About
Yvonne Cattermole
I have been a complementary therapist for over 20 years. Various personal experiences have led me to explore Eastern styles of working. I aim to offer a whole person therapeutic experience
The body has its own intelligence. It affects and is affected by the mind. The breath informs this relationship. Working with the breath, body and mind during an appointment can create space to heal and develop or just to pause
Allowing a space for alignment and stillness can be a profound experience as well as just something really lovely to receive
THERAPIES
massage & bodywork
My massage is based on Thai and Ayurvedic approaches and is received on a massage couch or on a futon on the floor. Eastern approaches combine a physical and energetic aspect to therapeutic touch
reflexology
This therapy set me on a new path and has been grounding me every since. It is founded on the principle that the body is reflected on the feet and hands through a system of pressure points and reflexes
yoga
Yoga enables us to be aware of different relationships, to create space to be still and centred. I teach a traditional practice to integrate the mind, body and breath
reiki
I began my reiki journey with some cynicism. It is a gentle teacher and constantly amazes me. How can something so simple be so profound? A meditative experience to challenge and release restriction
a potted history
I began my working life at 17 (1989) in Jermyn Street, London, as a secretary; various secretarial and PA positions followed (charities and BBC). A round the world ticket led to a BSc (Hons) with the Open University (1993-2002). During one summer school I met a reflexologist. That brief meeting healed trauma from a life-threatening accident in my teenage years. I started to really assimilate the excellent healing I was receiving from osteopathy, homeopathy and Alexander Technique. I had never fully processed the physical and emotional shock of the accident. Nothing seemed to hold. The reflexology released the shock and trauma and allowed a much deeper healing to take place. It was my life changing therapy.
Yoga entered my life when I was pregnant with my first child (1996). Though I remember my mum having a book about yoga. You seemed to need to wear an all-in-one lycra bodysuit …
My professional training started with reflexology (1999). I was drawn to homeopathy (2002-2004). This really opened me to the philosophy of healing and cure and the ability we have to heal ourselves, given the right input. In addition, I had a lengthy and amazing reiki training (2003-2009). Thai Massage entered my life bringing me ever closer to applying yoga as a therapy (2007). Finally I stepped up and spent five years learning about the philosophy, teaching and practice of yoga (2010-2015). During this time, I learned some rudimentary Ayurvedic theory and explored this further through Ayurvedic massage (2019)
My learning and development continues. This year I am taking time for further study of Reiki Master/Teacher practices and Antenatal Yoga
Clinics
Over the years I have been lucky enough to work alongside other experienced and creative therapists:
- Yanley Court, Long Ashton
- Southville Clinic, Dean Lane, Bristol
- The Family Practice, Gloucester Road, Bristol
- The Chandos Clinc, Redland, Bristol
- BBC Occupational Health, Clifton
Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork – Thai Massage Tutor
2013-2016
I taught introductory workshops and the Professional Thai Massage Diploma to experienced bodywork therapists and students embarking on a career in bodywork. I was given space to develop the course and embrace the more energetic and intuitive aspects of bodywork. It was a developmental and life-confirming time for me
I also assisted teaching Anatomy and Physiology. This aspect was a mixed experience. I learned much but the A&P classroom was not for me
Penny Brohn Cancer Care – Bodyworker on the Core Team
2010-2012
I worked as part of the core therapy team, providing bodywork in the form of massage and reflexology to cancer clients and their supporters. I was based in Cancerpoint and also supported the various retreats offered by the centre. I co-facilitated the Living Well introductory course to Penny Brohn’s ethos. This course brought attention to the many ways we can help our own healing whilst embracing medical treatment and/or alternative therapies
I continue to work with clients undergoing treatment for cancer and beyond
