Michael Johnson

As well as a harpist, concert performer and composer, Michael has been the facilitator of the music and mindfulness retreats.
His tranquil music-based mindfulness sessions have been an integral part of the cancer, MS and Parkinson's disease programs at the Gawler Foundation for over thirty years.

Michael been practicing palliative music in hospitals and hospices for people who are reaching the end of their lives for over thirty years.
He has been the Music and Mindfulness coordinator at Delmont psychiatric Hospital for 12 years, using music, movement & mindfulness as distress tolerance, working with clients living with dementia, schizophrenia, BiPolar, personality disorders, depression and anxiety.
He has worked in Individual support and group facilitation with EACH: Mental Health and Wellbeing Hub.

He runs seminars, workshops and in-services for individuals, schools, businesses and staff professional development. The Botanic Gardens, Melbourne have also embraced Michael's therapeutic background and host Michael's Harp Meditations in the Arid garden, Fern Gully and Mueller Hall.

In 2023, Michael was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) as part of the King's Birthday Honours List. The citation for the award is for service to music as a performer and teacher.
In 2022 Michael was presented with an award for his role as Musician in working mental health by Mental health Australia.

Michael has a Diploma of Mental Health. He is trained in Mindfulness, Mental Health first Aid, Distress tolerance and counselling.
He is currently working in the area of mental health support with the music and mindfulness workshops, seminars and retreats at various locations.