How long have you been at the Secret Space and what brought you here?

I have been at The Secret Space since it opened. The first treatment I ever did here was at 10am on the Saturday we opened in September 2013!

Tell us about your career journey so far? How long have you been practising?

I first trained in reflexology when I was 19 - which is scarily over 20 years ago now! From there, I added in other modalities over the years including Reiki, myofascial release and, most recently, myofascial yoga. These days, I mostly practice myofascial release as well as teaching Reiki and myofascial yoga, though I still do a little reflexology here and there.

What are your qualifications?

I am an Advanced Level Myofascial Release therapist trained by John Barnes in the USA. I am a Holy Fire III Karuna® Reiki World Peace Master Teacher trained by William Rand and Gabriella Angus. I hold Level 3 diplomas in Reflexology from the London School of Reflexology and the British School of Reflexology, as well as advanced qualifications in spinal reflexology and pre and post pregnancy reflexology. I hold a Level 3 diploma in massage from the London School of Massage. I also hold an Indian Head Massage qualification but I haven’t done that for many years!

What does a typical session with you look like?

That depends on the client and what they need. Whatever the modality I am using, the session will also be led by how the person is on that day. Initially I will find out how you are and what’s troubling/challenging you. I will likely look at how your body is holding itself to see what else we can notice – the body often tells us a lot! I will then get you comfortable in whatever position we decide to start treatment in and go from there. All work will always start gently, allowing your system to settle in and feel safe. I very much follow the energy and what your system needs, so sessions may be light touch or go a lot deeper. I work in an invitational manner rather than a forceful or leading one, inviting your system to release and recalibrate itself by offering the facilitation it needs.

How long is a typical recommended course?

Again, this depends on multiple factors like what the client’s presenting condition is, how long it’s been challenging them and where they want to get to. Generally speaking with myofascial release, three sessions will give us a good idea of how your system responds to treatment and what the best frequency and number of treatments may be. There are options for intensive work where clients will have multiple hours of treatment each day for a week or two to really shift where they are, or for longer immersion type programs where we commit to a number of treatments each week over a longer course of time (for example 1 or 2 hours of work a week for 10-12 weeks). It’s all led by what the client needs/wants.

How do you create a supportive, safe space for clients?

I take time. I listen. I pay attention to the energy and what’s not being said as well as what is. I try and communicate clearly and ensure people are feeling heard and respected. I never force or lead the treatment, allowing everything to unfold in the time that is right for the person being treated.

Do you have a specific philosophy or mantra that you live by?

I have a strong spiritual life where my foundation is in the Knowing of a loving energy connecting and flowing in and with and through all things. Some call it God, others call it by many other names such as Nature or Spirit. For me, the name is not the important thing. What’s important is the essence and my awareness of it. I live my life ever striving to be as clear as I can in my connection, so I have the maximum space available to be present for/with others. I live my life – and approach my work – as if I am in loving service. I see it as an honour and a privilege that people allow me to work with them and to meet them in their vulnerability and I do not take this lightly. I try and keep grounded in gratitude and engage in daily self-reflective practice.   

Tell us something surprising about what you do.

It never looks the same! Two people could come for Myofascial Release and exchange notes and not believe they’d been for the same treatment!

What’s the most rewarding thing about what you do?

Seeing people free themselves and reclaim their power from pain and trauma. I have worked with some absolutely phenomenal people who just amaze me with their courage, their growth, their willingness, and the things they go on to achieve in their lives.  

What does life look like for you outside of work?

I live in Norfolk with my family, three dogs and one cat! I love time outside, time with my family and friends and spending time in connection – whether that be through meditation, yoga, contemplation, writing, art or music. But mostly I spend a lot of time at home being sat on by my giant red Labrador Barney, who seems to think he is a weighted blanket! This does somewhat impact my productivity!

Your favourite thing about the Secret Space

The passion for community and the drive to keep expanding, keep doing more and keep welcoming people who may not feel welcome in other places.

Tell us a fun fact about you!

I have been to Iceland five times! (And will likely go more times because I love it!)

To find out more about Claire’s therapeutic work, visit her page here.