angel Practitioner with four young children ages 15, 9, 8 and nearly 7. She runs her own businesses www.sanctuaryofangels.com and www.thelittleangelsclub.com. Michelle also runs a club for children, encouraging self esteem and self worth. She has four meditation CDs currently out in the shops worldwide and her children's book is soon to be published!
How did you become an Angel Therapy practitioner? What is your background?
In December 2000, I was severely ill in hospital after seven years of illness. While writing a letter to my husband and children telling them how much I loved them and would always be there for them, a bright and very beautiful light filled the hospital room. With this shimmer of light came great peace, love and a strength that carried me through three major operations and a complete recovery to health. The "light" that I experienced on that dark day has become my life's work. I trained as an ATP with Doreen Virtue after studying main areas of the holistic world and just felt that after all I had learnt through my lifetime, it was time to empower others to find "who" they really are and believe in themselves, with the knowledge that the Angelic Realm are available to provide guidance and support along the way.
Doreen Virtue taught the method of Angel Card Readings and the importance of chakra cleansing and that just seemed to open an amazing Pandora's Box. The Angels guided me to methods that I would go on to teach - Archangel Crystal Grids, channeling Angel energy for healing, automatic writing, the importance of positive thinking...the list has become never ending. Each day I learn something new and wonderful.
I now run an established school called Sanctuary of Angels, where others may spend a day connecting with the Angels for their own personal journey or take the time to qualify as an Angel Healer. I also hold the little angels club for children. For all that I am and I have, I am in complete and heartfelt gratitude to the Angels and that dark day in December 2000.
What exactly does Angel Therapy involve?
More and more people of today are experiencing an Angelic presence. This is because the way we have allowed society to become, depression rates are high, illness, divorce, attempted suicides and so on. It seems too often people are finding themselves at the bottom of a dark pit and just not knowing the way out. This is where Angels are stepping in, as a light of guidance to empower each person to have self worth, self love and the ability to move forward with clarity and hope.
Many Angel "Maters" or spiritual teachers teach different methods, Angel readings, channeling Angel energy. But it is not for a healer or teacher to add their own personal opinion or ego; it is about connecting with the Angels and bringing forth a much higher love and wisdom, for the highest good of the client or student.
What sort of problems/issues do clients normally have when they come to you for help/therapy?
A whole range of people come to see me, different beliefs, and religions, skeptics, young and old. But they all have one thing in common, they are searching for something and that "thing" is themselves. They all need self love, self worth and a deep, secure knowledge of "who" they really are. Common "symptoms" are depression, fatigue, a feeling of being "lost", grief and lack of confidence.
What/Where was your training? How long did it take overall?
The training with Doreen Virtue was five days but that was not the beginning or the end. I never stop learning through personal development and this takes time and devotion from me and to me on a daily basis. A course in Angel Therapy/Healing is just a foundation of knowledge and understanding. The teacher will assist you to connect with the Angelic Realm through different methods and also provide "tools" for you to keep that connection strong and forever expanding.
Diana Cooper offers training and that is a whole weekend spread over three or four months. Christina Lunden offers training over a period of time. I offer a six day intensive course or one whole weekend over a period of three months or a one day workshop. Jacky Newcomb offers one day workshops.
Doreen Virtue is based in America and does travel worldwide. She was teaching in Ireland when I trained with her. Diana Cooper is based in the UK, she holds various courses across the country. Christina Lunden is based in the US. I am based in West Sussex.
How did training fit round your children?
I went away to do my training and this is the case with all the Angel Healing courses; you do need to take this time out away from family. It is emotionally and physically tiring as a lot is taught in those few days and also you experience a lot as an individual. Hence the quote the healer has to be healed.
For my progression I spend time daily meditating and reading. The children have been wonderful and have enjoyed being a part of this. It was so funny the other week when my mother-in-law called on the phone and my then six year old daughter answered. "Sorry Nanny, Mummy is meditating, you will have to call back." They have all learnt that this is silent time and they respect it. Also what I do has given the children the foundations to create their own beliefs. They are all confident and secure children and I sincerely believe this will continue into their adulthood, which is essential.
Roughly, how much did your training cost?
Doreen Virtue's courses are for five days, they are in America, Australia and sometimes she travels to the UK, Ireland to hold an ATP course. The groups are very large; I believe there were more than 1000 people there. In total with the cost of the course, flight and accommodation etc, the course can cost over and above £1,500 depending on location. This cost does include lunch.
Diana Coopers Course are taught by Masters that she has trained. The cost of her course is aprox £800 - £900 for the tuition. Accommodation etc is additional. Her groups are smaller and more personal. Home study is required for qualification.
Sanctuary of Angels Healers Course is £699. This includes lunch, deck of angel cards, set of Archangel Crystals and your first attunement. Accommodation is additional. All groups are small and personal. Home study is required for qualification. I allow three months for the case studies to be returned.
All these courses enable you to gain insurance with a reputable insurance company. Insurance for any therapist is essential.
Where do you carry out your work?
One to one is held at home. I provide readings by email and students can learn to offer this service over the phone too. Courses are either held at home or at a larger venue.
Do you need lots of specialist equipment?
No, not really. A couch is nice but not essential. A deck of Angel Cards and crystals depends on who you train with.
How many hours do you work a week?
I probably work 15 - 20 hours a week. When I am teaching this goes up to 36 - 40 hours.
How does the job fit round your family life?
The children are now all at school, so clients visit during school hours and I do the readings during this time and write too. I hold three courses a year, when this is happening I take the children to school and someone will pick them up and hold on to them for an hour or two. During the holidays I can be flexible if my family are able to help.
It is important to me that I am there firstly for my children and this "job" enables me to do that. They love what Mummy does.
How do you find clients - do you advertise?
Website and word of mouth mainly. You can spend a fortune on advertising but trust does come into this as clients are having to really bare all - I think that is why the website and word of mouth works well.
What is the earning potential?
As much as you believe you are worth and the time you are willing to give to others. A client pays £37 per hour.
Is the job rewarding?
More than rewarding. It is "who I am", without it I would be lost. It was quite bizarre, telling people I met what I did for a living, it was kind of coming out of the closet but I wouldn't have it any other way. I see Angels, I hear Angels - they are like a wonderful group of best friends that I will never be parted from. It is a beautiful and precious thing to see a client or student come as one person with a "suitcase" of fears and upset from the past and to leave with a smile and a sparkle in their eyes - that is worth more than all the stars in Heaven.
Do you think it is a job that fits in well with being a Mum?
More than Yes - what better upbringing could a child have - right from the start; they know of self love, self worth, joy, love and Angels. They are safe to be whom they choose to be and that is a wonderful gift of unconditional love.
Do you think you have to have any special qualities (in terms of personality) to become an Angel Therapy practitioner?
An open mind and an open heart. A burning desire to know who you are and shine the "light" for others to follow. An ability to listen.
Any advice for a Mum or Dad wanting to start training?
If it feels right in your heart, than do it. If the idea fills you with an excited but also slightly apprehensive feeling, then do it. Your life will change for the better and you will have the knowledge to empower others to do the same for themselves, it is not all sunshine and rainbows but on cloudy days you will see the silver lining and know the way forward.