Introducing a new modality: Wisewoman

I’ve been dreaming up a new modality. I call this Wisewoman—though it could be a nonbinary person or even a man in the role. It’s not about being an expert. It’s a way of offering wise, informed, non-judgemental, confidential support based on life experience.

A Wisewoman helps people navigate complexity—not necessarily with specialist knowledge, but with grounded perspective. Sometimes that means offering advice or mentoring. Sometimes it’s simply listening deeply and helping someone organise their thoughts to find clarity within themselves.

A different kind of help

In recent years, I’ve often wished for this kind of general wisdom: when dealing with health or family issues, financial choices, or just trying to see the bigger picture. I didn’t need a specialist. I needed someone experienced—someone who could help me weigh up my options and see beyond the immediate crisis.

We live in a world full of noise and information, with endless choices and clever marketing competing for our attention. But often, what we need isn’t more data—it’s perspective.

An empowering alternative

This modality isn’t about taking power away from the individual. Quite the opposite. A Wisewoman doesn’t always offer solutions. Sometimes, the most powerful help is someone who can reflect things back to you so you can find your own answers.

When we’re overwhelmed, we don’t need more diagnoses—we need space, clarity, and encouragement to trust ourselves.

Faith in experts

My late mother, a scientist, believed in experts and trusted institutions. But today’s expert systems can be fragmented and impersonal. A podiatrist may know feet but not the rest of the body. A GP may focus on checklists rather than holistic advice.

This model can disempower us. Often, we hand over our agency to experts, expecting answers—but sometimes what we need is someone who can walk beside us while we figure it out.

What a Wisewoman offers

Think of situations like:

Helping a young person navigate study choices
Understanding a personal health issue
Supporting ageing parents
Dealing with menopause
Making financial decisions and knowing who to turn to for help

A friend might do this for you—but not everyone has someone they can turn to, especially when the topic feels too personal or fraught with judgement.

Not quite coaching, not quite therapy

A Wisewoman isn’t a coach or counsellor—though there are overlaps. It’s not a mental health service, but it is deeply supportive. In earlier generations, a wise minister, midwife, or family doctor might have offered this kind of care. Nowadays, the system often doesn’t allow the time or scope for this role.

Especially useful for health choices

This modality feels especially needed in health. When I’m sick, I don’t want ten conflicting search results or a list of symptoms. I want someone calm and grounded to help me decide: Should I rest? Try a herbal remedy? See a doctor?

Years ago, I had a family doctor who was a true Wisewoman. She had trained in both medicine and homeopathy, and had raised four kids. She didn’t have all the answers, but she had common sense, experience, and empathy.

These days, my GP checks my vitals and refers me to specialists. That’s fine for serious illness—but what about the everyday challenges of staying well?

Why I’m stepping into this role

I need a Wisewoman in my life—and I know I’m not alone. That’s why I’m stepping into this role myself. If this idea resonates with you, I’d love to talk. Let’s explore what a modern Wisewoman practice could look like—together.

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