Where I started : I originally trained as a psychiatric social worker in the 1990's, and worked in that capacity in a drug dependency unit and then in general adult psychiatry.

 

Buddhist ordination : In my mid 30's I decided to ask for ordination into the (nonmonastic) Triratna Buddhist Order, and as part of that process I joined a Buddhist co-operative retail business. I was ordained in 2005 and was given the name Vilasamani (Scintillating Jewel). Since that time I have been a teacher at the West London Buddhist Center in Bayswater, West London.

 

Why I became a bodyworker : I experienced some very difficult periods of depression in my 30's and into my 40's. I found psychotherapy to be of limited use in resolving this suffering, and started to receive more bodywork. This gradually helped me to become more resilient and at ease in myself, and gave me an understanding of the somatic impact of early trauma (including the prenatal period), and of how biology determines psychology.

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Craniosacral Therapy and TRE have proved particularly helpful to me in working with early trauma, which is why i trained in these two modalities and now offer them to others.

 

How I work : I am interested in supporting clients to access their own healing potential. Both CST and TRE understand that there is an innate intelligence in the body that knows what the bodymind needs, and will supply it if given the opportunity. I like to work cooperatively with clients, and encourage feedback and reflection on their experience.