- meet the team

Intuitive and empathetic, Julia is a gifted therapist and has an innate love of people, plants and animals. The Upminster Complementary Healing and Teaching Sanctuary is her dream child – created as a centre for healing and learning and dedicated to the love and care of all its visitors.

Julia has a private contract with all her clients:
"I will do all I can to help you – please do all you can to help yourself"


My mother was a District Nurse and Midwife and so I am no stranger to the medical profession. I began seriously investigating complementary therapies and dietary habits after falling to serious illness. Following an endless round of hospital visits and tests I decided to explore a different route. I studied nutrition and became aware of many other marvellous healing practices. Cutting a very long story short, by changing my personal outlook, diet and spiritual understanding, I managed to heal myself without the use of medication, embarking on a path which has now taken a full circle.

I trained with the Tisserand Institute as a Holistic Aromatherapist and Reflexologist - instructed by Robert Tisserand in the art of blending essential oils and by Dr Christine Page in Anatomy and Physiology. I use only organic oils in my aromatherapy prescription, and advanced massage techniques. Reflexology is an incredible treatment and over the years I have incorporated many techniques in my treatments.

I have studied Bach Flowers for over twenty years and teach a three day intensive course here at The Sanctuary. All of our Bach Flower Remedies come from Healing Herbs and I’ve enjoyed many courses and meetings in Hereford with Julian Barnard and his team.

I adore working with Hawaiian Basalt and beautiful marble stones, combining the two into a delicious Pohaku Wela Lomi hot and cold stone massage.

I achieved full healership with the National Federation of Spiritual Healers and have gained enormous experience over the years, working as a Healer Support Facilitator for a long period of time.

I have also studied Kinesiology, Body Harmony and work frequently with Thermal Auricular Therapy (ear candling) - the benefits are amazing.

I have recently incorporated Natural Lift Facial Massage into my practice with magnificent results. Claire McCarthy teaches this course at The Sanctuary.

I have spent many years studying the most effective behavioural change techniques to help my clients change their behaviours quickly, easily and permanently. This combination of advanced hypnosis and NLP has proved highly effective is helping people with the following problems:

• Stop Smoking
• Losing Weight
• Phobias
• Panic Attacks
• IBS
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression
• and many more…

My dream from early childhood was to be a nurse. The dream turned to reality when I completed my RGN training at St Thomas Hospital, London in 1983. After this I specialised mainly in Orthopaedics and Post-Op Recovery. I spent several years travelling before returning to the UK to get married and start a family.

I first became interested in complementary therapies when my three children were young and constantly dealing with coughs, colds, sore throats etc. I liked the idea of treating the body holistically rather than just treating a set of symptoms. My children did not have antibiotics and this proved a life saver when my youngest son was rushed to hospital unconscious and was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics were the only thing to save his life at this moment. Doctors were amazed at the immediate effect and felt it was due to the fact he had not had any antibiotics previously.

My first experience of Bowen came whilst training for the London marathon in 2005. A previous back injury started to play up and restricted the amount of training I could do. A friend who was training in the Bowen Technique needed people to do case studies on - and so treated my back. The treatment had fantastic effects, easing the pain immediately. This meant I was able to run the marathon and I became hooked on Bowen to the extent I wanted to train for myself.

I trained with the European College of Bowen Studies and had an excellent tutor. I qualified in July 2006 and have been practising ever since. Further training courses have meant that I am continually learning in this field.

I first became interested in holistic therapies whilst caring for a very ill family member who was wheelchair bound. My aim was to find a treatment that would help with stress levels without the need for chemicals or the need to climb onto a treatment couch. Reflexology was a great option which turned out to be beneficial for the whole family and for myself.

As with most complementary therapists my interest grew and so I pursued other therapeutic avenues. I have thoroughly enjoy my career in this field and have worked in a variety of places including holistic centres, sport centres, hotels and Spa's in England and also in Spain. It is a very rewarding career choice and exciting too, as you never know who you'll get to work with next. However, seeing people's conditions improve is the greatest reward of all.

In recent years I have developed a keen interest in healing and studied Reiki and energy rebalancing using crystals, sound and light therapies. This has become my passion and is now an integral part of all my treatments - with fantastic results.

After gaining a Food Science degree I spent 18 years working within the European Food Industry as a Product Development Manager and later within the Sales & Marketing arena.

Having worked in very stressful jobs in the past I saw the effects of stress and poor eating habits on people's health. I decided to extend my nutritional knowledge and expertise and studied Nutritional Therapy at Raworth College in Dorking.

In addition to seeing clients at the Upminster Sanctuary, I currently work in two busy clinics in Brentwood and Ongar and carry out home visits by appointment in Billericay, Upminster and Chelmsford. I work with people of all ages and various health conditions. Whilst I do not specialise in a particular health condition, my main areas of interest include:

• Weight issues
• Digestive complaints
• Hormonal imbalance (PMS, menopause, thyroid & adrenal function)
• Mental health
• Cancer

I was born in Romania in 1960 and educated there. I gained a degree and graduated as a mechanical engineer in 1984 after 5 years at University.

Like many alternative and complementary therapists I was drawn to this form of medicine through personal experience. In my case it was the death of my father who, through the use of complementary therapy, survived cancer for 5 years longer than the hospital doctors expected.

It was through this personal tragedy that I developed an interest in alterative and complimentary medicine. I came to the UK in 1991 and studied at The London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, where I qualified as an Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist in 1995 and have been practicing ever since.

I have a special interest in treating gynaecological and fertility problems, musculo-skeletal disorders and facial revitalization with acupuncture.

All my studies have one thing in common - they work with the whole body, mind and spirit energies - stimulating the body’s own healing mechanism.

Many people are not only relieved of their symptoms, they also report an increased level of energy, better sleep and improved appetite, as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.

Diane's background was first in administration but after some years she decided she want to teach her skills to others so took a two year teaching course and obtained a degree. Her last permanent position was as a trainer for the Health Service where she taught computing and NHS electronic systems and also ran a successful complementary practice three evenings a week for staff. She also taught computing at a local evening school for several years.

About 14 years ago Diane became interested in complementary therapies after first learning Reiki in 1991 and progressing to a fully qualified Reiki Master. She then progressed to Reflexology which lead to the need to learn even more.

Diane has since studied and qualified in Angelic Reiki (Master Level), Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy, Baby Massage, Baby Reflexology, Pregnancy Massage, Hopi Ear Candling, Hot Stone Massage, Swedish Massage, Thai Table Massage, Thai Foot Massage, Thai Herbal Massage, Thai Face Massage, No Hands Massage, First Aid and several advanced courses in Aromatherapy and Reflexology. Diane still continues to learn and to update her qualifications and experience for the benefit of her students and clients. She has also taught several of therapies at a local evening institute.

Diane has a private practice in South Hornchurch offering treatments in all the above therapies, and specialises in Gynae Aromatherapy, Pregnancy Massage, Baby Massage, Baby Reflexology and Reflexology having taken several advanced courses in these subjects.


Diane also runs a fully accredited training school teaching the above therapies and holds taster courses and full courses several times a year. All courses come with on-going support during and after the course.

She holds a Diploma in Animal Healing and would like to expand her practice to helping animals.

One day a week Diane works voluntarily at St Francis Hospice offering treatments to staff and patients. During her time at St Francis she has completed a Diploma in Complementary Therapies for Palliative Care. She also teaches and assesses Complementary Therapies at the Adult Education Centre in Romford.

Website: www.hands-4-healing.co.uk

After spending one year working as an associate and gaining my DC, I started the Grays Chiropractic Clinic where I have been working ever since. I have built up a strong patient base over the past 14 years, which has now expanded into the Upminster area.

I regularly attend seminars and conferences to keep updated on all aspects of the profession.

What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of conditions that are due to problems with the joints, ligaments, tendons and nerves of the body, particularly those of the spine. Treatment consists of a wide range of manipulative techniques designed to improve the function of the joints, relieving pain and muscle spasm.

I am available for talks to small groups and am always happy to discuss Chiropractic with anyone who needs more information.

I am fully qualified and experienced in the removal of unwanted hair by means of both electrolysis treatment and waxing. I have been working locally in the industry for the past ten years and have successfully treated many clients.

Electrolysis is a permanent answer to unwanted hair. It involves the insertion of a tiny needle into the individual hair follicle, and a current applied to the root of each hair. This procedure gradually cuts off the blood supply to the hair and weakens its growth. It may take several attempts to kill the root completely, but once successfully treated the hair will no longer grow.

Some areas of the face are more sensitive than others but everything is done to ensure the treatment is as comfortable as possible.

It is very important not to pluck or wax in between treatments as this will undermine the process. However, creaming, trimming or cutting the hair is permitted as this does not involve the root and therefore will not hinder the treatment.

Why not come along to the Sanctuary for a free consultation and I will explain the treatment in a little more detail. Please do nothing to the hair prior to the consultation as I need to see the growth - it needs to be just long enough see or feel.

Since qualifying Karen has worked in Brentwood and continues to work at a clinic in Stanstead, Essex - and has expanded her client base to the Upminster area at the Sanctuary.

Karen sees osteopathy as having a role in the integration of healthcare practises based on the premise that, if the human body is functioning well with its inter-relationship with its structure, good health will follow.

When there is a failure with this relationship, symptoms of pain, fatigue, and discomfort may present. It is at this point that an osteopath becomes a detective in discovering the origin of the symptoms and then devising an appropriate treatment plan to alleviate them. An osteopathic approach involves looking at the whole body - not just treating the immediate area of the pain.

Outside of treating human patients osteopathically, Karen is involved with the treatment of horses. Many of her equine patients being athletes themselves, they require treatment to enable them to compete at the highest level possible.

In her spare time, Karen is to be found on the football touchline supporting her two sons who are both very involved in this sport.

I have studied both classical and psychological astrology, gaining a diploma in astrology in 1973, and have practised as a professional astrologer for over 35 years. I have written articles and columns on astrology for several magazines. I also have an MA in Art History and Theory and have lectured at university.

I have run self-development workshops and taught in the field of complementary health for many years in both the UK and internationally, and am qualified in clinical aromatherapy, oriental diagnosis and massage. I also create sacred perfumes from botanical essences, for healing and transformation.


Transforming your life and Regenerating your creativity

An astrology reading can be enlightening, deeply rewarding and can offer you both positive guidance and a rare opportunity for self-exploration. It can also be an enjoyable and uplifting experience.


As a tool of divination, the origins of Astrology reach back to the very dawn of civilization. Nourished by its ancient roots, contemporary Astrology embraces modern awareness in psychology, counselling and the use of myths and symbols in the interpretation of a personal Birth Chart. This rich and in-depth approach leads us to reach a new level of insight about ourselves, and our lives.


A highly rewarding part of my work is interpreting the Birth Charts of babies and children. This can be of help in guiding parents in terms of the personality, creative development and life potential of their offspring. A Birth Chart of a new-born baby makes an excellent, informative gift, and for teenagers it can help to smooth the ‘rites of passage’ towards adulthood.


There are times in life when we may benefit from seeking the guidance of a sensitive interpreter of this age-old tool of awareness, particularly when we may feel the need to deepen our understanding of our life’s unique journey. Above all, the Birth Chart may be used to empower and inform us, not least through its surprising capacity to enhance both self-knowledge and self-acceptance.

Professional Astrology can help you to:

• Find your true direction and lead a more dynamic life.
• Discover meaning and fulfilment in your life.
• Understand yourself better.
• Tap the full potential of your skills and creativity.
• Make changes in your life, but feel uncertain or lack the confidence to carry them through.
• Create more balance in your personal life.
• Understand your relationships and enhance your ability to communicate.
• Assist with problem-solving and help you to understand the value and meaning of the more difficult times in your life.
• Become more fully aware of your personal drives and emotional needs.
• Face times of change and transition with a positive attitude and greater confidence.
• Or simply spread your wings!

I have more than twenty-five years professional experience working in the field of mental health where I began as a nurse and later as a psychotherapist. My professional background is informed by both western and eastern psychology/philosophy. Over the past ten years I have been committed to understanding how, what would have once been considered mysterious or esoteric practices such as meditation and visualisation can be used to alleviate stress and profoundly reduce the symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, problematic anger and chronic pain.

Thanks to the wisdom and insight that dates back many thousands of years and continues until the present day, our lives need not be as stressful or emotionally challenging as they sometimes are. I personally experience the daily benefit of a life which feels less stressful and without unnecessary emotional discomfort than it would be had I not had the privilege of using some of the knowledge that is available to help us.

Meditation is an excellent starting point for investigating how philosophy and psychology both ancient and modern and eastern and western, can profoundly improve the way we experience life. This is why I am always pleased for the opportunity to introduce it to those who are interested in knowing more.

The courses are divided into units of eight weeks. Each unit is sufficient in its own right to teach you how to meditate. However, if you choose to attend more that one unit, you will learn something new during each course to improve your overall knowledge and broaden your meditative experience.

For details of the course content please go to the Therapies section and select “Meditation”. or Click here for Details and Booking Form

Phaedra has been on her own spiritual journey for the past 20 years.

She trained as a Spiritual Director at the London Centre for Spirituality where she explored Franciscan, Ignatian and Celtic Spirituality.

She has led many groups in Christian meditation, retreats and spirituality courses; and was commissioned as a Church Army Sister in 2007.

Phaedra is available at the Sanctuary for Spiritual Direction, or Holy Listening, as she calls it.

I first became interested in Homoeopathy in the early 1980s after my daughter was cured of "almost constant" coughs and colds.

In 1982 I embarked on a four year course of training, qualifying as a Licentiate of the College of Homoeopathy in 1986. I went on to become a member of the College of Homoeopathy in late 1986 and a Member of the Registered Society of Homoeopaths in 1987.

1987 also saw another of my fields of interest bear fruit. In parallel with my studies in Homoeopathy, I was also studying Iridology and in that year I became a qualified Iridology practitioner.

Since 1986 I have been practicing Homoeopathy in Essex, and have built up a wealth of clinical experience.

Homoeopathy can be used to successfully treat many health problems. Whilst all cured cases are rewarding, I feel a particular satisfaction in treating women during pregnancy. Not only are Homoeopathic remedies one of the few truly safe medications to use in pregnancy, but I also feel it plays a part in educating new generations towards healthier living.

I also offer Past Life regression as part of the healing regime.

I have always been interested in dance and movement and danced from the age of four until I was 28 years old. At this point in my life, after my first child, I was told I should not dance for six months and decided to start yoga in an effort to stay supple and fit. I have now been practising yoga daily for thirty years.



I have taken two British Wheel of Yoga Teacher Training Courses. I originally took these to further my knowledge of the subject and was then asked to teach after standing in for other teachers. I have now been teaching for twenty years.



Yoga is a complete mind, body and spirit workout, keeping all three fit and in balance to give an overall feeling of well-being. My aim is to pass on the many benefits of yoga to my students.

• Stress Management
• Self Confidence Issues
• Motivation & Goal Attainment
• Quit Smoking
• Driving Test Fears
• Anxiety about Driving
• Dentistry fears
• Exam fears
• Habits [nail biting etc]
• Weight control
• Blushing
• Social phobias

Having previously experienced excellent health, at the age of 23 I was struck down with chronic fatigue syndrome with associated problems of systematic albicans infection and chronic food intolerance. I became completely debilitated and unable to work or enjoy life.

This led me to see many doctors through the NHS and private consultants specialising in gastroenterlogy, urology, post- viral fatigue and a couple of general consultants. None of them could offer any explanation, or hope as to the state of my health and all of them refused to look at me holistically.

Now desperate, I went to Shenfield Health shop where I had my first experience of Kinesiology when I had a muscle test for food intolerance to yeast. Whilst holding the tin of yeast I had an out of body experience which gave me an entirely new perspective on health and what we are.

I then went to see a Nutritional Consultant and started to see improvement straight away through a restricted diet and nutritional supplements. The next step was to see an incredible homeopath who helped me further to improve my health and put me on the road to recovery.

My journey then took me to The Sanctuary, a very special place, where I joined a personal development group to learn more about myself. I discovered my calling as a healer, studied Spiritual Healing with the NFSH and met my future wife!

I qualified as a Health Kinesiologist on 17th April 2005 after two years of study and have continued to learn ever since.

In Life.

• You have the right to be well
• You have the right to be happy
• You have the right to love
• You have the right to choose your life.