Complementary Therapies

In 2000 I qualified as a primary school teacher and spent the next 16 years working in various primary schools around Gloucestershire, mainly teaching 5-7 year olds. Then in 2016, after having two daughters, I decided to leave teaching to gain a better life/work balance. After a much needed break, I registered as a childminder and cared for teachers' children so I could enjoy the school holidays with my own.

I'd always enjoyed having reflexology, finding it relaxing and calming, as well as a bit of time for me! Knowing that my childminding days were coming to an end, I started to train in reflexology at the Cheltenham School of Complementary Therapy. I completed this in early 2021. I then went on to learn Indian head massage, holistic facials and more recently thermal auricular therapy. I now work from my own purpose built studio in the garden of my home in Cheltenham. Alongside this, I also provide reflexology sessions at my local infant school, specifically with children who have stressful lives or special needs. The children look forward to my weekly sessions and call me 'Foot Pamper Claire'. The staff can really see the difference in the children's behaviour post reflexology and say they're calmer and more open to listening.

Reflexology is a therapy that I carry out on the feet (or hands if preferred) to restore physical and emotional wellbeing. It is a touch therapy based on the theory that different points of the body on the feet, lower leg or hands correspond with different areas of the body and reflexologists work these points and areas. Reflexology is a relaxing, gentle therapy; I use my fingers and thumbs to manipulate the reflexes which in turn encourage the body to naturally rebalance itself as well as helping it to revitalise and nourish a tired body, all whilst calming the mind. Reflexology is suitable for all ages and can help support individuals who experience a variety of chronic conditions.

Some of my clients quote:

"I've slept so well after my reflexology. I feel rejuvenated."
"My feet feel so light and feel so nourished."
"I just feel calm, relaxed and balanced."
"I felt emotional, this is the most relaxed I've been in such a long time, I need more of this in my life."

I love what I do and bringing calm and relaxation to my clients is extremely rewarding and special.

My Story

I first found Reiki in 2004 whilst struggling to conceive.  I was in a demanding and stressful job and each month that passed made me more and more anxious about my apparent inability to have children. 

A friend suggested trying Reiki, so I followed her advice and found that Reiki helped me to remain positive, calm and relaxed through a very stressful time in my life. 

I am delighted to say that after many trials and tribulations, I was blessed with healthy twins in October 2005. Reiki really helped me through this tough period of time.​

I previously worked in the Financial Services Industry (for 28 years), and although I learned a lot and am thankful for the training and life it provided for me and my family, I have always felt that I had a 'calling' to do something to help others.

After some changes in my personal family situation, I am now thrilled to be able to help other people through my love of Reiki.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a healing technique developed in Japan in the early 1900’s by Mikao Usui.  It was brought to the West and has continued to grow and spread throughout the world ever since.

'Reiki' is a Japanese word meaning 'Universal Life Force Energy'.  'Rei' being the wisdom and knowledge of the Universe and 'Ki' being the Life force that flows through all things.

Scientists believe that everything in the Universe is made of energy that vibrates at its own frequency. 

The way in which our bodies react to this energy can have a significant impact on our wellbeing and how we feel. In a Reiki treatment, Universal Life Force Energy (Ki) is channelled through the practitioner's hands to the recipient.  The Reiki energy will then help to balance and harmonise the recipients mind, body, emotions and spirit.

Reiki can bring relief to a wide range of physical, mental and emotional conditions. It can also be used for personal spiritual growth.

Reiki can be used for both adults and children alike. I have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and am a member of the FHT (Federation of Holistic Therapists), CNHC (Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council) and the UK Reiki Federation.

I adhere to the FHT, CNHC and UK Reiki Federation code of ethics and make a commitment to my own Continued Professional Development.

What to expect from a treatment

During a treatment, the client remains fully clothed and lies on a bed or sits in a chair.  

The Practitioner will then place their hands on or near to the individual’s body in a number of different positions to direct the flow of energy.  

The client will usually close their eyes and enjoy a deep sense of relaxation.  They may experience different sensations such as slight fluctuations in temperature or a tingling sensation. They may also see colours or feel more emotional than usual.

All of these reactions are perfectly normal as the energy moves through the body. A treatment can feel different every time it is experienced depending on the individual's needs at the time.

For up to 72 hours after a treatment, the individual may feel tired or energised as the energy works to balance out the body. These are all normal positive signs of the body realigning itself back into balance.