Balham Therapy Rooms

Philippa Decker
Therapeutic massage, Indian head massage, chakra healing

In January 2003 Philippa co -established the Balham Therapy Rooms which she now manages and where she practises her treatments.

Philippa works intuitively, responding to whatever it is that your body needs and using exactly the pressure you prefer. She is passionate about the healing effects of massage and draws upon experience of having explored different techniques such as deep tissue massage, shiatsu, Thai yoga massage and acupressure.

She qualified in ITEC Anatomy, Physiology and Massage in '97 and ITEC Indian Head Massage in '01.

She has worked and studied with Martin Brofman, international author of 'Anything Can Be Healed' who stimulated a long held interest in healing and metaphysics.

Monday, Wednesday, Fri 10am to 2.30pm
Tuesday 3pm to 9pm
Alternate Saturdays 10am to 5pm

Kerry Dunn
Nutritional Therapy, Therapeutic Massage

Kerry has a background in remedial and sports massage. With the objective of helping clients to achieve their full potential, Kerry's aim through massage and nutrition is to work with clients from a preventative perspective and to address specific health issues by affecting simple changes in diet and lifestyle.

Kerry Dunn gained a Diploma in Nutritional Therapy from the renowned Raworth College in 2007 and a Diploma in Health Science from the Australian College of Sports Therapy in 2001.

Friday 3pm

Christopher Gaia DO
Osteopathy

Christopher qualified from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2003 with an honours degree in Osteopathic Medicine, a diploma in Osteopathy and a diploma in Naturopathy. He completed Cranial Osteopathy training levels 1, 2 and 3 soon after.

He is also qualified to perform Western Medical Acupuncture and to prescribe orthotics - tailor made shoe inserts to balance the body. This varied approach means that he has successfully treated a wide range of patients from newborns to sports people.

He is a member of the British Osteopathic Association and registered with all major insurance companies.

Solara An-Ra
Craniosacral therapy, reflexology, therapeutic massage, chakra healing, reiki, meditation

Solara grew up in South Africa, completing a B.A. degree and Teaching Diploma at Cape Town University. Since 1987 it has been her joy to practice healing and alternative therapies. She attained a diploma in Therapeutic Massage before moving to the U.K. Since then she has qualified in Reflexology, Shiatsu, Chakra Healing, Craniosacral Therapy, Metamorphic Technique, and has completed Reiki & Seichiem 1 & 2.

Solara works from a holistic viewpoint which encompasses body, mind and spirit. She often combines different therapies within a treatment session, according to the clients needs - e.g. back and neck massage with craniosacral for back problems, or reflexology with craniosacral in pregnancy.

She helps clients with both emotional and physical issues. In her work she aims to create a nurturing environment to encourage personal insight and growth, along with relief from physical pain and stress. Her experience as a meditation and spiritual teacher means that she includes breath-work and lifestyle guidance where it is appropriate.

Roz Bigland BA (Hons), Dip ION, FdSc,MBANT
Nutritional Therapy

Roz trained at the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition where she completed a three year course of study. She was awarded The Shekinah Award for 'Outstanding Clinical Practice' in 2006.

Roz is considered by her clients to give inspiring, practical and positive advice that is personally tailored to each of her client's unique nutritional needs, lifestyle and budget. Roz fundamentally believes that nutrition should be practical for everyday life, as well as being fun, enjoyable and of course tasty in the process.

Over the years Roz has treated a whole variety of health problems successfully. Her specialist interests are in treating digestive disorders, skin conditions and stress related health problems.

Roz is a member of the British Association of Nutritional Therapists and works strictly by their code of conduct and practice.

Reza Hadian (BSY) Med.Na IGPP
Allergist, colon hydrotherapy

Owner of the health food store, Reza has been practicing as a naturopath since 1996. Also qualified as an allergist he uses the sophisticated QX Energy Resonance machine to test for allergies to all foods andpotential environmental allergens.

Monday 3pm to 8pm, Thursday 9.30am to 8pm and Saturday 11.0 am to 6pm

Jo Marie Harris DCH.DHP
Hypnotherapist

Jo Marie Harris is an extremely successful Clinical Hypnotherapist. She has been involved in complementary medicine for over 20 years and started working in the field of Hypnotherapy in 1998. Jo Marie is a member of the Institute of Clinical Hypnosis, a Full Member of the Hypnotherapy Association www.thehypnotherapyassociation.co.uk, and listed on the UK Hypnotherapy Register.

In addition to Hypnotherapy Jo Marie is an experienced EFT Practitioner, Reiki Master & Life Coach

Vivien Hobbs IFPA AOR
Reflexology, aromatherapy

Vivien qualified in aromatherapy in 1998 and reflexology in 2001.Vivien's clients range from the pregnant to the elderly. She has experience of using her skills to help cancer patients in both the NHS and private sectors, as well as assisting at nursing homes and a rehabilitation centre.

Vivien is currently on sabbatical.

Saturday 9.30 to 2.30pm

Emily Dawson Lic Ac. MBAC
Acupuncture, facial rejuvanation, therapeutic massage

Emily spent four years training at the prestigious International College of Oriental Medicine where she attained a BSc Hons degree in Oriental Medicine. She is fully insured and a member of the British Acupuncture Council.

Initial consultation £50 Follow up £45. Monday and Wednesday 2pm - 8pm

Emily will be on maternity leave until Nov 2009

Olga Lawrence Jones RS Hom
Homeopathy

Olga has particular experience in treating those disorders that conventional
medicine is sometimes unable to help, such as allergies, IBS, hormonal
imbalances and skin disorders. She also enjoys treating pregnant mothers
and babies to ease those first few months.

Monday 10.30 - 8pm

Els Payne ITEC IPTI IGPP
Deep tissue massage

Els uses her knowledge and experience of deep tissue massage, yogic energy work and Indian Head Massage to provide whatever you may need from your treatment whether it is relief from muscular pain, energy boosting or relaxation.

Els wants everyone to have a massage, especially those who may not realise its benefits, including pregnant women, those with disabilities and the elderly. She feels an interdisciplinary approach can be crucial so will refer clients to other therapies if appropriate.
Els gained an ITEC Diploma in massage in 2001 and continued studying to improve her skills, gaining a Diploma in Pregnancy massage from Wellmother www.wellmother.com.

Friday 3pm to 8pm

Tom Ings Lic Ac. BSc(hons), MBAcC
Classical Acupuncture, Therapeutic Massage

Tom trained for four years at the International College Of Oriental Medicine where he attained a first class Bsc(hons) Degree in Oriental Medicine (Acupuncture). He is a fully insured member of the British Acupuncture Council and lectures on acupuncture at the International College of Oriental Medicine.

"I had an operation in February 2008 to remove a slipped disc from my neck. By Oct 2008 I had severe neck pain...... I started to notice an instant improvement after the first session...Tom has really helped me get my life back on track and my recovery is coming on in leaps and bounds...... he is the only person to make a real difference with my health problems." (Mike, 2008)

"... since commencing acupuncture for anxiety and postnatal depression... I enjoyed the benefit of feeling more balanced mentally and emotionally. I am noticeably more level headed, focused and energized." (Fiona, 2008)

"I had severe back and neck pain as a result of work stress, when I started having Acupuncture everything changed. I had remarkable results after just two sessions. Now the pain I was having has subsided and I still continue to have acupuncture because it helps with balance and general wellbeing as well as dealing with all kinds of health problems." (Gemma, 2008)

Robert Harding
Sports Massage/Deep Tissue Massage

Rob trained at The North London School of Sports Massage which is commonly regarded, together with The London School, as the providers of the highest level of training.

He is a swimming, trampoline, gymnastics and water-ski coach. However, at least 50% of the people he treats have non-sports related pain or problems resulting from poor work practises, bad lifting techniques and repetitive practises such as typing and digging.

He grew up in Purley, Surrey, went to school in Dulwich and has been working in London since the age of 21.

Rob won the English Schools Long Jump title Under 19 in 1991 and was chosen to represent Great Britain in Germany but was unable to continue his competitive career due to injury. He wishes he'd known about Sports and Remedial Massage Therapy back then! Nowadays he is a very keen water-skier and snow boarder. He gets great satisfaction from helping people with pain and injury problems and watching people improve as a teacher and achieve their goals.