My Journey
You may be surprised to learn that my journey began in journalism followed by 10 years in public relations and marketing. Twenty three years ago I found myself at a crossroads. I was juggling a demanding job involving long hours, while trying to maintain a marriage, a young son and elderly parents whose health was failing.
I knew I was on the wrong path yet had no idea where my true path lay. I left the corporate world and began looking for an alternative career – one that I would enjoy and have sufficient flexibility for me to be there for my son once he started school.
I had long had an interest in health and wellbeing and a desire to help and inspire others. A chance conversation led to a career as a Reflexologist and since then I have qualified in Massage, Aromatherapy, Reiki and Kinesiology
I began walking the path of a Shaman with Spirit of the Inca in 2017. This led me to training as a Personal Performance Coach with the Coaching Academy to enhance my client experience.
Massage and Traumatic Stress Studies
Having witnessed and experienced the transformational power of the unique approach to massage that I offer, both as a client and therapist, I decided to further my knowledge and understanding of anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In 2013 I attended the Foundation Skills for Working with Trauma and PTSD, facilitated by Berkshire Healthcare, through the Charlie Waller Institute at Reading University.
Radio & Television
In 2006 I researched, produced and presented four radio programmes on natural approaches to conception, pregnancy, childbirth and the early years, for community radio project Cookham Summer FM. Through this project I met cranial osteopath, Joellyn Piercey. Together we set up the Cookham Complementary Health Network which ran for 10 years. I have been a guest on Marlow FM on numerous occasions and have appeared on That’s Oxford TV.
Experience
Since founding Relax Into Health in 1999, I have worked with people presenting with a wide range of health and wellbeing issues, the majority stress-related. These include asthma, eczema, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohns, migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, chronic fatigue (ME), hormonal imbalances including sub-fertility, back, neck and shoulder problems. I love what I do and make a difference to people’s lives. See what my clients say here.
My credentials and affiliations
- ITEC – Anatomy, Physiology and Massage; Aromatherapy; Reflexology
- ITHMA – Essential Oil Energetics and Oriental Diagnosis
- Ann Hodgson, Natural Remedies – Usui Shiki Ryoho method of Reiki to Master Teacher/Practitioner level.
- John Logue College of Professional Kinesiology
At the outset of my career as a I reflexologist, I was blessed with an excellent and inspirational reflexology teacher, Ann Hodgson (Natural Therapies). She introduced me to the work of Jan Williamson (Precision Reflexology), Chris Stormer-Fryer (Language of the Feet) and Lynne Booth (Vertical Reflex Therapy). All of whom I went on to train with. My interest in Chinese Medicine led me to study Chinese Meridian Therapy on the Feet with Geraldine Giles, based on the work of Inge Dougans (Five Elements and 12 Meridians) and Essential Oil Energetics and Oriental Diagnosis at ITHMA (Institute of Traditional Herbal Medicine and Aromatherapy) with another inspirational teacher Gabriel Mojay – author of Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. I am a member of the Complementary Therapists Association and the Association of Reflexologists and am insured with Holistic Insurance. See my Code of Conduct.
I am fully committed to continuous professional and personal development keeping up to date with the latest developments by attending post graduate courses and seminars and through further reading.
Cheryl Brickell – Relax Into Health
(Photo by ABL Photography)