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Find strength and understanding through personalised grief support
Hello, I’m Vernessa Chuah, founder of Mindful Space and the pioneering pregnancy loss coach in Southeast Asia. I am a certified advanced grief recovery specialist, equipped to support you through trauma with deep empathy and understanding.
My training and personal journey uniquely qualify me to hold space where you can truly be seen and heard.
Recognised Expertise in Grief and Loss Support
My path to becoming a grief recovery specialist was paved with personal hardships and profound losses. I faced three heart-wrenching pregnancies—the first two ending in miscarriages and the third, a decision I never imagined making, ended in a planned abortion. These experiences, while intensely painful, have been integral to my understanding of loss and recovery.
Throughout the first six years of my marriage, I was no stranger to hospitals, undergoing multiple operations including surgeries for a severe childhood ear infection which eventually caused complete deafness in my right ear.
In 2019, I faced a potentially life-altering surgery that threatened my facial nerves and muscles—a challenge that I approached with the fear of not being able to speak clearly to my daughter again.
These trials, including the 52 stitches that now mark my resilience, have transformed my wounds into a source of strength. They’ve taught me to maintain a healthy inner voice and given me the power to empathise deeply with others’ grief. I’ve learned to channel this empathy into a supportive energy that many find comforting during times of loss.
With ontological coaching that focuses on body, language, and emotions, I provide a compassionate presence for those navigating the complexities of grief and pregnancy loss.
My approach is rooted in authenticity and vulnerability, supporting both men and women as they journey through their healing process. Together, we can recognise and honour our losses without being defined by them, empowering one another to move forward with renewed strength and courage.
Did you know that there are over 40 life events which can trigger grief? This concept is rooted in the groundbreaking work of psychiatrists Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe, who developed the Holmes-Rahe Stress Scale. This scale lists 43 life events known to cause stress and, potentially, significant health issues.
While the original scale ranks these events by stress points, I believe that every individual experiences loss fully, regardless of its point value. Therefore, I present these events not in a hierarchy, but as equally valid triggers of grief.
According to the Grief Recovery Method, “Grief is the conflicting feelings caused by the end of or change in a familiar pattern of behavior.” This definition helps us understand that grief can stem from any significant change, not just from loss through death or separation.
Interestingly, not all events traditionally associated with grief are about loss. For example, getting married is included high on the list. While a wedding is often one of the happiest days in a person’s life, the significant changes it brings can also be sources of stress. Similarly, a change in financial status, like receiving a windfall, can evoke complex feelings of excitement and anxiety.
Beyond these tangible life changes, there are also intangible sources of grief such as the loss of trust, approval, safety, and control over one’s body. Recognising these less visible forms of grief is crucial for understanding how broadly and deeply grief can affect our lives.
You might feel stuck, a sense of loss and uncertainty. You are not sure what to do next. Everything feels upside down and gloomy. ‘How long will this last? Why you? What is your story?
Explore ontological coaching of your WAY OF BEING in your body, emotions and language. Honour the emotions, and sense your body on what it wants or need with somatic work.
Be curious about how is your story serving and not serving you. When you create a different observation, you create new possibilities. With more awareness, you have more power to make choices, freeing yourself from being victimised by the story
In the event you need more than just coaching, with me as a Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist, you have the option to dive deeper into the Grief Recovery Method. This is an evidence-based method that is internationally recognised.
You are empowered with tools that you can take action for other grief and loss in your lifetime, with the aim to complete the emotional pain and any undelivered communication. There are more than forty types of grief and loss.
The Grief Recovery Method consist of seven sessions with tools to support you in the different types of losses. This method is not intended to be or substitute for professional medical or mental health services.
My commitment to supporting individuals through grief and loss has not only transformed many lives but has also been recognised across various media platforms.
From in-depth interviews to feature articles, my unique approach to healing and empowerment has garnered attention for its effectiveness and compassionate methodology.
Featured on The Straits Times – Mar 2023
Featured on Expat Living 2023 – Mar 2023
Featured on Business for Good 2023 – Jan 2023
Featured on Expat Living 2022 – Dec 2022
Featured on HoneyKids Asia – Oct 2022
Featured on CNA 938 Radio – Oct 2022
Featured on Women Business Owners Asia – Jul 2022
Featured on CNA Lifestyle – Oct 2021
Featured on Sassy Mama – Oct 2021
Featured on The Finder 31 – Sep 2021
Featured on Little Steps Asia – Mar 2021
Featured on Monash University (Australia) – Feb 2021
Featured on The Finder 32 – Dec 2020
Featured on The Positive Pathway – Jul 2020
Featured on Chalk and Chakra – Jun 2020
Featured on One&Co – Mums@Work – Apr 2020
Featured on Monash University – Dec 2019
We would like to thank Mindful Space for setting up a pleasant learning experience for our K1 and K2 levels. Tying with the school’s theme on “Mini Beasts”, the team has nicely catered interactive activities that are well thought out!
From lectures about helpful insects, how to identify them, interesting facts and even hands-on experience touching rhino beetles and beetle larvae! These certainly got the children (and teachers) in awe!
“We recently engaged Mindful Space for a mini workshop for preschool parents and educators on how we can have some learning about children’s different temperaments and strategies in helping adults to understand the little world of our young children.
Through the workshop, many relevant examples and practical strategies were shared that enlightened the way we possibly can use to handle young children in their melt downs. We appreciate the the knowledge sharing from the speaker, Ms Vernessa, who is patient and interactive in answering the queries both parents and educators may have.
We certainly we would consider for more session in time to come! :)) We have tried some of the strategies and now we also seen some little improvement of the little ones. Thank you! :)”
I love the opening analogy that Vernessa gave for “Respectful and Positive Discipline for Toddlers”. It was simple but yet straight to the point. Vernessa was also very warm and shared plenty of information that was beneficial to both the parents and my teachers.
In light of the current situation, her sharing had helped us to relook on how can we reinforce positive discipline with the children.
“85.3% of the MSF retreat attendees agreed that they have learned useful techniques to help relieve tension and stress from the mindfulness session.”
“Over 47% of them have voted the mindfulness session by Mindful Space as their favourite segment for the retreat.”
“Congratulations on the great work!”
“I enjoy using the yoga mat to make the sushi roll. I didn’t visualize this as how we can play it. Amazing!”
“I have fun bonding with my child and learnt how to impart values to them through play.”
“Made me realise how important experiences and moments of the past are for me.”
“Eye opener on my own personality.”
“My first time experiencing how music can connect with art on pen and paper, a revelation for myself.”
“Music means a lot to everyone, even though it’s not the same meaning for all of us, we can somehow relate to each other.”
“Music is the most powerful language; it enhances the experience as a whole.”
My daughter enjoys her classes here. Especially the aerial yoga. Lovely teachers. All are very helpful and responsive to my queries. Recommend!
I brought my class of 4 year olds to Mindful Space for a parent-child workshop on woodworking and the experience was wonderful! The program was organised and tailored to the needs and skills of the children. The teachers were very helpful and enthusiastically guided the children and parents during the activity. We also loved the space! It was calming and they had a beautiful garden for the children to explore.
Deciding to sign my 13-year-old up for a three-day camp with Mindful Space was on the spur of the moment. Dreading to have a naturally sedentary teen growing roots on the TV couch during the June holidays, I was intrigued when I read about Mindful Space’s programme, particularly their aerial yoga activity.
Those three days came and went, and as usual, I didn’t get a lot of information out of a teen apart from the fact that he had a lot of fun and wasn’t bothered by the large age gap with his camp mates.
Then a week later, I received a post-camp message from Mindful Space.
Oh my, it is by far, the most detailed and best post-camp review I’ve ever read. True to their business name, someone took the time and effort to mindfully communicate to me about my child and his time at the camp. Not only was the message kind and thoughtful, but it was definitely on point about what kind of person he is, and the areas in which we can continue to help him flourish.
One of the “wow” moments for my child was how he attempted and succeeded in doing a handstand. To some parents of naturally well-coordinated and active kids, this may not seem like much, but for my child, it was huge. He was so surprised and proud of himself – for trying and overcoming. From the note, I especially love how the teachers were able to identify a huge learning point for him through this activity – there was an acknowledgement of fear, followed by an acceptance of self, before embarking on the actual learning of the technique and continual practice.
In our busy, modern society, many people, including adults, get buried with the “doing” but missed out on the critical stage of “being”. Once in a while, we all need to recalibrate and reframe our mindsets so that we can be better equipped to embark on the “handstands of our lives”.
I’m also happy to report that my child’s posture has improved. When waiting for the bus recently, I noticed he was sitting upright when he would otherwise be hunched up like a little old man.
While Singapore is in no lack of children’s holiday camps, life-transforming programmes like these are rare and precious. Thank you so much, Mindful Space.
October 9 – 15 is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Week, bringing awareness and light to this not-talked-much-about topic.
A time for bereaved parents to honour our beloved babies who were taken from you far too soon. Your precious child is no longer with you here physically, yet they are always a part of you and your family. Taking the time to acknowledge your love and hope for a different future.
Wave of Light happens around the world on Oct 15, 7pm (whichever time zone you are at) where we honour our beloved babies who are dearly loved and forever missed.
As people in each time zone light a candle at 7pm and keep it burning for one hour. It creates a 24 hour “wave of light” as it moves around the world where grieving parents come together to remember our babies who were taken from us far too soon.
We hold a safe and healing space when we come together with our vulnerabilities. We can express our emotions and still move forward with this beautiful energy of grief.
Together with the power of community, we release and heal with yoga movement, sound healing, art and sharing.
Restorative Yoga by Teacher Dawn, be attuned with your body and emotions as you slow down. Giving yourself space to process, acknowledge and accept.
Sound Healing by Wendy Lum, Founder of Wenyogaheal. She is the first Therapy Harp and Euphone Sound Healer in Singapore. She is certified to play Gong and Alchemy Crystal Bowls too and is also a Reiki Level 3 Practitioner.
Grief Support Circle with art expression, journaling and sharing by Vernessa Chuah. The first pregnancy and infant loss in SouthEast Asia, an advanced grief recovery specialist.
12 Oct (Thu)
6:30 – 9:30pm
3 hours of grief support circle, restorative yoga and sound healing
Mindful Space, 10 winstedt road, Block A 02-02, S227977
Open for bereaved mums, dads, and grandparents to honour our children who are gone too soon
$15 for commitment and energy exchange. Candle, yoga mat and art materials are provided
Courage is when you choose to show up for yourself even when you feel uncertain.
In this support circle, I facilitate and hold a safe space together with you. Expanding your capacity to show up for yourself.
A pregnancy or infant loss 15 years ago, or 15 days ago is still a loss. A physical part of you was taken away, yet it does not take away your self-worth.
This group is open to all men and women.
You go through a journey of mindfulness, sharing, art or journaling together as a group.
If you are currently pregnant, yet still want to process or acknowledge your previous loss. You are most welcome to join.
Just message 9783 7313 to inform, so I can pre-frame the circle and be more trauma-informed.
You are not alone.
You are enough for who you are, not what you give, not what your provide, not what you do.
Here, we embrace you for who you are.
You are heard.
You are seen.
No words can describe this loss. Grief is raw and messy, not something that can be neatly wrapped in a bow.
You are experiencing a bag of emotions and stretching to the limit of human pain. In these moments, breathe. It’s okay not to be okay all the time. You’re allowed to feel and be as you are. This is your experience and no one else’s.
Journaling can be therapeutic and healing. This book is designed with blank spaces for you to explore. Fill the empty pages with your words, drawings, poems and memories of your child who is so precious to you.
When you articulate your thoughts and emotions with paper and pen, you give meaning to the process and acknowledge how you feel. This book is your ‘mind space’ that is safe and free from judgment, criticism and advice.
There is no right or wrong way to process a loss. Grief makes way for healing so thank you for being courageous and willing to be vulnerable to process it. You are enough.
Part 1: Release
Part 2: Heal
Part 3: Moving Forward
Discover powerful personal stories in “Rise Up,” where authors share their struggles and the practical lessons learned. These narratives offer inspiration and guidance for anyone navigating similar challenges, providing a treasure trove of resilience and hope.
