That’s part of our initial conversation. Over time, our relationship may flow among mentoring, coaching, and consulting, depending on what you need.

Immersive Coaching is when I ask questions rather than give answers. It is client-centered, and my framework of coaching involves guided meditations, as well. Coaching helps you access your own wisdom, set goals, and move toward them with clarity and accountability. Consulting is when I’m hired for my expertise to give direct recommendations, strategies, or insights. Mentoring is when I walk alongside you, sharing from my own lived experience. Mentoring is relational, supportive, and less structured—it’s about guidance over time.

Yes. My energy work stems primarily from learning and working within the Maker shamanic tradition -- an old, previously closed family tradition. I am primarily a healer, deathwalker, and seer. Of the various practices I am trained in, I am only currently offering 1:1 energy healing sessions.

Each person’s experience is unique. For most offerings except for immersive coaching and consulting, I cannot promise specific outcomes, but many clients report feeling more grounded, connected, and resourced to face life’s transitions at the events I facilitate.

I, Holly Emmer, facilitate, leveraging my training, certifications, and experience in various modalities over the decades. Sometimes, I am assisted by long-time members of my community events or other trusted people.

At this time (August, 2025), my consulting for end of life matters is not being offered. The nature of my end-of-life offerings will change in mid-2026. Grief support is informally incorporated into events I host.

No. While I have a background as a registered nurse and training in lay grief counseling, I do not diagnose, prescribe, or provide psychotherapy. My services are not medical or psychiatric treatment. They are supportive, experiential, and educational in nature. See my Disclaimers page for more information.

My list of offerings changes depending upon the season and/or my current personal capacity. My most current service offerings are listed on my Offerings page. As of August, 2025, I currently offer limited one-on-one energy sessions, seasonal Forest Gatherings, a monthly drum & journey circle, education about the recapitulation exercise, consulting, and mentoring. Each service is designed to support personal transformation and healing. I will be taking one client in November, 2025 for an immersive coaching series called "Clarifying Your Focus."

Every offering is different, but expect a welcoming, respectful space where you are invited to explore, reflect, and connect. The Events page will provide more detailed information for a particular offering. Energy sessions will include dialogue, energy work, aftercare instructions, and sometimes "homework" recommendations. You can find more information about the Drum & Journey Circle here.

Your “yes” and your “no” are both welcome here. You may pause, step away, or decline any part of the work. Consent is an ongoing process, not a one-time agreement.

Consent honors both your autonomy and my integrity. It creates clear agreements and allows us to work together in safety, respect, and trust.

Yes. All clients/participants are asked to sign a simple Consent Form prior to services. This ensures we are both clear on expectations, boundaries, and mutual respect. It’s part of how I create a safe and ethical space. Immersive coach clients and those seeking mentoring or consulting will have an additional agreement to review and sign before we begin our work.

Before your session, please ensure you have completed any required forms or questionnaires, such as the Consent and New Client forms. It may also be helpful to spend a few moments reflecting on what you hope to achieve during the session.

Bring an open heart, comfortable clothing, water, any relevant documents or materials that you think might be helpful, and any personal items (like a journal or small token) that help you feel grounded. Details for specific events will be provided when you register.

Energy work sessions are scheduled for approximately one hour, with actual healing between 20-40 minutes, depending upon what is needed. The initial consultation and aftercare conversation will take up the rest of the hour's time. Forest Gatherings and immersive coaching sessions are usually two hours, the drum & journey circle is 3 hours, and workshops vary in length.

You can read my Scope of Practice and Personal Code of Ethics here. These documents outline the heart of my work, how I hold professional boundaries, respect autonomy, and prioritize your safety and dignity.

If the location allows for leashed pet dogs, such as an outdoor Forest Gathering, I will mention it in the event description, and your pet dog is welcome to come along. Pets are not allowed at the drum & journey circle location. Service dogs are always welcome at any of our gatherings. Please note that pets and emotional support animals (that are not trained service animals) cannot be accommodated. If you are bringing a service dog, I simply ask that they remain under your control and by your side throughout the event, so all participants—including those with allergies or sensitivities—can feel safe and comfortable.

Currently, most of my offerings are fairly adult-oriented. However, we have had children attend Forest Gatherings and the drum & journey circle in the past, and I believe they had a good experience. Feel free to contact me to talk about your specific situation, and we’ll go from there.

No. Although I am a registered nurse, my work in this practice is not medical or diagnostic. With your consent, I can collaborate with your existing healthcare team if that is useful, but I do not replace them. See my Disclaimers page for more information about this topic.

I strive to keep a site and all my work as accessible and as inclusive as possible. This site contains an accessibility icon on each page so you can change the settings to your preference and/or needs. Also, you can read my Accessibility Statement here.

I strive to make all in-person gatherings welcoming, inclusive, and accessible. My offerings are held in spaces chosen with care for comfort and safety, with seating available and opportunities to rest as needed. I provide clear schedules, explain sensory elements in advance (such as drumming or incense), and honor different ways of participating -- listening, journaling, moving, or simply being present. Breaks are always welcome. Service dogs are always welcome. If you have accessibility needs, such as mobility considerations, sensory sensitivities, or communication preferences, please reach out before the event. I will do my best to make adjustments so you can feel safe, supported, and included.

Yes. I hold an intentionally inclusive and trauma-informed space, honoring all identities, expressions, and backgrounds.

You are welcome to pause, step away, or ask for support. You are never required to participate in any activity. Your well-being comes first, always.

I do my best to provide a safer place for everyone. I have training in lay grief counseling, and I bring my nursing background into creating trauma-informed, compassionate spaces.

All gatherings are based on mutual respect. We all work together to co-create a safer and inclusive space. This includes confidentiality (what’s shared in circle stays in circle), consent (participation is always a choice), and inclusivity (all identities are welcome). We agree to respect each other (listening with presence and openness, without fixing, interrupting, or judging and responding from personal experience using "I" statements). We respect different cultural traditions and practices, the land and space where we gather, and ourselves. We may share additional agreements at the beginning of an event.

Safety is foundational. I bring a first aid kit to every event, and my background as a nurse and training in grief support help me hold steady space for whatever arises. Safety is woven into how I choose locations, structure activities, and support participants.

All 1:1 energy work sessions can be booked directly through my website’s Booking page. Once scheduled, you’ll receive a confirmation email with details. For events that need RSVP, you can book directly through my website on the Events page. The Drum & Journey Circle does not need to be RSVP'd or booked.

Please contact me via my Contact page with your inquiry. These offerings require a conversation and will entail different processes and agreements.

Once you have completed the booking process, you will receive a confirmation email with the details of your appointment. If you do not receive a confirmation email, please check your spam folder or contact us to verify your booking.

Yes. Some service offerings are available online via secure video platforms. For instance, it’s common for my mentoring, immersive coaching, and consulting clients to meet online with me. Forest Gatherings and nature-based events are in-person and usually take place in and around Milwaukee, WI. The Drum & Journey Circle is in-person, as well.

Yes, you can make changes to your booking after it has been confirmed. Please contact me as soon as possible to update your appointment details. Changes made within 24 hours of the appointment may be subject to our cancellation policy.

When booking an appointment, you will need to provide your name, contact information, and any specific details related to the service you are booking. This helps us prepare for your session and provide the best possible experience.

Individual private energy work sessions are $225. Some group offerings, immersive coaching series, and workshops have different pricing, which is always listed clearly on the Offerings and/or Event pages.

Invoices and receipts are automatically sent to your email after the payment is processed. If you need a physical copy, please let me know, and I will mail it to you.

Yes. I believe in accessibility and reciprocity. I host Drum & Journey Circles and Forest Gatherings that are free or donation-based. I also offer resources -- like my newsletter and blog -- that are free for anyone. Also, for those who need healing but cannot afford my 1:1 sessions, I offer you a link to FREE remote healing by shamanic practitioners in my Maker tradition. Several of us get together once weekly to do a group remote healing session for 1-3 clients per week. More information and sign up here.

Refunds are not typically offered for services already rendered.

In some cases, yes. My work is rooted in reciprocity, and if a client or collaborator wishes to exchange energy, service, or skill in a way that feels balanced and respectful, I’m open to discussion.

I accept cash, credit cards, PayPal, and other digital payment options through the booking system. Please ensure that your payment method is valid and has sufficient funds to cover the cost of the service.

My pricing is transparent, and there are no hidden fees or expectations of tips. You are always welcome to make a financial donation for any free event that you attend, but it is not expected.

Refunds are not typically offered for services already rendered. Late cancellations (less than 24 hours’ notice) or missed sessions may not be refunded, except in cases of emergency. For paid sessions and events, refunds are possible with sufficient notice (24 hours+ notice), minus any non-refundable fees, if applicable. Credit toward a future session is often available.

Life happens! For events that require RSVP: please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to cancel, so I can offer your spot to someone else. (I keep a waiting list for limited-attendance events.) For one-on-one sessions: please cancel at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule. For cancellations within 24 hours, the full session fee will be charged. Late cancellations or missed sessions may not be refunded, except in cases of emergency.

In the rare case I need to cancel, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule.

Email is the best way to reach me via holly@formattersoflifeanddeath.com. I respond within 1–2 business days. Or, if this is your first contact with me, you can reach me via my Contact page. For urgent mental health concerns, please contact a qualified professional or crisis line, as I cannot provide emergency care.

You can update your personal information at any time by contacting me directly. I will ensure that your records are updated promptly and accurately to reflect any changes you request.

Your privacy matters deeply to me. I keep both physical and digital records secure. Physical files are stored in a locked box, and anything online is protected with encrypted systems. My company’s Google Workspace includes a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement with Google, which means your protected health information (PHI) has an added layer of security. What you share with me stays with me. I will never disclose your personal information without your explicit consent, unless I’m legally required to (for example, if there is risk of harm to yourself or others). I also complete yearly training in data privacy and information security, so I stay current on best practices.

In the unlikely event of a data breach, I have a comprehensive response plan in place. I will promptly notify affected individuals, take immediate steps to contain the breach, and work to prevent future incidents. My priority is to protect your information and maintain your trust.

You can read my statement about your privacy here. The website's Privacy and Cookie policy is here.

I do not share your personal information with third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law or to provide the services you have requested. I am committed to maintaining your privacy and ensuring that your information is used responsibly.

Yes, I keep minimal, respectful notes only when needed for continuity of care. These are kept secure and never shared.

Only with your explicit written permission. If you do give consent, I always anonymize details to honor your privacy.

I ask everyone to honor confidentiality. While I cannot guarantee what others choose to share outside the circle, I set clear agreements around confidentiality and respectful listening. I also provide guidance at the beginning of each gathering about how to hold one another’s stories with care. We agree together to protect each other’s privacy.

Yes. You can read my Scope of Practice, Your Privacy, and My Personal Code of Ethics document here.

Absolutely—and it means a lot when you do. With your consent, testimonials may be shared on my website or in materials to help others understand what this work can offer. If you’d like to remain anonymous, that is absolutely honored.

Yes. They are found on the bottom of my Home page.

You can submit a testimonial with this form. With your consent, I may share your words (first name only, unless you prefer otherwise). I may lightly edit for clarity while keeping your words true to your experience.

Please use my Contact page to reach out with details. I welcome opportunities that align with my mission -- whether that’s guest speaking, podcast interviews, panel discussions, or co-creating community projects.

I love authentic collaborations that align with my mission. Tell me about your idea, and we’ll explore together if it’s a good fit. Reach out through my Contact page with details.

Please reach out through my website’s Contact page. I’ll do my best to respond within 2–3 business days.