Soothing Conversations with Chantal

Soothing Conversations with Chantal I offer a gentle, safe, non-judgemental space where you can heal grief and trauma through art, talking therapy, and spiritual support. Always at your own pace.

When I was at the worst of my grief, I found it so hard to find the words. Luckily, I had an art practice and was able to dive in. When you book a session, you don't have to talk if it's too hard. We can start with doodles, marks on paper, or even traces of colour. Art has that ability to connect us to our emotions and I wouldn't be surprised if you found yourself creating something powerful, even

if you have never seen yourself as an artist. The point is not for it to be pretty. It's to express what you cannot say with words. When the time is right, we can then move to more traditional speaking therapy. But also, we can go back and forth, depending on how you feel. One thing I do, which most other counsellors don't, is that I also create an energetic space where you are supported by angels so the whole process feels extra safe. And unlike spiritual counsellors, I have a solid training and undergo regular supervision. And if that wasn't enough, I can bring my aromatherapy knowledge into sessions as I know how powerful scents can be for both healing and bringing memories. You can choose what you like in what I offer. I never push anything on anyone. Gentleness, compassion, and absence of judgment are part of my core values. There are other modalities that I practice that are not listed here so feel free to ask. I am here to walk alongside you.

Mother's Day hit harder than last year as I was still in the shock and numbness of Mum's death.  When I look back over l...
22/05/2026

Mother's Day hit harder than last year as I was still in the shock and numbness of Mum's death.

When I look back over last year, I don't remember much - not much detail anyway.

This year made me even more aware that I am now motherless and childless.

The link is below.

20/05/2026

Randomness. It doesn't come easy. It takes courage to step out the square of your comfort zone. Where you feel safe and held.

Being random exposes you. In a way you may not want. To judgement. Criticism. To being seen and vulnerable.

And it can be part of healing from trauma and grief.

18/05/2026

Creating new things can be off putting when you lack in confidence due to grief and trauma.

Yet, it is a fabulous way to help you through.

This is why I bring some form of art into my client and group sessions.

Scary at first. But once you haven taken that first step, you are on your way.



Other things we don't talk about when a spouse/partner dies.It hit hard when I heard stories from widowers in the group ...
13/05/2026

Other things we don't talk about when a spouse/partner dies.

It hit hard when I heard stories from widowers in the group and as clients what happens after death.

So, I am learning how to use chainsaws!

My next Substack article is coming out this Friday.

Food for thought.

It hurts hearing these words, no matter how well-meaning they are meant to be.It feels diminishing, demoralising, and pa...
05/05/2026

It hurts hearing these words, no matter how well-meaning they are meant to be.

It feels diminishing, demoralising, and painful.

As if what you are feeling isn't justified.

It is. Remember that.

Grief is a life-long experience. It is real. It is yours. It is to be honoured.

Grief isn’t only obvious. The tears. The sobs. What you can see.Grief is also unobvious. In the Body. In the silences. H...
04/05/2026

Grief isn’t only obvious. The tears. The sobs. What you can see.

Grief is also unobvious. In the Body. In the silences. How life feels so very different.

When we don’t grieve as we ‘should’, we begin to doubt our experience.

However, grief is personal. It is unique to each person.

Your grief is your grief. Your way of grieving is your way.

Remember that when doubt begins to creep in again.


When you have lost a loved one, all you want to do is talk about them, despite the pain and tears. It helps keep them al...
28/04/2026

When you have lost a loved one, all you want to do is talk about them, despite the pain and tears. It helps keep them alive. Present in your life.

Never feel afraid of mentioning their name. Sharing memories. Moments in time.

Yes, it will bring tears. Those tears will also be of relief.

Peace of mind. That is what the lawyer said today as I updated my paperwork.That it gives you. I drove away knowing that...
25/04/2026

Peace of mind.

That is what the lawyer said today as I updated my paperwork.

That it gives you.

I drove away knowing that if something happened to me, all my paperwork states clearly what I want. I will be adding how I want to be cremated - keep it simple with minimal expense. Have a lovely gathering with whoever is still around and in my life. Then throw my ashes either in the bush or over the ocean.

Things have changed in the last five years, particulary last year with the estrangement from family, and this needed to be reflected.

Don't' leave it too late. Start now.

It is a conversation you must have. It is also leaving a legacy of love. My next Substack post coming out tomorrow will be all about this and also what I needed to consider being childless.

https://chantalvanderhaeghen.substack.com/p/prepare-your-paperwork-before-you

Preparing legal documents in preparation for your death brings up emotions, fears, anxieties, but also love with peace o...
24/04/2026

Preparing legal documents in preparation for your death brings up emotions, fears, anxieties, but also love with peace of mind.

Who will be there for you as a childless woman? Who will be your executor and legal guardian?

It is vital you have these papers in place so your loved ones know what you want leading up to your death, if it isn’t sudden, and upon your death. With or without children.

Essential for all, vital if you’re childless

A big sigh of relief today. I have the all clear.For a few weeks, I have felt like this beautiful grass tree I saw on my...
22/04/2026

A big sigh of relief today. I have the all clear.

For a few weeks, I have felt like this beautiful grass tree I saw on my walk this morning and thought: yep, that was me.

Now, I am standing tall again breathing lovely deep breaths.

Don't underestimate how grief and trauma affect your body. Mine was my bowels. I took my eye off the ball for over a year and the consequences weren't pretty.

However, there was wisdom packed up in all of this - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

In addition, I have changed some of the foods I eat, how often and much I eat, and will check my stool movement every day as I don't want this experience again.

I was one lucky girl. Full of deep gratitude.

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Perth, WA
6070

Opening Hours

Tuesday 12pm - 5pm
Wednesday 12pm - 5pm
Thursday 12pm - 5pm
Friday 11am - 5pm
Saturday 11am - 3pm

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