MIFPA Reg. ITEC Dip.

Sandra is very experienced and has run her successful practice at The Terrace since 2001 as a clinical aromatherapist, reflexologist and hopi ear candling practitioner. She is also founder director of her own centre in Wells.

Sandra studied in Somerset under a leading teacher in her field, and qualified with the International Federation of Aromatherapy Diploma in 1999. She then went on to study Lymphatic Drainage and Reflexology and incorporates essential oils to both disciplines to enhance the treatment where appropriate. Sandra added Hopi Ear Candling to her qualifications 3 years ago, and completes each treatment with a facial lymphatic massage to help clear sinuses and encourage the body to remove toxins. Ear Candling has proved beneficial to children and adults of all ages, especially with the effects of sinusitis and hayfever.

Cert. ECBS MFHT MBTPA CNHC reg.

Coming from a background in horse rehabilitation, I was first introduced to the Bowen Technique when one of my horses was a case study for someone training in equine bowen. I was so impressed with the results that I took my daughter for treatment. She had been diagnosed with a spinal curvature and so after four sessions I took her back for another x-ray and her spine was straight.

Having experienced first hand Bowen’s remarkable results, I began my training with ECBS and qualified in 2004. Since then I have built a busy practice based on personal recommendation and have clinics at The Terrace, Wellington and in Alton, Hampshire. I also run a dedicated children’s clinic. I aim to provide a true health service to my clients by using my knowledge of integrated anatomy to treat the whole person, understanding how many different complaints can be linked.

“For five years or so, I have suffered from the discomfort of IBS, which became particularly acute at times of stress. To relieve the symptoms, I regularly took three different prescription medicines. It was therefore a complete surprise when my Bowen Technique specialist, during the course of my very first treatment (for lower back pain), asked whether I had been experiencing any problems ‘with my digestives’ and duly informed me that the BT would likely help. Indeed, she was 100% correct! Since my very first treatment some 3 months ago, I have not found it necessary to take any medicines or have I experienced the slightest discomfort or other symptoms. Even the bloating has abated! I am a convert – and my back is better too!”
Prof. V. B.

“…I had been referred to physiotherapists and chiropractors, and three months later I was still in as much (back) pain as ever. After three treatments with Kate my pain had improved to just an occasional niggle and I had regained full mobility. I had a fourth treatment and have now made a full recovery – I have my life back” S Redman

BSc, RCST

Nicola brings a 21 year wealth of knowledge and bodywork experience to her work as both a practitioner and teacher of Craniosacral Therapy.

Nicola has been practising in Taunton since 1990 when she qualified as a Remedial Massage Therapist and since qualified as a Craniosacral therapist in 2005.
From the start of her working career Nicola has held a passion for body work and commenced her journey at the age of 18 with a course in Physiotherapy at St Thomas’ hospital, London which although uncompleted due to a family bereavement, fed her desire to gain further knowledge. In 1990, she completed diplomas in Remedial Massage and Manipulative Therapy at the Northern Institute of Massage and began her clinical practice in Taunton. From here her career path led to a BSc. training in osteopathy at Oxford Brookes University which she then practised until 2000.

In 2003 she had the great privilege to train in Craniosacral therapy under the guidance of Franklyn Sills, a world renowned teacher of Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy. Nicola now brings all this expertise and experience to her work as a Craniosacral therapist.

Nicola is a member of the Craniosacral Therapy Association and is fully insured. She is a part of the teaching faculty of the Craniosacral Therapy Education Trust in London where she trains Craniosacral therapists.

BA Hons, DAcc, CHM (London), MRTCM, MBACC Cert AC (China)

Alison studied Chinese Medicine at the London Academy of Oriental Medicine from 1992 to 1996. During this time she worked as a clinical supervisor at Acumedic gaining valuable experience. In 1996 after graduating Alison became a member of the British Acupuncture Council, a professional body now pursuing Royal Charter status. Alison is also an accredited acupunturist to the Zita West Clinic for Reproductive Health – London.

Alison set up her first practice in West Sussex which quickly established a successful reputation. Through professional contacts made in London Alison was given the opportunity to complete post graduate studies at the Dongehimen hospital, Beijing. In recognition of her studies she was awarded a certificate in Advanced Acupuncture and Moxibustion by the Chinese State, sponsored by the Beijing International Training Centre.

Alison believes in giving time to each individual allowing for a deeper understanding in which traditional Chinese acupuncture can nurture patients in a holistic and meaningful way. In her experience, traditional Chinese medicine should therefore not be rushed but gradually tailored to the particular needs of the individual in terms of lifestyle and well being.

What some people have said about working with Alison:

“Having suffered for many years with Migraine headaches it was suggested that I try acupuncture. Alison was recommended to me – she was very easy to talk to and after having a course of acupuncture I have never looked back, the migraines became less and less. It has made a big difference to my life.” J.

“I was recommended to Alison Courtney by an acquaintance of mine who was aware that my husband and I had been trying for a baby for a number of years and had suffered several miscarriages; the problem was not only conceiving, but maintaining the pregnancies too.

When I finally plucked up my courage, I found Alison to be a most welcoming, caring and interested person. She posed pertinent questions and listened carefully to the responses.

I was amazed that just by feeling the pulse points for a couple of minutes; Alison could list accurately all minor ailments that were inherent. Not only did Alison treat this with the needles, but she also offered sound lifestyle advice, showing a really good understanding of the balance of internal and external intakes the body needs to perform at its optimum. I was impressed by her knowledge of diet and how acids/alkaline could have a positive or negative affect on fertility, conception and gestation depending on the balance and time of day.

The acupuncture itself was most relaxing, Alison uses the finest needles which I believe are generally used for children, I never felt any pain, nor did I bleed.
I always left the sessions feeling energised, positive and ready for whatever life could throw at me.

I am now the very proud mummy of a beautiful little boy; I do attribute the successful gestation, in part to Alison Courtney and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone else for any ailment.” C

MICHT, MAR, ITEC dip.

Irene Cox trained at Devon Academy in Barnstable and holds ITEC diplomas in Holistic Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Indian Head Massage. Irene is also a fully qualified instructor for Baby and Toddler Reflexology and a Massage In Schools Programme Instructor and also regularly attends short training courses and local networking groups to update her skills.

Irene is fully insured and is a Member of International Council of Holistic Therapists (MICHT), Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT), Complementary Therapists Association (CThA) and a full member of the Association of Reflexologists (MAR).

Irene works with both female and male clients using a holistic approach to encourage clients to look at how lifestyles can impact on health and helps them to plan small beneficial changes. She also works with parents and children to encourage reflexology and massage as part of family life.

What some people have said about working with Irene:

“I had tried many supplements and other therapies for menopausal problems before I visited Irene for aromatherapy. I was ready to try anything as I was so desperate. After the first treatment the hot flushes lessened and I was able to sleep a bit better which made me less snappy during the day. I continued with regular treatments and now feel able to deal with the occasional flush”. J

“I had hoped that this treatment would help to relieve the tension in my shoulders that I got from driving long distances. Not only did it do this but it also relaxed my whole body in a short time. Magic!!” P

“After trying to conceive for two years we were on the waiting list for IVF. A friend said she had heard that reflexology might help so we contacted Irene. We each had two treatments and much to our delight found that we were expecting a baby. We are convinced that reflexology helped us to relax and Irene’s calmness and positivity stopped us feeling like ’patients’”. P and S

“I had monthly reflexology treatments from the time I was 16 weeks pregnant. Because Irene always asked about my midwife visits and looked at my records I had total confidence in her. When the pregnancy got to term she used additional techniques so that I didn’t have to be induced. Throughout my treatments and labour I was very relaxed and my daughter is a very calm baby.” C

BSc (Hons), MMCA, LCSP, LCC

A former professional cyclist as well as multiple county athlete, Martin discovered the benefits of McTimoney Chiropractic when recovering from a sports injury ‘What interested me particularly about McTimoney Chiropractic was the no drugs, no surgery approach, and the way the treatment corrected the alignment of the bones, restoring nerve function, alleviating pain and improving mobility, whilst promoting natural healing, and health, in short treating the cause, and not just the symptoms’.

This experience inspired Martin to train as a McTimoney Chiropractor/McTimoney Corley Chiropractor for 5 years. Martin works in 3 practices in Somerset.

What some people have said about working with Martin:

‘The treatment I received from Mr Merrell was outstanding in every way; he was extremely polite, reassuring and gentle. He explained everything to me so that I could understand what he was doing and exactly why he was doing it. After my first session I noticed a huge improvement on my spine after suffering for months from whiplash to the neck and back, what a relief’ Mrs B

‘Mr Merrell’s gentle chiropractor style, during my pregnancy, and after giving birth has helped make things so much more enjoyable. Throughout this time he has continued to adapt the treatment to my needs. I could not recommend him highly enough.’ Mrs L

‘Martin understood the modern demands on professional athletes. His knowledge of sports injuries and rehabilitation exercises is second to none. His professional approach and enthusiasm, has helped me return to what I enjoy doing’ Mr P

Dip. Clin.Hyp. NLP. Coach

Jan is a qualified teacher and lecturer as well as a practitioner in the Lightning Process and lifecoaching/hypnotherapy and NLP. Jan worked with children with behavioural problems and their families for over 20 years and was trained in behaviour modification before training to be a practitioner of the Lightning Process. With 4 years experience working in this field Jan is able to apply her previous training and knowledge of Care Standards to this role. Clients would most often describe Jan as compassionate, committed, caring, vibrant and skilled in enabling them to effect the changes they want, as evidenced by this testimonial:

Tinker’s testimonial – ‘I had been suffering from severe depression when I dragged myself to the Lightening Process. Overwhelmed by helplessness I had been told that it could offer me a way of helping myself. From the first moment of walking into the room I knew I was in the presence of someone of huge and positive energy, given unconditionally and from the heart. Although I wavered through the sessions Jan gave me the courage to stay with them and through phone calls during the following 2/3 months, let me know that she was there for me, for however long it took. In a short time I had regained my old spirit and had undertaken the translation of a 250 page book.

In the `success stories’ on her website the most frequently used words to describe Jan Oakley are generous and down to earth. She is quite simply one of the most inspirational people I have met’.

BACP Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist

Ali Leftwich runs mindfulness meditation groups and has many years’ experience of therapy and training and has trained in teaching mindfulness with the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice at the University of North Wales. She also teaches mindfulness on a one to one basis.

“The course was inspirational and life changing”. Course participant Taunton 2009

“I feel I have grown in self esteem, contentment, worth and confidence. I do not feel overwhelmed by the future but feel I can meet it now and not crumble”. Course participant 2010

“Thank you for being such a calm, accepting and grounded facilitator”. Course participant 2010

SPS Dip VTCT IIHHT

Laura trained as a Sports Massage Practitioner at the University Wales Institute Cardiff in 2005 and completed a Swedish Massage Diploma at Somerset College in the same year. She has practised massage on a mobile basis and is now expanding her practice. Laura enjoys spending time outdoors, cycling, walking and running. She is also a keen swimmer.

LCPH, MARH, RHom

Ruth’s first career was in Personnel Management. She initially dabbled in homeopathy by undertaking a short first aid homeopathy course while living in Worcestershire. This whetted her appetite and so then embarked on the 4 year part time training at the Midlands College of Practical Homeopathy, graduating in 1996. Ruth enjoys the direct, one-to-one involvement with clients after the complications of employment law.

After qualifying Ruth established her homeopathic practice in Evesham, Pershore and Worcester where she worked for 6 years. A family move brought her to Somerset in 2002 and she now practises in Taunton and Wellington.

Ruth qualified as a Licentiate of the College of Practical Homeopathy (LCPH) and is a Registered Homeopath (RHom) She is also a member of the Alliance of Registered Homeopaths (MARH), a professional body, which provides the Code of Ethics and Practice to which she works.

BACP Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist

Miranda has practiced yoga and meditation for many years. She completed a teacher training run by Bangor University to teach Mindfulness courses, and works with groups as well as on a one to one basis. Her experiences with Mindfulness have been immensely positive, both personally and professionally. It is a powerful life enhancing practice, together with being a safe and effective therapeutic tool.

Miranda’s original training was in medicine, and she worked as a GP in Somerset, with a special interest in psychological problems. She gained a diploma in Psychodynamic Counselling, and now works as a senior counsellor and EMDR practitioner at the Somerset Counselling Centre in Taunton. She is also a British Wheel of Yoga teacher.

BACP Accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist & EMDR Practitioner

Diana’s earliest experience of working with people was as a generic social worker which led her into becoming an accredited Psychodynamic Counsellor 15 years ago. This training combined with her personal experience of practising yoga and meditation stimulated her into seeking a way of offering meditative techniques to enable a more skilful way of relating to states of mind, in a moment-to-moment experience, away from habitual patterns of thoughts and behaviour – namely Mindfulness.

Diana runs Mindfulness (Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction) courses both for groups and for individuals. She trained to teach Mindfulness at the Centre for Mindfulness Research & Practice at Bangor University, North Wales. Her experience of working with Mindfulness, whether with a group or with individuals, constantly confirms her belief in its effectiveness and relevance in daily life.