The Upminster Complementary Healing and Teaching Sanctuary is the dream child of
Julia Elizabeth Massey.


Julia is a fully qualified and experienced Aromatherapist, Reflexologist, Spiritual Healer and Teacher and created this self-contained therapy centre and its surrounding gardens as a centre of healing and learning, dedicated to the love and care of all its visitors.

Set in rural surroundings within two major ley lines, it promotes a feeling of contentment and relaxation - a peaceful haven where clients can feel rejuvenated and restored.

Since the Upminster Sanctuary opened in October 1998 we have helped thousands of clients - from new-born babies to people in their nineties. We provide a range of complementary therapies as well as regular teaching events and workshops on a variety of subjects - treatments and guidance promoting holistic living for all who actively seek to help themselves.

In Loving Memory

Elizabeth Joyce Cosser
Mother, Grandmother, Inspiration
5th October 1923 - 2nd January 2010

My mother grew up on a remote farm on the South Downs where she developed an enduring love of the countryside. Long before it became fashionable, she learned to forage nature’s bounty and produce jams, butter, pies and puddings. A crack shot when just a slip of a girl she was often asked to go out and bring back a rabbit for dinner.

She later trained as a nurse and worked in the East End of London during the Blitz. She moved several times before finally settling in Upminster in 1963 as the local District Nurse and Midwife.

Hers was not an easy life but through her experiences she developed strength, resilience and determination. She was a feminist who challenged conventions and societal norms - a self-sufficient professional woman on call day and night. During her career she delivered 1,265 babies, including 5 sets of twins and her own granddaughter (my eldest daughter, named Elizabeth after Nan). She loved "all her babies".

She is pictured proudly cutting the cake at the opening of The Sanctuary in October 1998.

She travelled widely and excelled at pottery, painting, embroidery and knitting. She was in the forefront of the green movement and animal rights causes. In her spare time she planted thousands of trees - making a hole with her walking stick and dropping in an acorn or other seed. To this day thick groves of chestnuts, oaks and birches grow along the country paths and lanes of Essex, providing habitat for her beloved birds, animals and insects.

Mother, Nan, friend, teacher, inspiration - on 2nd January Elizabeth Joyce Cosser passed away peacefully in her sleep and will be sorely missed.

Julia Elizabeth Massey

Mindfulness MEDITATION and Visualisation for Health and Well-being

Glenn Pennington's meditation groups have proved extremely popular and further courses are planned for 2010.

No previous experience is required, a sense of humour appreciated, beginners are very welcome.

Wednesdays 8pm to 10pm - 8 week courses:
- 3rd February to 24th March
- 5th May to 23rd June
- 6th October to 24th November

Go to Workshops and Courses for more details.

Claire McCarthy - holistic therapist


For several years Claire has been teaching students on our Diploma Courses but has now decided to return to her roots as a highly skilled and experienced therapist.

Claire is available by appointment at the Sanctuary on Wednesdays (9am to 10pm) and Thursday and Friday afternoons.
(see her profile under Therapists for more details and a list of therapies on offer)

Hatha Yoga
Tutor: Madeleine Williamson

10 week course 8pm to 9.30pm

Course Fee - £70 - beginners welcome.


Madeleine has been teaching Yoga on Monday evenings at the Sanctuary for several years.
Now, by popular demand, she is also running classes on Thursday evenings.


2010 classes commenced on Mon 18th January and Thurs 21st January.
These classes are currently full. If you would like to put your name on the waiting list please contact The Sanctuary with your details.

The next courses will commence after Easter on Monday 12th and Thursday 15th April.
Click here for Booking Form