Madonna Santa is a qualified trauma counsellor, behavioural therapist, wellness coach (specialising in cellular health), mentor and public speaker and runs an online platform focused on mental health and empowerment. She also hosts her podcast ‘Conversations with Madonna’, where her guests from all over the world speak on all topics ranging from world events to mental, physical and spiritual health. Madonna has had a 26 year career is community services, trauma counselling, public speaking, running women’s groups and leadership programs, teaching in the tertiary sector and now runs her own counselling practice working with people who experience trauma, PTSD, narcissistic abuse and anxiety, cultural conditioning and is currently writing her first book. Her approach to therapy is different in that she works herself out of a job, not keeping you in therapy for years but using techniques she has learned in her studies and research in neuro-plasticity, psychology and holistic energy work to facilitate you into ‘Creating the Life you Deserve’. Madonna is proof of her methods work, having been told at the age of 30 she would never walk again after the doctors who administered a spinal block during the delivery of her daughter made a mistake that resulted in her being incapacitated, experiencing chronic pain, diagnosed eventually with an autoimmune disease after 3 years of being told it was all in her head. She was chronically fatigued and suffered chronic migraines. This did not stop her from reaching her goals and creating the life she deserves. It propelled her into a journey of healing, understanding how the medical model of health, whilst helpful for acute illness, is far behind ancient wisdom and natural medicines, especially when it comes to women’s health. She discovered and utilised the true power of mind over matter, applied it to her life and lives a healthy and dynamic life and wants to share that with other’s so they too, can thrive rather than just survive through their lives. Having a background in behavioural studies, community development and psychology, Madonna researched how to use neuroscience to bring her back to wellness and it is her life’s mission to help other’s do the same. With her no nonsense, dynamic and inspirational way of imparting information, Madonna will have you focused, energised, bouncing back to health and creating the life you deserve in no time. Madonna has helped thousands of people shift trauma and live far better lives no matter what background or situations they have been in. It has been her experience throughout her 26 years in the industry and also her own personal experiences, no matter what circumstances have created trauma, anxiety or dis-ease, with the right tools in your toolkit for life, you can thrive rather than survive. Madonna is the Lead Practitioner and owner of Free Your Mind Therapy.

Why the Spoony community matters to me

People who experience chronic illness or any kind of barrier to being functional, regardless of physical, emotional or psychosocial end up being isolated from their peers, families and the broader community. They are often marginalised by workplaces, by their friends, family, doctors and specialists because they are sometimes in the 'too hard' basket or are told there is nothing more that can be done to alleviate their mental and physical pain. I lived this life, often completely unable to relate to my family or friends or medical professionals because they did not believe or comprehend my situation. This community is so important for people to find their tribe that truly understands on a visceral level the barriers we all face or have faced, without fear of judgement or having to explain yourself over and over. It is a great place to share information, tips and resources, also. It's home.

Qualifications

Dip. Comm Service's Community Development Double Dip in Vocational Education and Training Masters Behavioural Science Certificate in Cellular Health Current - Cert 4 in Nutrition