My name is Colleen
I grew up in South Africa and have lived in 3 other countries (England, Germany and Thailand) before settling in France, where I live with my husband, and an ever-changing number (currently 6) of cats.
We (as in my husband and I, not the cats and I) are converting an old stone barn into our forever home. When I am not working, I can be found playing in the veg patch; reading, or cooking. Or feeding cats. I am always feeding cats.
In 2015, I became a Reiki Practitioner and have worked fromy home, in a yoga retreat, in person, and remotely with clients all over the world. I received my Reiki Master, and Crystal Reiki Master, qualifications in 2020. Distance Reiki works particularly well for animals and is something I often incorporate into communication sessions.
I wish I could say I grew up chatting to animals like a real-life Doctor Doolittle, but the truth is, it happened quite by accident…
During a remote Reiki session with a cat in America back in 2019, I suddenly saw a vivid image of a tall bay window with long mustard curtains and a window seat. I mentioned it afterward to the owner, and to my surprise, she said I’d just described their lounge—and the cat’s favourite place to nap.
I was stunned. That image could only have come from the cat. So I dove into books, research, and eventually a course, where I discovered I could do this work far better than I’d expected.
I went professional in 2022 and haven’t looked back since. It’s the most humbling and rewarding work I’ve ever done.
In 2024, I also started a fortnightly vlog called Whispers from the Countryside, where I share glimpses of life in rural France—from animal communication insights and barn renovation progress to countryside living and, of course, plenty of cat adventures. I’ve developed a real passion for filmmaking through this process, and my husband contributes stunning aerial shots using his drone.
I am also Tarot Teacher; freelance, published writer; cat collector; chocolate eater; and avid reader.
If you’d like to know why there is a penguin in the footer, click here to read the Penguin’s story.
My Certifications
(‘Setchell’ was my maiden name.)
