Interview with Janelle Bray: massage, reflexology and Reiki therapist
                          
Contact: Janelle Bray Wellness Clinic, Brisbane
Ph: m 0438 985 129

Interview by Frances Todd


Can you please share with us a brief history of how you came to be a mind-body healer?

I started off by not belonging to any particular mould. In fact, I always wanted to be a fine artist. I went to art school in Sydney and came out mainly doing painting. When I realized I wasn’t going to make a living from painting alone, I got a job doing graphic art. I also taught colour and design at TAFE along with painting and art exhibitions. My interest in natural medicine has always been there. I grew up in the country and had nature space around me. In the early nineties, I got to the point where I didn’t want to work in front of a computer anymore, as graphic art was more computerized, especially with the introduction of Macintosh. When ill health struck me in 1994, I used natural therapies to get me through. A graphic artist’s position came up at the Australian College of Natural Medicine, and I stayed there part-time for ten years, working part-time and studying part-time, to end up where I am working today. That period also included the study I’ve completed to become a Master Reiki healer and teacher. So there has been a gradual transition where I worked as a graphic artist and have been integrating my passion for natural medicine.  After some time working in other clinics, I now work by myself in my own clinic.

How would you describe the purpose of the Janelle Bray Wellness Clinic?

My mission statement is to provide a professional healing experience fused with integrity and to encourage my clients to take part in choosing the healing experience that will nurture and nourish their mind body soul.

What services does the Janelle Bray Wellness Clinic offer clients?

I offer massage therapy, reflexology, and Reiki. The services and the way I offer them offers clients a chance to get to know their bodies more. They can come to me and say, "Look, this is what’s been happening to me this week, and I think this is what I need.  How about we combine a couple of different things?" The more regularly a client comes, the more they tune into their body and the more they can self propel their own wellness program.

What do you say to people who are first time clients?

Janelle. People come to see me for different reasons. Maybe because they have a problem, and a friend’s word of mouth brings them here.  I sit down and discuss with them what the may need, touching on the fact that physical might also include mental, emotional and spiritual.

Frances. Perhaps I can share with you the reason why I came to see you. Before coming to see you, I had been receiving massage regularly elsewhere. But I needed the massage to be in a quieter, more relaxing environment and with a more personal touch. I found that combination in your clinic. I love the blue colour of the room and the crystals under the massage table.When I leave, I feel more vibrationally uplifted.

Janelle. I try to enhance the environment so it’s not just a physical treatment. So you come in and you might feel really out of sorts, wrung out, negative, I can guarantee you’ll leave feeling more grounded, centred and uplifted. It’s also time out for you honouring your self, committing time and energy regularly to your self care. For some clients, that may mean a treatment every 3 weeks, for others, every 6 weeks.  I have a regular Reflexology treatment every 2 weeks, and massage treatment every 3-4 weeks, as well as doing Reiki daily  for myself.

I understand you do volunteer work at the RSPCA using your skills as a healer. What do you do with the animals and what results are you noticing?

I work mainly with dogs, waiting to adopted, or some that have come as lost. I work  2-3 hours per week, using Reiki and some massage.  If there is an area in which volunteers can’t enter, I stand outside and facilitate distant healing through Reiki. I also use a Reiki crystal wizard I use to send healing through the whole centre. I’m one of several volunteers who provide this kind of service.

Some dogs will really nestle into you and enjoy it. Other days are a bit hyper, but they respond differently, just different personalities.

When I teach a Reiki workshop at home, my own two dogs come in and just lounge around. They love the energy.

But it’s not just with dogs that I use Reiki. I have some experiences with doves I would like to tell you about.

One morning I was walking my dogs in the park, and came across a stunned dove in a park.  I did Reiki on the dove as I took it home. I gave her some rescue remedy and made a little nest in a cage, then left her in a quiet pace underneath the trees in the backyard.  When I went to check her, I had the feeling that I needed to engage with her. I put my hand in the cage. She walked up my hand, watching me the whole time, then just flew away.

I came across a dove that was stunned by a car.  I kept her for about three days.  She was a bit of a mess. I took her up to the park and let her fly away, but she was attacked by minors, so I brought her home again, used Reiki and looked after her for another couple of days.  I let her out the back, and she has stayed. She comes and goes, usually with another couple of female doves.

What does the future hold for you and the Clinic?

I’m really happy working in the Clinic.  I endeavor to keep it as positive as possible. I want my work here to continue to be a respite for people from their life’s challenges, and for them to see their experiences here as a spiritual respite for their soul.


c 2007 Conscious Life Skills Coaching

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