The realization that I have been in practice as a self-employed Complementary Practitioner for 35 years came as a bit of a surprise to me as it doesn’t seem that long ago that in 1991, I graduated with 1a diploma in Homoeopathic Medicine. This achievement was the catalyst for my journey of discovery into the world of what was then known as alternative medicine and is now more appropriately named Complementary Medicine. It also enabled me to obtain professional membership/registration of a governing body and to join my father’s highly respected Osteopathic practice The Lansdowne Clinic (est 1971) in Weymouth Dorset. Working alongside my father gave me a deep understanding of how a successful practice operated, and the value of the ethical responsibilities associated with the title of professional practitioner. The success of my father’s practice relied on its reputation with “word of mouth” recommendations from satisfied patients as this was the time before smart phones, social media and the web. When my father retired, I moved the practice to Buena Vista Gypsy Lane in Weymouth Dorset where it still operates today with the same values and attention to detail that ensures every individual patient obtains the best possible service I can provide. Over the years I have studied and qualified in a wide range of complementary therapy modalities some I call on more than others, Clinical Reflexology, Counselling, Nutritional Therapy and Homoeopathy have become my core modalities or specialities (my full CV can be found on my website). My work is always guided by the holistic principle of treating the whole person, Mind, Body and Emotion ensuring that individual needs are met. When asked I will inform patients on how the body functions, causal chains and how symptoms develop, explore techniques that offer support to manage stress and advice on how to make changes to improve quality of life. Patients often feedback that they feel empowered following treatment sessions and feel that armed with new knowledge more confident to make choices that are right for them. Face-to- face consultations and treatment can be valuable learning experiences for all concerned. During my professional career I have managed a successful private practice, explored academic opportunities to expand my range of knowledge and skills, travelled the world attending conferences as both delegate and presenter, contributed self-help articles to professional journals and community-based magazines, set up and ran an externally funded reflexology service in a NHS hospital cancer service for 8 years that provided research data findings published in RCNi Cancer Nursing journal and the evidence base for my accredited CPD advanced Clinical Reflexology training. Throughout the years I have been a volunteer for health-related organisations including Hospice care, and the NHS. I am proud of my professional achievements and whilst my range of knowledge is wide and diverse upon reflection experiences are the most cherished of memories. The wish to try and help people feel better has always been my driving force and I feel very honoured to have met and helped some incredibly brave, unique and strong patients. Described by colleagues as a creative problem-solving strategist, I think I am just fortunate to have met all the people that I have and Thank You to the gifted and generous teachers that have shared their knowledge and given their time and support when needed I am indeed lucky to have found my “happy place” in my work helping patients and I intend to carry on carrying on!
If you think I might be able to help you, your family or friends do get in touch, I am always happy to try to help.