My very first experience of complementary therapies was a real turning point in my life, and not just in finding my true vocation. During a particularly stressful time in the office I had been encouraged to try a workplace massage, which had a profound effect on my health and wellbeing. Immediately I felt totally re-energised with a clearer focus, and was instantly able to prioritise a workload that I had previously really struggled with. This is where my journey began, and I’ve been hooked on complementary therapies ever since!
Inspired to take that quantum leap into complementary health, I began first by studying for my VTCT Diploma in Holistic Therapies in 2003, which included Massage, Aromatherapy, Indian Head Massage and Reflexology. The following year, I made the very exciting next step of establishing my own practice, Time Out Therapies.
The more I learned, the more I wanted to know about a wider range of therapies! My initial interest in Bowen Technique came as a result of my equine interests at that time, and I saw how it was being successfully applied as a remedial therapy with horses. I was so intrigued and impressed that I decided to study with the European College of Bowen Studies, going on to qualify in 2006 as a Bowen Therapist.
In order to further deepen my anatomical, bio-mechanical and medical knowledge, I took the major step of embarking on a Degree in Osteopathy during 2009, with Oxford Brookes University. The part-time route enabled me to still cater fully for my patients’ needs as my business steadily grew whilst fulfilling my passion for learning. Five years later, I qualified with a First Class Honours Degree and top of my year. My final year Dissertation explored the link between Multiple Sclerosis and balance, a subject that was inspired by my work and one that remains of significant interest.
Today, I am very proud to be running a practice that has a reputation built upon results, and it is wonderful to see for myself how my work has helped to change people’s lives for the better. I am grateful that this also continues to inspire my patients to give consistently positive feedback about their treatment outcomes, and to recommend me so highly, as well as returning time and again whenever they need my support.
My thirst for knowledge has, I think, become a lifelong professional passion, and I am fully committed to furthering and expanding my bodywork knowledge by attending key courses and conferences, mainly in the UK but also worldwide. What I learn has a direct, positive impact on the depth and breadth of experience that I can bring into my practice, every day.
Outside of my work (although also akin to), I have a keen interest in the practise and benefits of Pilates. I have been practising Pilates for 25 years, after a class during a visit to Centre Parcs. Being used to high impact classes at the gym, I distinctly remember my husband asking what it was like and my response was – “rubbish, we didn’t really do anything”. Well! those words came back to haunt me the following day, as I couldn’t even sit up to get out of bed due to the muscle aches in my stomach. Eventually, I had to roll out onto the floor on all fours and slowly straighten up. After this experience of learning how to correctly engage and work the abdominal muscles, I was hooked! I am delighted to have completed Clinical Pilates training with the Australian Physiotherapy and Pilates Institute (APPI) and offer virtual classes via Zoom. I love teaching and hearing how the classes are making a difference it makes to students’ overall wellbeing; decreasing pain and increasing strength.
I am also looking forward to venturing into the world of blogging – here on this very website, of course! I am so looking forward to regularly sharing news, latest developments and exciting research that relates to my patients and my work over in My Blog, as well as in my own Time Out Therapies Newsletter. If this would interest you, please sign up for the newsletter.
A few years ago, an extension was build on my property, which is now home to Time Out Therapies’ Clinic; a soothing and tranquil environment which helps to restore patients’ wellbeing. I firmly believe that it is only when the body feels truly able to relax that effective healing can take place.
I find helping people achieve their health goals very rewarding, so please contact me on: 07971 257541 or email: Sandra@timeouttherapies.co.uk, if you are uncertain of the best approach to manage your symptoms, so we can discuss possible options and devise a unique treatment plan for you.
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I look forward to hearing from you.
