Inspiring Conversations with Andrea Henning of Soul Aligned Wellness LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Henning

Hi Andrea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Journey to Healing and Helping Others: A Story of Transformation

My personal story is one of overcoming grief, trauma, and profound life challenges, ultimately leading me to discover a deep spiritual calling. This journey not only became my path to healing but also ignited a passion to help others recover from life’s stresses, grief, and trauma through holistic and spiritual methods.

Grief has been a constant companion in my life since I was 18. In 1999, I lost my 17-year-old sister in a tragic incident—she was killed by her boyfriend during an argument. The pain of sibling loss, especially under such traumatic circumstances, is lifelong. It shaped every aspect of my life—my personal relationships, professional choices, and emotional well-being, my introduction into adulthood was quite different than my peers. The shock of her death left me emotionally shattered. I struggled with severe anxiety, insomnia, and an inability to focus. I failed my second semester of college and faced an overwhelming sense of disconnection from the world. My dreams of becoming a nurse evaporated after witnessing the trauma that ended my sister’s life that awful day in the Emergency Room holding her, no longer full of life. I couldn’t return to college for years; finishing my degree would become well delayed. Simply put, I was alive, but I wasn’t living.

The trauma was not just mine to bear—it devastated my entire family. As “secondary victims” of this violent loss, we all felt the weight of not being able to say goodbye, and we carried the burden of ongoing anxiety, fear, and grief. My family and I each struggled with various debilitating conditions separately -depression, anxiety, alcoholism, insomnia, and health conditions that worsened under the pressure of chronic grief and stress. Despite seeking help through traditional medicine, therapy, and various counseling programs, nothing seemed to resolve the deep emotional wounds or the physical toll the trauma had on us.

I even developed autoimmune issues and my father was diagnosed with a brain tumor—conditions linked to the stress and unresolved grief we were all carrying.

In 2020, during the pandemic lockdown, I took my first step toward healing. Out of a lack of options, I started practicing yoga through an app, which eventually led me to discover guided meditation. After a month and a half of regular practice, I noticed these methods began to alleviate my struggles with sleep and emotional stability, helping me feel more “grounded” and centered. This was just the beginning of a spiritual awakening that would change my life forever.

In late 2022, I discovered Reiki and holistic healing almost by accident. I found myself in the parking lot of Divine Healing (now Namaste Wellness Emporium), a local wellness center, intrigued by the idea of Reiki as a “massage for the soul.” Although I was initially hesitant, I researched the benefits of Reiki and decided to give it a try.

In essence, Reiki works holistically to balance the mind, body, and spirit, promoting healing on multiple levels and helping people feel more grounded, centered, and connected. Reiki and energy healing are based on the principle that all living beings are surrounded by an energetic field that can become blocked or imbalanced due to stress, trauma, or negative emotions. Practitioners work with this energy by restoring the natural flow of energy within the body. This process can have profound effects on a person’s emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

My sessions with Jen, a nurturing Reiki practitioner and spiritual coach, created a safe, sacred space where I could release suppressed emotions, process past traumas, and gain valuable spiritual insights.

Within months, I felt a profound shift. I began to confront and release layers of suppressed grief and trauma that had been weighing me down for years. All things I “thought” I had under control. I noticed changes not only in my emotional and mental state but also in my physical health. Family, friends, and coworkers commented on the transformation—they could see and feel the difference in my energy and overall well-being. Holistic healing had helped me find peace, clarity, and stability in ways I would have never thought possible.

Inspired by my own healing, my Reiki practitioner encouraged me to use my journey with grief and trauma to help others. In spring 2024, I took the leap and became certified in Reiki 1, 2 & 3, crystal healing, chakra healing, guided meditation, EFT, herbal medicine, and aromatherapy. With over 250 hours of training in various healing modalities, I have built a foundation of knowledge and tools to support others on their healing journeys. (Prior to this spiritual journey I became an ordained spiritual minister in 2015 to compliment my wedding & event planning career.)
Seemingly, my new found path aligns well with my beliefs, it feels things are simply aligning at divine timing.
At this time, I’m pursuing additional certifications in hypnotherapy and reflexology with many more in mind. During my training and shortly after I started practicing holistic healing on family and close friends with promising results and feedback. I’ve been working remotely or providing in home service.

Recently I officially opened to the public, I launched my LLC, website and social media platforms, and I’m now excited to offer holistic and spiritual wellness services to those who are struggling with grief, trauma, and the stresses of life in general.

I am currently creating a private healing room to meet with my clients in a home based office, writing a book- From Trauma to Triumph in Healing, and began organizing public spiritual healing events. I’ve discovered a special passion for what I call Sacred Circles- healing sessions for women only, which can be held in their home, with their friends and loved ones. These special sessions care customized to each group’s goals for spiritual healing and learning.

While I never went back to nursing, I’ve found my true calling in the realm of healing. The path I’m on is one of continual growth, both personally and professionally. I look forward to helping others create sacred spaces of their own, where they can heal and move forward with clarity, peace, and strength.

I’m just beginning to build my clientele, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Spiritual and holistic wellness is being embraced, and I am eager to offer the same compassionate care that helped me heal. My journey has come full circle, and I am honored to be of service to others as they navigate their own paths to healing.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Thankfully, building this business has unfolded naturally. What and who I’ve needed have appeared at the perfect time, my education and training continue to be enjoyable, fulfilling and rewarding.

I do come from a background of 15 years in family business, my husband and I owning 2 of them together. While entrepreneurship is not a new concept, this health/wellness industry is a new industry for me. Learning the ins and outs of mental and emotional health and wellbeing, staying on top of education, trends and the saturation of the market due to the rise in its popularity are somewhat challenges.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Spiritual Life Coach, Energy Healer and Ordained Spiritual Minister.

I’ve walked the journey of grief and trauma to holistic healing personally, transforming my life and health exponentially. This is something I believe many others can benefit from in these busy, challenging times of life. Because of my own experiences I am able to hold the same space for others to heal.

While there are many great therapists, practitioners, healers in the world, not all of them come from the background or experiences their clients are struggling with, I believe this connection is key for the healing of deeply grieving and traumatized individuals.
It would be an honor to serve others in the way I was nurtured back to life.

Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
The mental health and wellness crisis from isolation and lockdown during the pandemic is far from over! While we are living post pandemic without restrictions I think many individuals fell into the rut of loneliness and helplessness in that time- not knowing where to go for recovering their health and have been stuck in that dark hole since. If anything, more options for mental and emotional wellbeing need to be made available and accessible, including alternatives to traditional healthcare.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.soulguidevibes.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soulguidevibes_
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/soulguidevibes
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@soulguidevibes_