Mind Body Movement

I'm a Yoga and Pilates professional, Exercise Referral Specialist for low back pain/stress/wellbeing, mindfulness skills teacher, Somatic Movement Coach and certified Clinical Somatic Educator. I have 10 years’ experience of teaching physical movement, and over 22 years of teaching experience overall.

I know what it means to suffer with neck pain, back pain, hip pain and neurological pain. Labels that have been thrown my way over time include: spondylolisthesis, peripheral neuropathy, Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, PGP (pelvic girdle pain), disc herniation, sciatica, SI joint dysfunction, disabled, broken, fibromyalgia, lesion of the nervous system, significant degenerative cervical disc disease, hypermobility, & chronic pain, as well as the anxiety and bleak outlook that go hand in hand with the pain experience. PLEASE NOTE:experience and education have taught me not to give too much attention to these labels, so I don’t!! I only list them here to show you where I’ve been. I have suffered horribly with pain over a period of 7 years or so. Yet this incredible, educational journey has allowed me to develop a unique overview of several movement methodologies, all of which have assisted me in restoring mobility, strength, health and well-being.

In 2008 I qualified as a Level 3 Pilates Teacher with Modern Pilates. Modern Pilates is the 'clinical approach to Pilates', developed by physiotherapists, physiologists and respected teachers/fitness presenters. I have subsequently taken personal trainer modules in the following:
• Shoulder stability
• Shoulder diagnostics
• Hip and knee problems
• Hip and knee diagnostics
• Spinal conditions
• Pilates in pregnancy

I began the Dru Yoga Teacher Training course in autumn 2010 (postponing my studies due to pregnancy) and graduated as a certified teacher in February 2014. Yoga eased me through my pregnancy and birth in so many ways, and continues to be a positive part of my life. For me, yoga is not about being bendy and super-flexible. It is about moving and energising the body, and providing excellent stress management in learning to access the parasympathetic nervous system for total relaxation. It is for EVERYONE, and can be as physically challenging or therapeutic as you want it to be.

I am also qualified for GP Referral with a REPs Level 3 Diploma and specialism in the management of low back pain at Level 4. I have learned that skillfully guiding people to redevelop good functional movement to carry out the activities of daily living is crucial in recovery from pain and restoring mobility.

My real breakthrough in pain management, relief and rehabilitation has come with Clinical Somatic Education (also known as Hanna Somatic Education). It is neuromuscular/sensorimotor movement education, built upon the Feldenkrais Method. It is a practice of mindfulness in movement. Though purposeful touch and manual skills are involved, it is primarily movement education rather than therapy – and we educate ‘somas’ (the living process as perceived from within) rather than offer to 'fix' bodies. The education is aimed at the level of the brain and nervous system. Where pain may have led to limited movement and avoidance of certain movements, it re-educates sensory motor control for better movement and conscious awareness of habits to gently and naturally increase mobility and movement options. As I understand it muscles return to a more comfortable resting length, allowing better joint centration, so movement can be more efficient. Various techniques to relieve tension in the body are also taught. A reduction in bodily tension increases comfort and brings with it a feeling of well-being, which the ‘soma’ learns to create for him/herself. ‘Somas’ learn to become increasingly self-monitoring, self-regulating and self-efficient. I qualified as a Somatic Exercise Coach in October 2014 and have just graduated as a Clinical Somatic Educator after a 3 year training with the brilliant international teacher, Martha Peterson.

I have also attended training in pain education, management and mobilisation of the nervous system with the Neuro Orthopaedic Institute, Noigroup, and in Cognitive Functional Therapy with Professor Peter O'Sullivan. Learning how pain and central nervous system sensitisation work has been an indispensable part of my continuing recovery.

My spondylolisthesis is not going away, but I am no longer a prisoner of chronic pain and nervous system sensitisation and limiting beliefs about my body. I am committed to my continuing education in pain science as well as therapeutic movement and mindfulness based stress reduction.

I look forward to sharing the best of my knowledge and skills with you!