About

 

Melissa van Hal

Integrated Learning and Wellness Strategist

Specialist Wellness Counsellor, 
Support Learning Specialist, and Accredited SACE Provider

Holistic Awareness

Welcome to Holistic Awareness, a haven of learning and well-being where creativity meets professionalism, and individuality is valued. Founded by Melissa van Hal, my professional path is guided by a deep commitment to supporting individuals’ autonomy, for them to take a proactive role in their well-being while embracing their uniqueness and developing their self-efficacy.

As an ambivert and an engaging practitioner, I bring a touch of free-spirited zany uniqueness to the realm of wellness, blending professionalism with a sense of whimsical youthfulness painted with wisdom. At Holistic Awareness, I believe in the transformative strength of inspiration and creativity, and in the importance of tailoring my approach to each individual’s needs and aspirations.

My problem-solving abilities and innate creativity are the cornerstones of my practice, providing me with the exceptional and rare ability to craft a bespoke blueprint for each person. Whether it’s drawing from established techniques or innovating new approaches, I am dedicated to finding the right blend of strategies to support each individual’s passage to holistic well-being.

At the heart of my approach is a whole-person, integrative philosophy that encompasses a wide range of techniques and modalities. I believe in meeting individuals where they are and equipping them to co-create their own passage to wellness with transparent honest dialogue and a confidential space for discussion every step of the way.

Additionally, ethics and respect form part of the fundamentals of my practice, guiding every interaction and decision. I believe in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where individuals can explore their unique paths to wellness with confidence and autonomy.

I deeply value and appreciate my connection to nature, recognising its wisdom, guidance, and role in creating holistic well-being. Nature serves as a source of inspiration and support, reminding us to embrace harmony, rhythm, and interconnectedness in our lives.

Holistic Awareness sessions are fundamentally based on my approach, which I refer to as the Supportive and Integrative Wellness (SIW) Approach (c).  SIW. services are uniquely different from conventional psychological therapy and pathology-focused approaches. I aim to cultivate harmony, sustainability, resilience, and functional lifestyles to support the whole person. With a focus on prevention and intervention strategies for healthier outcomes, I prioritise primary-level care to address your holistic well-being.

The proactive nature of SIW. enables us to delve into the root causes of health issues, developing a lifestyle-oriented approach to wellness. By embracing evidence-informed practices and comprehensive interventions, I equip individuals to take ownership of their life (and health) journey, cultivating autonomy, self-determination, self-discipline, and self-efficacy. Through a multifaceted framework that integrates prevention and intervention strategies, I recognize the interconnectedness of various dimensions of life, enhancing individuals’ coping mechanisms. Instead of treating disease and pathology through therapy, SIW. focuses on developing and maintaining a healthier lifestyle and embraces learning as pivotal in whole-person growth. I aim to help individuals thrive amidst life’s challenges, leveraging their coping mechanisms to preserve well-being even in the face of stressors.

On your passage to self-discovery, growth, and transformation join Holistic Awareness. Let Holistic Awareness be the support you never knew you needed and unlock your true potential as you walk your passage to whole-person well-being.

Melissa van Hal

Integrative Health, Wellness, and Learning Specialist

Qualifications and Experience (not limited to)
BA Honours Counselling Psychology (UNISA)
PGCE Early Childhood Development and Foundation Phase (UNISA) (Distinction)
PGDE in Disability Studies (UNISA) (Distinction)
BA Honours History (UCT)
MA History (UKZN)

Support Learning Educator registered with SACE
Accredited SACE Provider registered with SACE for Specific Courses
Specialist Wellness Counsellor licensed with ASCHP

 

  • Continuous Professional Development (Compliant for both SACE and ASCHP)
  • Specializes in Supportive Intervention and Wellness (SIW) approach © 2020
  • Ownership and management of an independent company focusing on remedial, support, and enrichment learning
  • Ownership and management of counselling and wellness practice
  • Support Learning Specialist at Private School
  • Skilled in support and enrichment educational programmes and programme development, inclusive of IEP/ILP
  • Skilled in diverse learning challenges intervention techniques
  • Proficient in providing counselling for academic, emotional, and behavioral challenges
  • Proficient in providing counselling for the eight dimensions of the Wellness Wheel – lifestyle accommodations
  • Experienced in delivering wellness sessions promoting mental health and resilience
  • Expertise in life transitions intervention and end-of-life planning support
  • Provides primary level care for whole-person well-being
  • Offers university-level academic guidance, including support for differently-abled students

Supportive and Integrative Wellness Approach ©

SIW is a holistic approach to well-being that prioritizes autonomy, integrative support, integrative health, and integrative learning. SIW offers a comprehensive and person-directed approach to well-being by using a unique framework that equips individuals to manage their well-being and to make informed decisions about their passage to wellness.  Below we explore the key principles of SIW and discover how they can transform your approach to health and wellness.

Three Key Pillars

Integrative Health:

SIW uses a functional approach that starts with screening individuals at the primary care level, considering both conventional and complementary interventions to promote wellness. Screening is used to identify potential areas to address. Wellness interventions begin by addressing the individual’s physical, mental, and emotional needs (the use of the Wellness Wheel – originally conceived by Dr. Hettler, later redesigned by J. Witmer, T. Sweeney, and J. Myers, and adapted for the SIW is frequently applied). SIW aims to optimise health and well-being. . Sometimes when screening areas are identified that may require referrals to different professionals, sometimes for diagnostic or for pathology-based treatments or therapies, which fall outside of the primary-level care scope.

Integrative Learning:

Integrated learning within SIW utilises diverse educational methods and sensory experiences to enhance understanding and skill development. Through inclusive and comprehensive learning experiences, individuals gain the knowledge and tools necessary for personal growth and self-improvement. Integrative learning extends from academics to learning new knowledge and adapting to new lifestyle changes. 

Integrative Support:

SIW provides multifaceted support to individuals, offering a range of resources, networks, and tools to cultivate healthy habits, build resilience, and navigate challenges effectively. This supportive approach empowers individuals to make informed choices and decisions while fostering personal accountability. 

Four Tenets of SIW

Autonomy

  • Self-Determination: Individuals are equipped to make choices and decisions regarding their health and well-being based on their personal values, beliefs, and preferences. This includes the freedom to choose their own path to wellness and to proactively participate in decisions related to their care.
  • Informed Choices/Decisions: SIW values and highlights the importance of individuals having access to accurate, appropriate, and relevant information to make informed choices and decisions about their health. This involves providing education, resources, and support to ensure individuals understand their options and the potential consequences of their decisions.
  • Personal Accountability: SIW encourages individuals to take responsibility for their health and well-being, recognising that they play an active role in their own wellness passage. This includes taking proactive steps to maintain or improve health, adhering to recommended treatment plans, and seeking support when needed.

Example: A concern is identified and an individual is presented with various interventions. Through autonomy, they have the freedom to explore each option, gather information, and make a decision that aligns with their values and goals.

Integrative Support

  • Multifaceted Support: SIW offers a wide range of support services and resources to address the diverse needs of individuals. This may include health and wellness support, practical assistance, educational resources, assistive devices, and access to community resources.
  • Holistic and Integrated Facilitation: SIW takes a holistic approach to support, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Support services are integrated to address the whole person, rather than focusing on isolated concerns.
  • Comprehensive Care: SIW provides comprehensive care that includes various aspects of well-being specified in the Wellness Wheel. This may involve collaboration with interdisciplinary teams to address complex needs effectively.

Example: A client experiencing stress and anxiety may receive integrative support through a combination of counselling sessions, stress management techniques, and referrals to community resources, such as support groups or wellness programs, or to a professional, such as, a psychologist.

Integrative Health

  • Functional Approach: SIW adopts a functional approach to health and wellness, focusing on identifying and addressing the underlying causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms. This involves considering the interconnectedness of body systems and how they contribute to overall well-being.
  • Primary Level Care Screening/Prevention: SIW emphasizes proactive screening and prevention strategies to promote optimal health and well-being. This may include routine primary-level care screenings, lifestyle reviews, and preventive interventions aimed at reducing the risk of disease and illness.
  • Convergence of Modalities: SIW integrates conventional and complementary interventions to promote holistic health and wellness. This may involve combining conventional medical treatments with complementary therapies such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, or mind-body practices.

Example: A patient with chronic pain may receive integrative health care that includes physical therapy to address musculoskeletal issues, wellness counselling to address emotional factors contributing to pain, and acupuncture to manage pain symptoms.

Integrative Learning

  • Sensory Patterns/Vestibular/Proprioception Understanding: SIW recognizes the importance of understanding sensory patterns, vestibular function, and proprioception in promoting overall well-being. This involves educating individuals about how sensory experiences and body awareness impact their health and functioning.
  • Inclusive and Comprehensive Learning: SIW provides inclusive and comprehensive learning opportunities that cater to diverse learning preferences. This may include hands-on activities, interactive workshops, online courses, and educational materials that address various aspects of health and wellness. SIW promotes the use of Sensory Approaches in learning.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: SIW takes an interdisciplinary approach to learning, integrating knowledge and expertise from multiple disciplines to provide a holistic understanding of health and wellness. This may involve collaboration between healthcare professionals, educators, researchers, and community members.

Example: A workshop on stress management incorporates activities such as mindfulness, somatic exercises, and poetry/painting to provide participants with practical tools and strategies for managing stress effectively.

SIW offers an all inclusive approach to well-being that integrates autonomy, integrative support, integrative health, and integrative learning. These principles encourage individuals to take proactive steps toward wellness and living a functional, healthy, and beautiful life. 

Symbolisms

The choice of blue, purple, and white hyacinths, chamomile, and the bee as symbolic elements for Holistic Awareness Supportive and Integrative Wellness Service (SIW) is deeply rooted in their rich meanings and associations with various aspects of well-being and the whole-person view.

Blue hyacinths, symbolizing constancy and sincerity, embody the need for consistency and sincerity in one’s wellness journey. They represent the pursuit of new life and the importance of sincerity in personal growth and healing.

Purple hyacinths, with their connotations of sorrow, regret, and forgiveness requests, reflect the profound aspect of healing and reconciliation present in the wellness journey. They remind us of the importance of acknowledging and forgiving ourselves and others as we strive for holistic well-being.

White hyacinths, signifying spirituality and good fortune, speak to the aspiration for purity of intentions, spiritual connection, and the blessings of fortune in the pursuit of wellness.

Chamomile, associated with good luck, prosperity, and happiness, symbolizes the hope for fulfillment of dreams and wishes, along with the virtue of humility in embracing wellness.

The bee, with its symbolism of focus, dedication, hard work, and community, embodies the principles of resilience, teamwork, and generosity essential for holistic well-being. Across cultures and traditions, bees have been revered as symbols of rejuvenation, divinity, and guardianship of the natural world, resonating with the ethos of SIW. The Priestesses who worshipped the Goddess Artemis, were dubbed Bees, and some names used today originate from Bees, including Alyssa, Beatrice, Deborah, Lisa, and Melissa (which is my first name).

In summary, these symbolic elements are integrated into the ethos of Holistic Awareness Supportive and Integrative Wellness Service (SIW), representing its commitment to consistency, sincerity, reconciliation, spiritual connection, resilience, community, and the fulfillment of holistic well-being. Through a multifaceted framework that embraces prevention, intervention, and lifestyle orientation, SIW aims to equip individuals to thrive amidst life’s challenges and preserve their well-being with autonomy and self-efficacy.