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We’ve all heard the saying “heal the root, not just the symptom,” but what does that actually look like in practice—especially when you’re juggling motherhood, marriage, a business, and a past full of trauma?

In this episode of the Empowered and Unapologetic Podcast, I sat down with Melissa Hiemann, co-founder of The Centre for Healing and creator of Root Cause Therapy. Her journey? Let’s just say it’s the kind of story that makes you pause, breathe, and realize your pain doesn’t have to define your future.

Melissa went from being a quiet, bullied child, growing up in unstable homes with emotionally unsafe environments, to navigating addiction and trauma as a young adult—and ultimately building a multi-million-dollar healing company that’s changing lives all over the world.

Here’s what I learned from our conversation—and what every high-achieving woman should know about breaking cycles, finding balance, and building a life rooted in intention.

You’re Not Broken—You’re Carrying Unhealed Roots

Melissa’s turning point came in her twenties when, after years of numbing with substances, she found herself on a personal development path and eventually discovered therapy. But it wasn’t until she developed Root Cause Therapy that everything clicked into place.

Think of it like this: Traditional therapy often trims the weeds—your behaviors, your negative thoughts, your patterns—but Root Cause Therapy digs deep into the soil. It works with both the mind and the body to uncover the real source of emotional pain: childhood trauma, generational wounds, pre-verbal experiences. It goes where words alone can’t reach.

“We’re not just doing talk therapy,” Melissa said. “We go into the soma, into the body, and do the work where the trauma lives.”

Why Band-Aid Solutions Aren’t Enough

Let’s be real—healing isn’t supposed to be comfortable. Root Cause Therapy isn’t a spa day. It’s the emotional equivalent of deep cleaning a wound so it can finally heal. And yes, it can be intense. But when you stop trying to fix the surface and start healing the source, that’s where transformation lives.

Melissa shared that she’s seen clients break lifelong addiction patterns—not because someone told them to quit, but because the need to escape disappeared once the root trauma was healed. When you stop needing to numb, you start living.

What Happens When You Prioritize Alignment Over Hustle

As a mother and business owner, Melissa knows what it means to balance big dreams with tiny humans. And like many of us, she had to learn the hard way that “doing it all” can come at the cost of presence and peace.

When her son was born, she realized she wasn’t living the values she taught—conscious parenting, attachment, presence. So she and her partner made a radical shift: they took their clinic online, redesigned their entire business, and started working less… while making five times more.

The lesson? You don’t have to choose between motherhood and impact. But you do have to get intentional.

“I thank my son every day,” Melissa said. “He forced me to think differently. To make our business model match our values.”

Your Nervous System Is Running the Show

Melissa dropped some serious wisdom when she reminded us that our nervous systems are always scanning for safety. That means your kids, your clients, your coworkers—they’re not just listening to your words. They’re feeling your energy.

If you’re dysregulated, overwhelmed, or running on fumes, people can feel it—even if you think you’re holding it all together.

Regulation is your power source. And it starts with you.

The Lies We’ve Been Told—and the Beliefs We Need to Break

Melissa works with countless high-achieving women and entrepreneurs, and the same limiting beliefs show up again and again:

• “I have to work harder to earn more.”
• “It’s not safe to receive.”
• “I’m not worthy of wealth, rest, or success.”

These aren’t just mindset issues—they’re trauma echoes. Maybe you grew up watching people with money be judged. Maybe gifts came with strings attached. Maybe no one ever taught you how to just be without performing.

The beauty of Melissa’s work is that it doesn’t just help people reframe these beliefs. It helps them release them from the body, for good.

Start with Intention, Not Perfection

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you’re barely holding it together—start by getting clear on your vision. Melissa encourages all of us to be just a little “delusional,” in the best way. Close your eyes and imagine:

• What would my life look like if everything aligned?
• How would it feel to be at peace, fulfilled, and deeply connected?
• What kind of mother, partner, and leader would I be?

Then, hold that vision close. Make decisions from that place. Let every step move you closer to the life you want, not the one you’re repeating out of habit.

“You don’t have to know how,” Melissa reminded us. “You just have to know where you want to go.”

Someone Is Waiting for What You Have to Offer

Melissa didn’t build her business by having all the answers. She started with sticky notes on a wardrobe and recorded her first course while breastfeeding. Her message to women with a dream?

You already have everything you need. That wisdom in your head? That passion in your heart? Someone out there is waiting for it.

Start small. Automate what you can. Ask for help. And remember: done is better than perfect.

What’s Next for Melissa and the Centre for Healing?

Melissa is currently working on her second book—a deep dive into Root Cause Therapy—and continuing to expand her free and paid educational programs worldwide. And she’s still figuring out how to make space for writing without being interrupted by a toddler every five minutes.

If you’re curious to explore more, Melissa offers a series of free trauma-informed courses at thecentrefohealing.com.

Progress Is Inevitable When You Keep Going

Melissa’s story is proof that no matter where you come from—no matter how low the rock bottom—healing is possible. Success is possible. Joy is possible. But it starts by getting honest about what’s holding you back, and then deciding that you’re ready to let it go.

“You’ve got an inner genius underneath all those layers,” she said. “You just have to take the next right step.”

And that, my friend, is your invitation.

If this episode spoke to you, share it with a fellow mom, coach, or dreamer who needs to hear that she is not too broken, too late, or too overwhelmed to change her life.

You are the root. You are the healer. You are the revolution.

Useful links:

• Join our FaceBook Page – Empowered and Unapologetic
• Take the Marriage Predictor quiz!
• Follow me on Instagram
• Check out the new website! https://veronicacisneros.org/
• Outside The Norm Counseling – 951 395 3288 call to schedule an appointment today!
• 5 Things that are Killing your Marriage Free Guide available at www.veronicacisneros.org

Meet Melissa Hiemann

As the cofounder and director of The Centre for Healing, Melissa Hiemann specializes in helping practitioners, therapists, healers and coaches learn life-changing, transformative methods while creating a thriving business for themselves. She is the creator of Root-Cause Therapy, a powerful method that addresses the underlying causes of addiction and mental health issues. Melissa’s passion for mental health and alternative healing stems from her own lived experience and extensive self-study. She believes that everyone has the potential to reach their full potential, achieve their goals, and create positive change in their lives and the world.

Digital Coordinates:

thecentreforhealing.com
instagram.com/thecentreforhealing
twitter.com/TMCHealing
facebook.com/TheCentreofHealing
linkedin.com/in/melissamindsetreset
youtube.com/@thecentreforhealing
tiktok.com/@centreforhealing

Meet Veronica Cisneros

As a leading authority in women’s empowerment and a fierce advocate for building strong networks, Veronica is your go-to guru for turning fears into victories, struggles into strengths, and doubts into boundless opportunities.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for 10 plus years; empowering high-achieving women in business to conquer both professional heights and personal fulfillment. She doesn’t do bandaids!
Veronica has a unique approach to overcoming obstacles and smashing through the glass ceilings that loom over ambitious women. With her arsenal of practical tools, actionable strategies, and unwavering support, Veronica doesn’t just help women succeed in their careers – she helps them thrive in every facet of their lives.

But Veronica’s expertise isn’t just theoretical – it’s personal. With over 24 years of marriage, three daughters, and a soaring career, Veronica embodies the resilience and determination needed to navigate life’s challenges. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Group Private Practice Owner, of Outside The Norm Counseling, Marriage Coach, and the voice behind the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, Veronica effortlessly guides women to challenge themselves beyond their comfort zones.

Veronica is more than an expert – she’s a partner in transformation, turning mundane relationships into true connections. With her relatable charm and infectious humor, Veronica illuminates the path for women who refuse to settle for anything less than success in both business and relationships. Through practical tips, heartfelt anecdotes, and her trademark wit, Veronica empowers every woman to cultivate unbreakable bonds without sacrificing their ambitions.

Whether you listen to the podcast, join the free Facebook community, or do the Workshop,  you’re in the right place. Let’s do this together!

Thanks for listening!

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