Bringing Health And Wellness To Marginalized Communities – Interview With Deilen Michelle Villegas

Dr. Deilen Michelle Villegas, Ph.D., Msc.D., BCHHP, is a distinguished metaphysician and the visionary Founder and CEO of The Shamanic Goddess, LLC—a prestigious Holistic Health and Wellness Consulting and Holistic Life Coaching enterprise. Her work is a profound exploration of the interconnectedness of the mind, body, and spirit, and is devoted to elevating individuals toward holistic well-being, success, and happiness. She's a Board Certified Holistic Health and Wellness Practitioner and Holistic Life Coach, excelling in Trauma Recovery, Behavioral Health, Mindset Transformation, and Somatic Healing.

She serves her community as the President of the HPOC (Holistic Professionals of Color) Charlotte, NC Chapter, and as Co-Chair of the NAHSE NC(National Association of Health Service Executives, North Carolina) Community Impact and Health Equity Committee, and is an Adjunct Professor and Curriculum Specialist at HPOC University.

Deilen Michelle Villegas, Holistic Health & Wellness Practitioner

With all of your titles, how would you describe yourself?

As an ardent Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocate, and Community Impact and Health Equity Leader, I am an empowering catalyst of transformational change on a mission to make a positive difference in the BIPOC and marginalized communities.

Did you ever think that The Shamanic Goddess, LLC would take off the way it did?

Certainly, my firm business goal is to serve as a vital resource for individuals who may lack access to the resources or guidance needed to enhance their overall well-being. In the evolving landscape of healthcare, there's a significant shift toward preventative care and holistic health, with a surge in awareness around the Mind-Body-Spirit connection and Complementary and Alternative Medicine over the past decade.

As conversations unfold about mainstreaming practices deemed Complementary and Alternative, a new era is emerging where conventional, complementary, and alternative medicine collaborate seamlessly to heal people in the Western world. This paradigm shift gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, laying bare the pressing need for mental health support as anxiety, depression, stress, and suicidal ideation spiked during lockdowns.

Amid the challenges, the limitations on hospital visits prompted a widespread turn towards natural remedies. This was especially evident in BIPOC and marginalized communities with higher numbers of low-income families facing chronic health issues, living in suboptimal environments, and lacking sufficient healthcare access. The pandemic underscored the vulnerability of the immunocompromised, including the elderly.

During this pivotal period, a surge in interest emerged in alternative and complementary practices such as Yoga, Meditation, Mindfulness, Healthy Nutritional Eating, and Herbal and Natural medicinal treatments. These practices not only played a role in building stronger immune systems but also proved effective in managing various health conditions, from COVID-19 symptoms to everyday ailments like joint pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity.

This surge in interest aligns seamlessly with my intensified desire to assist others. Now more than ever, I have the opportunity to guide individuals through healing, growth, and success. Beyond that, I am passionate about encouraging them to become active and proactive participants in their well-being journey, seizing control of their physical health and mental wellness. The time is ripe for a transformative approach, and I am determined to be at the forefront of facilitating positive change.

What was your motivating factor to become a Holistic Health Practitioner?

As an Afro-Latina woman, I've navigated firsthand the profound impact of limited access to proper medical and mental health care, a struggle common among marginalized groups. I intimately understand the stirring effects of existing in an environment saturated with trauma and adversities, taking a toll on the Mind, Body, and Spirit, hindering individuals from realizing the lives they truly deserve.

My personal journey involved relying solely on conventional medicine to manage chronic PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. However, as my symptoms worsened, a transformative shift occurred when I embraced Holistic Complementary and Alternative medicine in my wellness plan. Through this holistic approach, I achieved complete recovery from my diagnosis without resorting to substances or medications.

Today, I stand unmedicated, adept at managing stress, and equipped with healthy coping mechanisms to keep anxiety at bay.

This pivotal experience illuminated the profound Mind-Body connection and the consequences of neglecting one's holistic well-being. Raised in a low-income family reliant on government aid and limited health insurance, I experienced subpar care and nutritional support, significantly impacting my overall well-being.

This realization prompted a crucial question: How many other underserved individuals face similar challenges? Could embracing Holistic Healthcare address and rectify many of their health issues? Recognizing that symptoms often signal deeper issues, I committed to furthering my education and becoming a practitioner who looks beyond immediate symptoms. Just as a compassionate doctor once did for me, I strive to change lives by understanding the whole picture and addressing root causes. My motivation is fueled by the transformative impact such an approach had on my life, and I am determined to pay that forward.

Tell us about your modality: The H.E.M Experience.

For over a decade, I've distilled a transformative approach to healing, aptly named the Holistic Enlightening Method. This method seamlessly integrates Conventional Medicine, Nutritional Health, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and Integrative Mental and Behavioral Health, offering a comprehensive solution for achieving well-being.

At its core, "Holistic" signifies treating the entire body, ensuring emotional, physical, mental, and spiritual aspects are all addressed. The Mind-Body-Spirit approach forms the foundation, aiming to enlighten individuals by providing greater knowledge and understanding about their well-being.

Through personalized guidance, I empower clients to revolutionize their lives. I assist in setting smart goals, removing blockages, and fostering awareness of habits and behaviors. By emphasizing self-care and

self-development practices, coupled with mentoring and value exploration, I enable clients to realize they can realistically attain a healthy, fulfilling life. My method goes beyond surface changes, delving into behavior modifications and overcoming limiting beliefs, ensuring progress.

The Holistic Enlightening Method is a beacon guiding clients toward positive change in every facet of life, unlocking their full potential in Body, Mind, and Spirit. Clients experience personal and professional growth, discovering their true desires, establishing healthy boundaries, and eliminating elements that no longer align with their direction. It's not just a method; it's a journey to uncover the life they deserve.

How are you hoping to expand your Holistic Health and Wellness Agenda in the future?

My profound commitment to effecting positive change in BIPOC and marginalized communities has propelled me into leadership roles within organizations that share my dedication to raising awareness about health and mental health disparities. Together, we strive not only to acknowledge these issues but to instigate the necessary transformations that enhance the quality of life for individuals in these communities.

Yet, I recognize that true well-being extends beyond healthcare. It involves tackling systemic challenges, including the education system, inadequate housing, poor environmental conditions, livable wages, employment opportunities, and access to nutritional foods. In my current leadership capacities, I actively propose solutions, present options, and champion ideas to address these multifaceted issues at their roots.

On a personal level, my aspirations transcend organizational roles. I am driven to establish a Non-Profit Eco-Friendly Holistic Health and Wellness Center, driven by the primary goal of extending essential services to underserved communities lacking access to preventative care such as Complementary and Alternative Medicines or Integrative Mental and Behavioral Healthcare. At the core of my mission is the belief in providing low-cost and affordable holistic health and wellness, empowering individuals to live intentionally and consciously.

My vision is inclusive, with extensive payment options and arrangements available for clients from all walks of life. I am unwavering in my personal commitment to never turn away a client due to financial constraints. I am on a mission to break down barriers, ensuring that holistic care is not a privilege but a right for every individual, regardless of their economic circumstances. Together, let's pave the way for a healthier, more intentional, and conscious society.

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