"Like many others, I became a therapist after becoming disillusioned with corporate life and wishing to do more for others. There is nothing more rewarding than knowing you have helped improve someone’s life by alleviating their pain and anxiety.

I initially studied reflexology with the International Institute of Reflexology (IIR ®), qualifying in 2002 and I have been taught by Dwight Byers, the “Godfather” of Western reflexology. I have received such good results with reflexology, that I was inspired to teach others this wonderful therapy; I am now a fully accredited tutor for the IIR® and teach the Practitioner’s Diploma course in both Scotland and Bristol.

I became interested in the Bowen Technique after reading an article about the therapy and then hearing from other people who had experienced great results with it. Intrigued, I enrolled on a Diploma course with the Bowen Therapy Association of Australia (BTAA). I was bowled over by the effectiveness of the technique at the first training weekend; one of the other students suffered from a chronic frozen shoulder, which had not responded to other treatments. A few Bowen moves later, and he was moving his arm freely. I qualified in 2004 and I continue to be amazed by the results that this gentle technique brings, and how effective it is in relieving both chronic and acute conditions.

I recently moved to Bristol from Edinburgh, where I had a busy practice using both Bowen and Reflexology.

In my spare time I enjoy yoga, hill walking, dancing and gardening.

Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about how Bowen or Reflexology can help you."

Phone: 0777 157 5837

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"The way people communicate their deepest needs, through their body language and their physicality, has always been a passion. I first explored this passion through the performing arts in France, then into fine art figurative sculpture, doing a degree at Exeter followed by a post graduate course specifically on the human body, at St. Martins/Central, London.

Whilst doing a portrait head during my degree year, I realised that the model had suffered a serious illness earlier on in his life, I could see and sense this, in the way he held his head and how it sat on his neck, how he held his body, and his structure.

The models lives and thought patterning, and therefore their needs, were visible in their bodies. This seemed magical and I started looking more at what it is that makes each individual ‘them’.

Curiosity about the mixture of structure and essence, the interrelationship between energy, physicality and thought processes, HOW can we function optimally? This questioning led me to start exploring physical and energetic relationships, which led me to Buqi.

My qualifications:-

• B.A. hons. f/a
• C.A.S. st. Martins’/ Central
• Adult education certificate {level three}
• 1 Dan Aikido
• Buqi practitioner
• Buqi / Tuina
• Aikido, teaching permission from Pierre Chassang
• Taijiwuxigong, permission to teach from Dr. Shen Hongxun
• Taiji permission to teach from Dr Shen Hongxun

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"I became interested in massage as a therapy having experienced the enormous relief it gave to my ongoing neck pain. Working as an Office Manager in a busy office, the time spent crouching over a computer caused painful knots in my neck and shoulders and so I decided I would train in something that could benefit others as it had benefited me.

I offer a range of treatments each tailored to the individual to treat the body as a whole both physically and emotionally. Whether you need to alleviate the aches and pains of everyday life or take time out to enjoy a relaxing treatment, massage will leave you feeling calm and de-stressed. It is a common misconception that massage is just for a treat every once in a while, but through personal experience I have found that it is essential for good health and wellbeing.

What I love most about being a therapist is meeting new people, something that I did not have the opportunity to do in an office environment. I regularly perform tasters at Fresh and Wild, which is a great place to meet people interested in their health and wellbeing and I love to participate in the local fairs and shows around Bristol."

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"As I have always chosen to use complementary therapies as my first avenue of treatment for my family and myself, it was only a matter of time before I trained as a reflexologist. Prior to this, I have had a diverse career starting in the private sector but finding most job satisfaction working in the voluntary sector supporting carers and people with disabilities. On a personal note, I am married with two boys at secondary school which means I have a good understanding of the ups and downs of family life! By drawing on my life experiences and my training, I feel I am able to offer reflexology expertise and empathy to my clients; I gain enormous satisfaction from treating clients and helping them manage their symptoms or problems.

My key areas of interest & expertise are pregnant clients and clients with orthopaedic conditions eg neck, shoulder, elbow, knee or back issues. I treat women throughout their pregnancy and have seen the benefits that reflexology can bring; reflexology also helps the growing foetus. Reflexology also has a positive impact on labour too. I use vertical reflexology (www.boothvrt.com) along with conventional reflexology on my clients with orthopaedic conditions.

With regard to professional development, I attended a master class on pain management using vertical reflexology techniques (April 2008) and have recently developed a course with a colleague teaching parents how to do reflexology on their own baby or toddler. For further information about baby & toddler reflexology classes please go to our website www.this-little-piggy.co.uk. I continue to work as a voluntary reflexologist at St Peter’s Hospice.

If you would like to understand how reflexology can help you, please do not hesitate to contact me:-"

Website: www.clairecollins-reflexology.co.uk
Mobile: 0798 964 7775
Email: claire.collins@blueyonder.co.uk

Additional professional qualifications:
Working with clients with Cancer – Penny Brohn Centre – Nov 2007
Certificate in Maternity Reflexology – June 2007
Certificate in Vertical Reflexology – Nov 2006

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“My becoming a therapist was inevitable. For as long as I can remember I have been concerned with the welfare of others, and even in primary school I was, shall we say, concerned with the depths. When training to become a hypnotherapist I went through a full course of hypnoanalysis to learn the process from the client’s point of view. Mostly my childhood recalls were about other people being bullied or upset! That’s not to say I haven’t learned along the way to attend to my own needs too. One soon learns that in order to be available to others one must first be available for oneself! So as John Lennon said “Life is what happens when we are busy making other plans”. I eventually made good on those plans and in the intervening time life led me in all sorts of directions. I was a semi-pro musician. Thank God I didn’t get famous! (I like anonymity). I do continue to produce music today and it’s one of my passions. The album is halfway finished.

I lived in London until 1995, working on Cheapside (The square city mile) in a major bank’s City HQ. It was very stressful. The high paced pressurised London lifestyle led to my becoming ill with stress, anxiety, and depression. I escaped when I realised what was happening to the Somerset countryside and began the process of healing. I’ve tried most therapies! Now a well matured and much more grounded person I’ve been a professional hypnotherapist helping people to avoid making the same mistakes in thinking and behaviour I made, for years now. I specialise in treating anxiety, depression, and OCD, because of course, these are my passions. Having recovered myself I know the territory very well!

I am an experienced and successful full time professional registered hypnotherapist running busy practices in Bristol and Bath. I hold two hypnotherapy diplomas including the esteemed HPD which is an externally independently accredited “hypnotherapy practitioner diploma” which meets the UK’s National Occupational Standards for professional practice. I am also an assistant lecturer and course contributor for CPT, a leading hypnotherapy school based in Bristol. I offer a sincere warm hearted service."

Tel:0117 904 4504
Email: john@hypnotherapyforlife.co.uk.
Websites: www.hypnotherapyforlife.co.uk & www.anxietyspecialist.co.uk

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“After studying Classics at the University of Bristol, I worked in the HR department of a large financial corporate. Later I moved on to the communication, training and marketing areas and finally the Chief Executive’s office focusing on writing speeches and reports and supporting charity and community work.

All the areas that I enjoyed working in most and the skills I acquired, seem to have come together in my present life as a hypnotherapist, where I need to understand people in terms of what motivates them, what fears and anxieties they have, and what untapped potential lies within them.

At a certain point a few years ago, I wanted to achieve two things: to leave corporate life in order to be more flexible with my family commitments, and to find a solution to my fear of flying, which was curtailing my desire to travel more and to travel further.

Flicking through the Internet one day, I came across a hypnotherapy site and decided to give it a try. Three sessions sorted my fears and I became really fascinated by the whole process and keen to learn more, so I signed up for the training. This was only the first step though, because from the moment you see your first client, you never stop learning, developing and building skills that benefit all your clients.

I find hypnotherapy endlessly interesting and, whilst the basic principles and approach are the same for each client, everyone is an individual and unique. Therefore, the experience for each client and the therapist is different. Changing people’s mindsets can transform their lives for the better and it is very satisfying to help bring about that change, whether it is to allay fears or to improve confidence or performance in some way.

I look forward to seeing anyone for an initial free consultation where we can discuss their problem(s) and how to resolve it.

At all times I adhere wholeheartedly to the profession’s code of ethics and attend continuing professional development training regularly.”

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“As a busy mum and part-time teacher, I was really interested when a friend of mine visited the Chiron Centre for a kinesiology treatment. I was so intrigued by her explanation about the session that I just had to book an appointment with Claire Kedward myself.

Kinesiology totally surpassed my expectations. In fact, before the end of my appointment, I was so impressed that I wanted to be able to do it myself. Four days later I had enrolled on the Foundation Course at the Wessex School of Kinesiology and I haven’t looked back since. So far, I’ve successfully completed the nutrition and counselling aspects of my training and I’ve also greatly enhanced my practice by completing the Integrated Healing course, which is brilliant.

In June, I’m looking forward to graduating from the Practitioner course. I’m delighted to join the team at the Chiron centre as a student and it would be a pleasure to help you free of charge or with a voluntary contribution to a local charity."

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"I began training as an integrated counsellor and completed two years before deciding that my interests truly lay with a brief solution focussed therapy such as hypnotherapy. For me it made sense to focus on how we want things to be different and working towards that, rather than focusing on what is wrong.

I went on to train at the leading hypnotherapy clinic in the Southwest, the Clifton Practice Hypnotherapy Training CPHT (Bristol) where I gained a Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy (DHP) and the Hypnotherapy Practitioners Diploma (HPD). I was pleasantly surprised during training that much of the work we did centred on the biology of the brain and how this relates to how we feel and behave. I enjoy practising hypnotherapy immensely and helping people to reach their goals and make positive change is hugely rewarding.

I am a member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy, the Hypnotherapy Society, the National Council of Psychotherapists and the Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy."

Website: www.hypnobristol.co.uk

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"My journey into holistic massage has been a natural progression from my training in dance and my extensive travels to the Far East, living and working in China and the Philippines. I have worked in many fields, for example as a horse groom, in catering as a Functions Manager, in the financial industry as a PA/Secretary - so lots of diverse experiences! I became increasingly convinced that I must pursue a career in the holistic world in order to share this understanding of the world around us.

I trained at the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork based in Clifton and continued my studies in Spiritual Anatomy & Healing. I found that I had a natural intuition and empathy to gauge the responses of my clients needs. My deepening interest in holistic therapies naturally lead me to study for my attunements in The Usui System of Reiki, the benefits it brings to both the client and the therapist as they work in unison to balance the bodies energy.

In my spare time, I enjoy contemporary dance, yoga, singing and organic gardening - all of which harmonises the energy within my body."

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"My story is similar to that of many therapists in that I became interested in complementary therapies when I experienced problems with my own health. Over a period of several years I experienced a range of therapies and found the experience both beneficial and inspiring. I am a busy working mother of three young children and soon found that a holistic approach to health allowed me to develop the ability to cope with the pressures of everyday life.

This experience inspired me to undergo extensive training in a wide range of complementary therapies and I am fully qualified in Holistic Massage, Advanced Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology and Indian Head Massage.

Over the past year I have undergone further training and am now a qualified Kinesiologist. Kinesiology enables me to identify the dis-ease in the body more efficiently and enables me to work more deeply with clients that wish to explore any emotional or physical problems. I combine most of my therapies to give clients a unique experience in complementary healthcare.

As always I am dedicated to helping people obtain optimum health and free from life’s stresses."

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"I discovered Kinesiology through my own health problems as many practitioners do. Ironically I had booked in for a back massage and ended up having a Kinesiology session, which thankfully helped with more than just my neck and back pain!

Once I realised the potential that Kinesiology had to offer, there was no doubt in my mind that this was the therapy for me. I am a very logical person, and although it deals with energetic imbalances (once a very alien concept to me!) I could understand the basis of how it was working and could not only see, but feel the benefits for myself almost immediately.

Personally, I have used it to improve my squash performance, resolve injuries and cope with the stresses and strains of daily life as well as helping my clients.

I have also attended courses in Counselling and Nutrition to support my work as a Kinesiologist and I am a member of the Kinesiology Federation."

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"I first discovered kinesiology as a patient, while working within the financial services industry. The transformation in my own health led me to investigate the therapy further and this initial interest soon became an obsession.

After extensive training, I launched my own kinesiology business. I have used my experience to develop a clinical approach to health which allows me to assess and correct the underlying condition of the major bodily systems. This is supported by a range of delicate techniques that help with emotional and other more subtle issues.

I am particularly excited about my recent work with 'Quantum K'. This uses the latest findings in fractal geometry and quantum physics, applying this cutting edge scientific thinking to the human body. "

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"I am a fully qualified veterinary surgeon, having gained my degree in Veterinary Science at Bristol University in 2001.

My first job was a year in mixed practice in Kent before I moved to the south coast to specialize in companion animals at a busy vet hospital. It was at this stage that I began my training in veterinary homeopathy. Having always believed in a holistic approach to health, I wanted to learn to use this effective, gentle form of treatment for my own patients. My training in homeopathy, through the Bristol Homeopathic Hospital, was a true journey towards an entirely new and different way of understanding health.

In 2004 whilst working in a holistic veterinary clinic in Sydney, Australia I studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and gained my certification in Veterinary Acupuncture through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS), in Melbourne.

Over the last four years I have built up my client base in Bristol, and more recently have been running a weekly clinic in West London.

As well as being one of only a handful of fully qualified veterinary homeopaths I am also enjoying my new role as tutor on the Bristol Homeopathic Hospitals course, offering training in homeopathic medicine to healthcare professionals (doctors, vets and nurses). In addition to this I am on the council of the Association for British Veterinary Acupuncturists. In the past year I have also helped to found the ‘Friends of Bristol Homeopathic Hospital’ patient support group, organizing our regular meetings and editing the quarterly newsletter.

I am also the holistic vet advisor for both ‘Your Dog’ and ‘Your Cat’ magazines. Replying to the monthly postbag of readers’ letters with homeopathic and complementary health advice, and write regular features for ‘London Dog Tails’ magazine.

In my spare time I enjoy walking my cocker spaniel Penny and am also a keen potter and cellist."

Telephone: 07875767403
Website: www.hollymashvet.com

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"I first became interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine 20 years ago when I began studying Shiatsu. I had already discovered both yoga and meditation and had an enthusiasm for anything spiritual and holistic. As my interest in the healing arts grew I travelled to China to study at the Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and have since developed skills in Chinese Massage, Buqi Healing and Tai Chi – which I teach in the Bristol area.

As I became more involved in holistic medicine I went on to complete a three year training course in Acupuncture at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine in Reading. The course encourages an integrated approach, combining Traditional Chinese Medicine and Five Element Acupuncture. This provides a thorough understanding of the whole range of conditions which may be affecting any individual, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. The goal is always to treat the root cause of ill health rather than simply suppressing the manifestation of the problem.

My approach to treatment involves assessing every patient as an individual and devising treatments that best meet that individual’s needs. Sessions may involve just acupuncture, or may also sometimes incorporate Tuina massage, Shiatsu or advice on Tai Chi exercises.

As a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), I follow a strict code of ethics and professional conduct, and undertake continuing professional development. Further information is available at the British Acupuncture Council.

If you need any further information or would like to discuss how acupuncture may help you, please contact me. I’ll be happy to speak with you. "

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"I became interested in using nutrition as a therapy after successfully treating my own arthritic problem which was causing me a lot of pain and seriously limiting my mobility.

I studied Nutritional Medicine under the supervision of Dr Lawrence Plaskett at St Bartholomew’s Hospital London and gained diplomas in Nutritional Medicine and Dietary Therapeutics in 1991. I am registered with the British Association for Nutrition and Nutritional Therapists (BANT) and am a member of the British Institute of Allergy and Environmental Therapy.

Realizing that not all people would be willing or able to alter their diet, I was delighted to find that Reflexology can effect amazing changes within the body. I went on to study with the Crane School of Reflexology and qualified as a Reflexologist in 1992. I am a member of the Association of Reflexologists.

As a professional practitioner since 1992, I have taken an active interest in promoting health on a wider scale, including TV appearances, health and personal development courses run on behalf of business organizations and I have delivered a wide range of lectures, talks and demonstrations. My booklet, Understanding Arthritis, is part of the Neals Yard Remedies range of books, and will be published in May 2008.

Since 1993, I have worked as a Nutritional Therapist for Penny Brohn Cancer Care (formerly The Bristol Cancer Help Centre)."

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"I am a qualified and experienced Homoeopath, registered with the Society of Homeopaths which is the lead body for the profession in the United Kingdom. Over the last fifteen years I have worked successfully at a number of clinics in the Bristol area and currently my practice is one of the largest in the South West.

Being busy has given me the opportunity to develop the way I work with diverse clients presenting with a wide range of conditions. I work in a way that recognises that modern life and the illnesses that accompany it is complex. My clients do not need to change existing medications or make radical changes to their lifestyle in order to gain benefit from our work together. Together we achieve healthy change and improve well-being through a process which encourages self-knowledge and self-management of health conditions.

To facilitate this process my consultations are relaxed and unhurried allowing time for us to understand what you wish to change and to take full account of the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of your situation.

Homeopathy is all about having the health and vitality you need to live the life you want to lead. It is more than just a theory to me. My partner and I live and work with the consequences of serious long-term illness. I have seen homoeopathy enhance and maintain quality of life in ways that continue to amaze me.

In the past homeopathy sustained me in a busy career in accountancy, now it sustains me in my practice and allows me to enjoy “the great outdoors!”

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"My introduction to Kinesiology came as a result of my own health issues. Diagnosed with IBS, I turned to Kinesiology when conventional medicine was unable to ease my symptoms for over three years. Within months after starting my sessions, my health had been turned around and I felt re-energised, symptom free and healthier in mind and body.

Amazed and intrigued at how dramatically my health had improved I continued my interest in Kinesiology by training as a practitioner. Since starting my practice in 2006, I have incorporated both reiki and the Quantum K system within my treatments which works with the body’s natural healing ability in order to improve both physical and emotional well-being."

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Roger is a Solution-Focused therapist, who uses Ericksonian Hypnotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, NLP and Rogerian 'client-centred' work. He is a great believer in the adage that 'people heal themselves', and that the role of a therapist is to facilitate positive life changes. Sessions with Roger are divided between 'talking therapy' and trance work/hypnotherapy.

While he is happy to work across the board with whatever a client brings, much of his work is in the areas of Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Phobia, Trauma, P.T.S.D., Alcohol/Drug Addiction and Sexual/Relationship issues. As a former International Athlete, and current Aikido Black Belt and Instructor, he is also involved in Confidence, Motivation and Sports Psychology.

Roger is an award-winning dramatist, and a teacher of creative writing/screenwriting to postgraduate level at several universities, all of which creative experience he brings to his integrated approach to Psychotherapy, personal healing and growth.

Website: web.mac.com/roger.stennett

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" I qualified as an osteopath in 1977. Since then I have been working in Lyme Regis and Bridport. My areas of interest include :

• Working with children. I spent ten years up to 2003 working at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in London, mostly two days a week and for the last eight years as a tutor. The Centre has been recently renamed The Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy (www.fpo.org.uk).
  
  
• The Perrin Techniquetm for the treatment of patients with Chronic Fatigue/ME. Www.theperrinclinic.com This osteopathic approach for the diagnosis and treatment of Chronic Fatigue/ME has been very effective for many patients. The main reason that I have come to work at the Chiron Centre has been to offer this treatment to patients in this area.
  
  
• The Neil Asher Technique® for the treatment of the frozen shoulder (www.frozenshoulder.com). This approach has been shown to be very effective by trials at the Addenbrookes Hospital.

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"I have spent many years working within large organisations and within roles that have focused on helping others. I have enjoyed my work over the years but have found it, at times, to be a stressful and uneven existence.

I have always had an interest in massage and was lucky that my life took a direction that meant I had the opportunity to fully explore this. I trained with the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork (BCMB) and found that it perfectly combined my dual passions of helping others and massage.

Massage has opened my eyes to the way we choose to live our lives and look after our most precious asset, ourselves. I believe regular bodywork is integral to our way of life just like our diet, exercise or ways we choose to relax. Based on your needs (whether that is relaxation or pain relief) Holistic Massage can treat your whole being - physical, mental and emotional - and enable you to live freely in your body.

As a practitioner my massage is based on the principles of confidentiality, trust, sensitivity, awareness, knowledge and professionalism."

For further information please visit: www.kirstylovell.vpweb.co.uk