Interview with Michèle Part I:
Personal & Professional Background
1. Why did you choose the interview format to introduce yourself?
I often get asked many questions about my background and why I decided to set up The Conscious Living Practitioner™ website. Through this interview I can provide a detailed account of my background and can offer answers to potential questions that prospective clients may wish to know. I also believe that in being open at this time my clients have the opportunity to get to know me in much the same way as I will expect to learn about them.
2. What is your background in personal development?
My professional background has developed throughout the journey that’s been my life and it continues to mature. For me self-improvement and learning are life-long activities. I want to be the best person I can be, I want to be the best professional I can be. So I will begin with a brief account of my personal history in order that the foundation on which I base my life and work are clear from the beginning.
I was born in Scotland the oldest of 4 children (I have 2 younger sisters and a brother). My parents fostered hundreds of children within a ten year framework and it is here that I first learned the importance of communication, patience, tolerance and unconditional love.
As a child I found self expression through dancing and choreography. Although I had no formal dance training I often choreographed for village events and spent many Sunday’s dancing at the local church services. This experience was to underpin my interest in the connection between the mind, body and spirit. I left home at 18 to undertake a BA (Hons) Degree in Dance & Theatre at the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance in London and from there my professional life was launched.
3. What is your spiritual background and training?
My curiosity and search for greater meaning in my life has been with me for as long as I can remember. From the age of 2 my yearning to know was reflected in my relentless questioning and asking ‘why?’ This desire to learn and understand all aspects of life has never ceased and in recent years has grown in strength.
As a child I attended Sunday school at my local village Church, where I later became a Sunday school Teacher and Youth Club Leader. I performed liturgical dances for our weekly church services and regularly participated in many church based community activities.
Although my spiritual journey has evolved with me and includes reading hundreds of spiritual books, listening to various recordings, attending numerous courses and generally devouring anything that ‘sang to my soul’, I believe my formal spiritual training began at The Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre in Queen Camel, Somerset, UK. My first Silent Retreat in 2002 introduced me to my beloved Guru and Spiritual Teacher Mata Yogananda Mahasaya Dharmaji and my beautiful Spiritual Family. I have now since qualified as an Advanced Practitioner having completed training in Pure Meditation; Natural Spiritual Healing; Progressive Counselling & Coaching; Transformation Hatha Yoga & Relaxation; Light worker Foundation; Teacher Training in: Holistic Energy Care, Animal Healing, Meditation Foundation & Spiritual Knowledge & Philosophy.
My daily spiritual practice begins and ends with Pure Meditation and that is the foundation upon which I live my daily personal and professional life.
4. What is your formal education?
I am fortunate to say that I have had quite an intensive formal education through choice and some people have described me as an eternal student. For simplicity I will list my qualifications to give an indication of the continuity in my education and the link between mind, body and spirit that has flowed throughout this process. I hold the following qualifications:
- Master of Science in Advance Professional Development in Clinical & Health Sciences (MScAPD) at Portsmouth University School of Postgraduate Medicine, UK
- Master of Creative Arts in Therapy-Movement Psychotherapy (MA) at Hahnemann University & Medical School, USA
- Dance Therapy Registration (DTR): American Dance Therapy Association
- Postgraduate Certificate in Health Service Management (PGCHSM) at Portsmouth University School of Postgraduate Medicine, UK
- Postgraduate Certificate of Research and Health Development (PGCR&D) at Portsmouth University School of Postgraduate Medicine, UK
- Postgraduate Certificate of Education (Teacher Training, Dance 11-18 years) (PGCE) at Bedford College of Higher Education, UK
- Bachelor of Arts Honours in Dance Theatre (BA Hons) at the Laban Centre for Movement and Dance, London, UK
- The National Certificate in Health Care Supervision (NCHCS)
- Introduction to Effective Management Certificate (ITEM)
- Certificate in Foundation Course in Counselling Skills
- Diploma in Transformation Hatha Yoga & Relaxation (DipTHY&R)
- Diploma in Natural Spiritual Healing (DipNSpH)
- Diploma in Progressive Counselling (DipPCouns)
- Certificate in Holistic Energy Care Teaching
- Certificate in Animal Healing & Teaching
- Certificate in Meditation Foundation Teaching
- Certificates in Associate Raw Food Chef and Instruction from Living Light Institute, USA
- Certificate in Essentials of Raw Culinary Arts from Living Light Institute, USA
- Certificate in Raw Event Catering & Food Design from Living Light Institute, USA
- Certificate in Fundamentals of Raw Living Foods from Living Light Institute, USA
- Certificates of Recommendation & Achievement for Raw Food Coaching & Teaching - Karen Knowler, UK
- Certified Living Foods Programme Practitioner & Teacher - Elaine Bruce, UK (Distinction)
- Numerous Fitness Instructor, Personal Training & National Teaching/Tutor Certificates
- Reiki Master Teacher Usui System of Natural Healing
- Journey Therapist.
I am currently completing a Doctorate in Business Administration. My research title: “Repairing Trust after a Bullying Incident in the Workplace” and undertaking a 3 Year Diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition.
5. What can you tell us about your working background?
This could become a lengthy answer however, I will keep it brief by listing a few of my job titles past and present to provide some insight into my working history:
- Professional Dancer and Teacher Scottish Ballet’s Education Unit – Steps Out
- Performer in Television Commercial & Extra in 2 Scottish Serials
- I.L.E.A. Supply Teacher GCSE Dance
- Dance Teacher, Choreographer & Counsellor Summer Camp (USA)
- Movement Psychotherapist in a Psychiatric Hospital, State School & University Hospital (USA)
- Senior Group Worker & Supervisor Residential Drug Rehabilitation Centre
- Director Holistic Health & Fitness Business (own business)
- Artistic Director/Choreographer/Cast Member Humdrum Amdram Amateur Theatre Company
- Clinical Supervisor for College Counsellor
- Movement Psychotherapist Private Head Injury Centre
- National Fitness Presenter Lydia Campbell’s Fitcamp & Fit’n’Fun Team
- Member of the Spin Cycling Team for Great Britain
- National Tutor for the Aerobics Organisation of Great Britain
- Senior Health Promotion & Organisational Development Specialist (Senior Manager NHS)
- Organisational Design Facilitator & Change Manager (Senior Manager NHS)
- Module Leader Westminster University BSc Health Sciences: Therapeutic Bodywork Students (10 Years)
- Teacher MA Organisational Behaviour Module Durham University Business School
- Teacher BA Entrepreneurship Module Durham University Business School
- International Workshop Leader & Trainer
- Natural Spiritual Healer/Progressive Counsellor/Transformation Hatha Yoga Teacher etc
- Raw Gourmet and Living Foods Coach, Instructor & Chef
6. What would you say were your key achievements to date?
Firstly I would have to say that my greatest achievement has yet to be accomplished!
- I received a certificate as a finalist in the ‘Outstanding Women of Great Britain Awards’ many years ago for my pioneering work with movement psychotherapy
- On a trip to India in 2006 I was the Guest of Honour at Jind Institute of Engineering and Technology where I gave lectures in Stress Management and Organisational Trust to 100+ MBA students
- I co-ordinated a Mental Health Conference titled ‘mind, media and myths’. The event highlighted how the media choose to report mental health. Over 200 delegates attended, and this led to the development of a media strategy
- I have taught approaches to Professional Development to Specialist Registrars enrolled with the Wessex Professional Programme and to the Police at the Strategic Command Course at Bramshill
- I have pioneered the use of movement in team building events and conflict management with various organisations around the country which has led to a reported positive culture change and a better place to work for those involved
- I won the Specialist of the year Fitcamp Award for my work in the field of the mind and body.
- In my younger years I gained the Gold & Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards; The Provost Petrie Cup & Hamilton Prize for Community Work; Strathclyde Youth Club Association Community Service Award.
7. What unpublished and published work have you written?
I have facilitated, designed and written many training programmes for individuals and teams which include and are not limited to: Setting up and Running Groups; Setting up Individual & Group Supervision/Reflective Practice Sessions; Setting up Stress Prevention Workshops; How to Motivate Your Staff; Behaviour Change Training; Improving Communication Skills; Assertiveness Training; Personal Awareness; Body Image; Progressive Team Building.
Master of Creative Arts in Therapy (Psychotherapy) Degree unpublished Thesis:
“An Examination of the Therapeutic Process in Dance/Movement Therapy: A Single Analysis.”
Master of Science in Advanced Professional Development in Clinical & Health Sciences unpublished Thesis: “Implementing Reflective Practice in the workplace as an intervention to improve team communication: is it worth it?”
Dharma Magazine – Magazine of the Self Realization Meditation Healing Centres for Everyone. (Celebrating 30 Years) Issue 11:
“Dancing with God Everyday”
8. What memberships do you retain?
SRMHC Associates Advanced Practitioner
The Independent Yoga Network
Complementary Medical Association
College of Naturopathic Medicine
The Fresh Network
British Actor’s Equity - Equity Card since 1986
9. What do you do for fun, when you’re not working?
I love dancing and choreographing, I enjoy house renovation and interior decoration and love second hand shops and car boot sales. I love travelling and learning wherever I go. I take inspiration from reading anything to do with spiritual and personal development. I treasure time with my family and friends and walking my two Jack Russell’s Archie and Angel. I enjoy field archery; fitness training; yoga, meditation and watching thought provoking movies.
10. Who else works with you?
Right now I work alone and have other therapists and specialists who can join me to teach on my workshops. In the not so distant future I intend to employ a team of people who want to work with and for me and together we will become a ‘great place to work’ and walk our talk together! A team trained by me to fulfil the mission of Conscious Living. The Company will grow to include a raw food deli and juice bar, a shop and a Centre where the services and programmes can grow and develop. I will also be in a position to offer opportunities for people to work voluntarily and give ‘service’ in exchange for learning new skills. I am working towards the purchase of premises in order that clients can come and stay for a variety of package options including detox weeks, personal transformation workshops, and raw and living foods courses.
11. What would you say to someone who wants to employ your services?
Just pick up the phone or send an email to michele@theconsciouslivingpractitioner.com and let’s make it happen!
Facilitator 
MSc; MA; BA (Hons); PGCHSM; PGCR&D; PGCE; DipTHY&R; DipNSpH; DipPCouns; AFAA Personal Training & Fitness Instruction Certificates; Registered Movement Psychotherapist; Meditation; Animal Healing; Spiritual Knowledge & Philosophy Teaching Certificates; Assoc Raw Gourmet Chef & Instructor Certification; Living Food Practitioner Certification with Distinction
“I would recommend to anyone who is interested in their personal psychology, development and emotional embodiment to take up the opportunity to study under Michèle Snedden. The syllabus was delivered in a no-nonsense style from a woman that certainly demonstrates that she walks her talk. I look forward to further study with Michèle in 2009 and beyond.” L D Henry (Student, University of Westminster, BSc Therapeutic Bodywork) 
