Melissa Layer, MA, LMHC
Melissa is an integrative psychotherapist and interfaith spiritual director in Port Townsend, WA. Her journey with breast cancer, as well as midwifing her parents, husband, and others through end-of-life, has potently informed her about how a broken heart may become an open heart. Melissa’s connection with Harmony Hill began 14 ago when she began volunteering as a house parent at cancer retreats and quickly transitioned to a faculty member. Melissa has more than 12 years of working with Hospice as a Bereavement Coordinator and Grief Counselor. In these roles, she provided individual support and facilitated community grief support groups. She honors our unfolding journeys through life’s challenges and transitions as compelling invitations for meaning-making in BodyMindSpirit. She currently maintains a psychospiritual private practice; and enjoys presenting and teaching in the community and online, often utilizing expressive arts. Listening with the ear of her heart, she generously offers her compassionate presence. Melissa’s personal delights include Trillium sightings in the spring; walking the oyster shell labyrinth on the Hill; camping and hiking; a daily practice of journaling and collage-making; belly laughs; cleansing cries; cultivating curiosity; and discovering the extraordinary in the everyday ordinary.
Upcoming Programs by Melissa Layer, MA, LMHC
Virtual Cancer Workshop
Join us for a Virtual Cancer Workshop with Melissa Layer, emphasizing healing over cure and the powerful message that "you are not alone." This workshop is designed to support individuals navigating the complexities of life with cancer, focusing on self-care practices, resilience-building, and the journey toward healing. This workshop welcomes anyone who has faced a […]
3-Day Cancer Retreat in Union, WA
Also With Denise Carrico, Chaplain, BFA, Certified Integral Yoga Teacher
Having a cancer diagnosis is often an isolating and frightening experience. By joining a cancer retreat with us, we hope to help you redefine your experience of cancer. WHAT TO EXPECT AT A RETREAT Harmony Hill Cancer retreats offer individuals a respite from the stresses of daily life with a cancer diagnosis in a nurturing […]
Virtual Metastatic Cancer Workshop
This Virtual Metastatic Cancer Workshop, led by Melissa Layer, will focus on living with cancer, self-care, and building resilience. Sessions are an interactive mix of sharing and experiential learning. This workshop consists of two 2-hour sessions via Zoom. To ensure maximum group benefit, participants must participate in both sessions. This workshop is open to anyone […]
3-Day Cancer Retreat in Federal Way, WA
Also With Denise Carrico, Chaplain, BFA, Certified Integral Yoga Teacher
Having a cancer diagnosis is often an isolating and frightening experience. By joining a cancer retreat with us, we hope to help you redefine your experience of cancer. WHAT TO EXPECT AT A RETREAT Harmony Hill retreats offer individuals a respite from the stresses of daily life with a cancer diagnosis in a nurturing environment […]
3-Day Cancer Retreat in Union, WA
Also With Chris Adams, MD
Having a cancer diagnosis is often an isolating and frightening experience. By joining a cancer retreat with us, we hope to help you redefine your experience of cancer. WHAT TO EXPECT AT A RETREAT Harmony Hill Cancer retreats offer individuals a respite from the stresses of daily life with a cancer diagnosis in a nurturing […]