Interview for Blackheath
1) Tell me a bit about yourself and how you got involved in therapy work and in Blackheath?
I worked for a while as a therapist in a sports centre in Crayford and then for a government sponsored treatment centre for people with HIV in South East London. I had a very successful year there, before a change of policy took place, then I moved to Blackheath just doing Fridays, still as a part-time therapist.
The centre is more focused on complementary health, which is something I was looking for. It was a struggle at first, as I was new, still learning my own style and it was also part-time. However, remembering the teaching that I had in college about establishing one’s own style and methods, I took further classes that helped towards my development and techniques, which I believe, are client friendly and I feel happier with myself for that. Now I do Tuesday’s as well as Friday’s and feel like part of a great team.
2) How long have you been a therapist?
I’ve been with Blackheath since 2003 but I’ve been involved in complementary health since 1993, doing work on a voluntary level involving adult groups and young people such as Age Concern, Bromley 16+, Locus (for people with mental health issues) and Scope. I’ve been a qualified therapist since 2001.
3) What’s your training/specialisms?
My training is as a massage therapist specialising in deep tissue massage. When I started off in the 1990’s I took numerous training courses such as Aromatherapy, Tibetan healing and Bodywork classes but eventually I had to go back to college. I took an ITEC Diploma course in Anatomy & Physiology, which is the core qualification for all bodywork therapists and also a Diploma in Massage. I also have other qualifications such as Indian Head Massage, Crystal Healing, Guided Imagery & Visualisation. I am also a Reiki Master.
4) What services do you offer?
There are a range of massages I offer, which include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Remedial, Holistic, Top and Toe, Indian Head Massage, Foot Massage, Scalp Massage and of course a Soothing and Pampering Massage.
I also offer Crystal Healing, Reiki, Bio-tuning and Mindbody Therapy.
Some of these services require clients to wear loose comfortable clothing and of course, client confidentiality is always maintained.
5) What are the benefits from your treatments and what makes yours different from others?
Well, I try to treat every client as an individual, so from the moment they walk through the door of my treatment room, I want them to feel the warmth and glow of bein in a safe and special place. I want them to leave the outside world behind and begin the voyage of relaxation and journey, towards a deeper sense of calm and well being. From the incense in the room, the sounds, the candles, the warmth and the respect I give them, I hope that every client I have feels at home and relaxed enough before the treatment even begins.
In my opinion, for the healing of mind, body or spirit, one has to be comfortable and feel at ease, not only with me as the therapist but also the environment. This is so that any spiritual, emotional or physical blockages that are causing any problems can be unblocked. This is called the Mindbody Therapy Approach, which is the framework within which I work.
6) What is the Mindbody Therapy Approach?
Following on from what I’ve just said, it is the creation of a holistic environment whereby the client can feel safe to discuss and find solutions to physical, emotional and spiritual problems without any pressure, blame or judgement. It uses a broad range and/or a combination of any of the treatments mentioned.
In this fast moving world that we are living in, it is very difficult to find or create space for oneself. A 60 – 90 minute or even 120 minutes out of your week/month, I think, can prove vital for one’s sanity in this modern world.
7) You mentioned Bio-tuning earlier, what is it and how does it work?
Before I started at Blackheath, I was working in Leytonstone at Alter~native (which I still do). Alter~native is part of One and One Psychotherapy Services. They were looking for ways of softening the effects of psychotherapy to some of their clients. I was asked to assist in finding a treatment that could run concurrently with psychological treatments in order to help those who had suffered traumas.
We came up with a treatment, which uses passive movements, guided imagery and visualisation, reiki and a small amount of massage. We found that it worked wonderfully well, not just with clients and their psychological problems but in tests, we found that it worked well across the board as well, taking other client into a deeper sense of tranquillity, relaxation, healing and peace.
Some of the comments from clients were:
- ‘Fantastic, feels like I’ve had a full nights sleep’
- ‘Feel energised and was able to travel on a spiritual journey’
- ‘Feels like my body and conscious mind was able to totally relax which allowed my subconscious mind to take over leaving me feeling centred and grounded’.
8) What other interests do you have apart from therapy?
Well, football but I won’t tell you which team! But I support England whenever they play and the odd occasion I see Jamaica play! Also I enjoy plants, meditation, comedy films and travelling.
Thank you very much for your time Mr. Burke.
Your welcome…B’easy with yourself.
