TRADITIONAL CHINESE ACUPUNCTURE

Angela Llewellyn MSc, BA, BAc, MAcS

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Acupuncture is a system of healing which has been practised in China and other Eastern countries for thousands of years, and is now increasingly influential in the West. Although often described simply as a means of pain relief, it is in fact used to approach a very wide range of physical and emotional conditions. Its focus is always on improving the health and well-being of the patient overall, rather than focussing on isolated symptoms.

According to traditional Chinese philosophy, our health is dependent on our body's motivating energy – known as Qi – moving in a smooth and balanced way through a series of channels beneath our skin. The flow of Qi can be disturbed by a number of factors; these can include emotional states such as anxiety, stress, fear and grief as well as hereditary factors, poor nutrition, infections, poisons and trauma – and even weather conditions. By inserting fine needles into these channels of energy, an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing responses and help restore its natural balance.

Angela graduated and began practising in 1984, and has been working in Covent House since 1998. She has taught acupuncture in a number of settings, written widely on health and acupuncture issues, and worked closely with GPs as well as other complementary practitioners. She was for some years a member of the British Acupuncture Council's Research Committee, and has also developed new links with practitioners abroad, including Cuba, Korea and Russia.

CLASSICAL FIVE ELEMENT ACUPUNCTURE

Vicky Powell Lic.Ac, MBAcC

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Vicky practices Classical Five Element Acupuncture. This is based upon the philosophy that the natural world is represented within us all and that each individual can be seen as a unique combination of the five elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood, with one predominant element. These natural rhythms are fundamental to creating balance and harmony which improve all aspects of health. When out of balance illness can manifest on a physical, emotional or psychological level, which five element acupuncture aims to re-dress, looking at an individual’s symptoms and root causes and devising unique treatments for that individual.

Vicky is a graduate of the Acupuncture Academy in Leamington Spa and is also a member of the British Acupuncture Council. She recently moved to Powys with her two dogs and enjoys walking on the beach or in the hills being close to nature and the outdoors. She also holds a clinic one day a week in Aberystwyth.

PERSON CENTRED COUNSELLOR

Seren Westermann, MBACP

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Person centred counselling is a well established relational therapy, its non directive nature invites individuals to find their own unique responses and solutions to the situations that they are facing. The non-judgemental atmosphere imparted throughout the therapy allows individuals to find their own voice and access ways of being in the world that feel authentic and life affirming.

The philosophy under-pinning the Person Centred Approach is that all of us carry within ourselves innate resources for healing and growth. Along life’s journey however we can lose touch with the aspects of ourselves that are needed to navigate some of life’s biggest challenges, such as depression, low self esteem, anxiety and relationship difficulties. The totally accepting nature of the therapy facilitates growth by supporting the individual in finding their own way back to themselves.

Seren Westermann qualified in 2000 and has worked in the NHS and private practice. Seren has a particular interest in Mindfulness practice, with particular focus on stress management. Seren has a Diploma in Mindfulness Based Approaches and integrates this into her practice.

INTEGRATIVE PSYCHOTHERAPY

Matthew Whitney MBACP

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Hello, I’m Matt

When I was looking for a therapist I had vague ideas about the type of therapy I wanted, but what felt most important to me was meeting someone I liked, I could trust, and who I felt got me. With that in mind, please feel welcome to give me a call to see if we seem like a good fit for one another.

I work in an integrative way. This means I’ve trained in a range of psychotherapeutic approaches and I draw from them, or integrate them, differently with each person I see. I take this approach because I think we are each unique in our experiences, needs and hopes for the future, so different things are likely to help each of us at different points in our lives. If we were to meet we would settle into a co-created process that fits you. I work holistically, by which I mean it feels important to me that we would pay attention to every part of you and your experiencing and not simply try to treat a ‘symptom’. I’ll be doing my utmost to travel alongside you compassionately, thoughtfully and intelligently.

I work with a wide client-base, helping people with a great range of histories, concerns and challenges. Sometimes I see people for just a session or two, and sometimes for much longer. My work is underpinned by respect, care and curiosity, non-judgement and open-heartedness. You are welcome whatever your experiences, feelings or worries are, and however they show up.

It’s really important to me to acknowledge the dynamics of power and privilege in our society, and how they impact us. While this might be completely irrelevant to why you are seeking counselling, I want to especially welcome you if you come from a marginalised group or community. No area or topic is off limits.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

Fern Smith, BSc, MA, BCST

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Craniosacral Therapy is a powerful hands-on therapy which uses light touch to stimulate the body’s own self-healing abilities. The work derives from discoveries made by osteopaths more than 100 years ago which show that in health all living tissues express a subtle rhythmic motion called ‘Primary Respiration’. The full and balanced expression of this motion is fundamental to good health. However, factors such as accidents, injuries, stresses, toxicity etc, may compromise the expression of Primary Respiration leading to a wide range of physical and emotional problems. In treatment, the therapist identifies these areas of stress and strain and encourages a return to health.

After training at the Bristol School of Massage & Bodywork, I went on to train in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy with Franklyn Sills at the Karuna Institute in Devon. My special interest is in stress, physical/emotional conditions and major life transitions.

I am registered with the Craniosacral Therapy Association and have been practising for over ten years.

HOLISTIC MASSAGE

Megan Mills MTI, CNHC

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Meg has trained in Holistic Massage and Bodywork with Andy Fagg and others at the Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork, with David Lauterstein of the Lauterstein–Conway Massage School, and is currently studying Myofascial Release with the esteemed Ruth Duncan of Myofascial Release UK.

However what really shines through is her personal style – combining effective technique with the depth of sensitivity we crave when seeking an intuitive treatment to match our needs.

About Meg's work:

Holistic Massage is an individualised treatment, incorporating a range of styles and techniques to adapt to the needs of the client in the moment. Working with the relationship between Mind and Body, the therapist will guide you to find your own release and relaxation.

Myofascial Release (MFR) is a therapy working primarily with the fascia- a connective tissue surrounding and infusing muscles, bones and organs and acting as an integral, structural support in the body. Work with the fascia is holistic in the truest sense of the word, and research is showing more and more of the far-reaching effects of this work. Meg is currently in the process of completing her diploma with Myofascial Release UK.

HOMOEOPATHY

Linda Gwillim MCH, RSHom

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Homœopathy is based on the principle that substances which can cause certain symptoms can also be used to cure them. In order to find your particular remedy the Homœopath needs to have a clear understanding of you as a whole person. They will ask you questions about your mental, emotional and physical symptoms as well as your family medical history. Small doses of the carefully chosen Homœopathic remedy encourage your body’s own healing power to restore you to good health.

I studied at the London College of Homœopathy and am a registered member of the Society of Homoeopaths – I was awarded a Fellowship from the Society in 2016.

I have been practising Homœopathy from Covent House for 30 years now. During this time, I have built up a very busy practice and see patients five days a week.

My practice is very diverse, working with young and old alike – focussing on both mental/emotional and physical symptoms – both of an acute or more chronic nature.

I am a core clinician and teacher at the Welsh School of Homœopathy in Carmarthen as well as lecturing at other homoeopathic colleges in the UK and abroad.

REFLEXOLOGY

Sue Fisher MAR

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Reflexology is a gentle, natural therapy. It has been practised in China for thousands of years and was developed in the West at the end of the 19th century.

According to traditional Chinese medical theory the aim is to balance the flow of energy – Qi – throughout the body in order to improve and maintain both emotional and physical health. The western approach says that different parts of the body have a corresponding point on one or both feet: this is the map of the feet that many people recognise as Reflexology, today.

Pressure is applied to specific reflex points on the feet and lower legs to encourage the body's own healing potential, reduce stress and develop a sense of wellbeing.

I have been practising Reflexology since 1996 and am a Member of the Association of Reflexologists www.aor.co.uk.

My clinic at Covent House is on Fridays, and appointments generally last for an hour. Gift vouchers are available and they make a lovely present. You can choose to give a whole treatment or an amount towards an appointment such as £5, £10 or £20.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

Olivia Chandler Dip TM

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Massage is one of the most ancient and universal of the healing arts.

For thousands of years some form of massage or laying-on of hands has been used to heal and relieve pain. The sense of touch and of being touched by another caring person is of fundamental importance to our physical and emotional growth from the moment of birth.

Massage can be thought of as a luxury. In fact regular massage can go much further than this and actually improve overall health. It does this by combating the chronic effects of stress, by providing an opportunity for deep relaxation and revitalisation. By relaxing the body, massage can relieve stiffness, soreness and tension. Taut, painful muscles can be loosened and relaxed, greater freedom felt in the joints and the circulation stimulated.

Olivia has had over 30 years’ experience helping people with a range of painful conditions since gaining a Diploma in Therapeutic Massage at the College of Holistic Medicine in 1987.