Shiatsu Society

Mentors

ENGLAND

Heidi Armstrong, MRSS

BANES - Bath.  Tel: 01225 484604

Chandra Moussa, MRSS

Bristol, 0117 935 1565

I am a qualified Massage Therapist (MTI) also MRSS shiatsu practitioner. I am presently working as a part time nurse practitioner, I am a good listener, and as a mature practitioner I feel I have a lot to offer. More understanding and lots of patience.

Carol Wells, MRSS

Bristol, 01275 463769

I qualified as a Shiatsu Practitioner in 1995 and gained my MRSS which I value very much.  I completed my first years of training with the Bristol School of Shiatsu and two years with the European School.   I went on to qualify as an Upledger Craniosacral Therapist.  I love the way that these two therapies bend and meld together.  In my past life I qualified as a Nursery Nurse and a Social Worker, specialising in management giving emotional and moral support to child care workers and other groups of out-reach workers in the field.  Returning to study as a mature student, and having experienced severe learning difficulties at school, I had to find intuitive and creative ways to learn and get myself through the exam process in my chosen areas.  This has enabled me to support many people with their learning process.  I have also set up a successful practise and enjoy a lively thriving business.  I am good at providing safe space for in-depth listening in a supportive trusting environment.

Cath Gardener, MRSS

Bristol/South Wales, shiatsucath@yahoo.co.uk

I started training in shiatsu in 1989, doing the 3-yr practitioner course then 3 yrs as an assistant. When I finished I missed the company of shiatsu people. I had good friends outside shiatsu but no-one who understood what it's like to be a practitioner, no one to discuss Chinese philosophy, ideas about energy,ethics, whatever, or even to share a shiatsu-related joke. Sometimes I felt very alone, andthat's why I am a mentor now.
I can be here when you're stuck, as a shoulder to cry on, someone to rant at, bounce ideas off, ask for ideas or advice, get a bit of encouragement, or listen while you talk about things you can't talk about to anyone else in your life at the moment.
If I can't help I'll try to find someone else who can.
I might not seem the best person to ask for ideas about marketing as I've always done swops & donations and it's worked very well for me, so if your mentoring session is starting to turn into a treatment or tutorial I will tell you and we can talk terms or change the subject.
I practice mostly intuitive zen-style shiatsu. My main teachers have been, in order of appearance, Keith Phillips (Bristol School), Nicola Pooley*, Bill Palmer, Carola Beresford-Cooke*, Cliff Andrews*, (*The Shiatsu College), Pauline Sasaki.
I love the TCM ideas of how Spirit manifests as us and all we perceive through the Source, yin & yang, the 5 Elements and the Vital Substances. I teach monthly workshops on these in Bristol.
I also find the ideas of chaos, fractals, relativity & quantum theory fascinating and helpful in understanding and tuning into energy as meridians and fields.
At the moment I live on a remote Welsh hilltop with no phone or computer access. I hope to have at least a phone by the end of this year, but until then it's easiest to email me at shiatsucath@yahoo.co.uk and I will email you back when I'm near a computer which is at least once a month. If you want a phone conversation we can arrange a date by email.
Happy shiatsu-ing!  Peace and love, Cath.

Sharon Powell, MRSS

Buckinghamshire - Amersham, 01753 716670

Lee Sanger, MRSS

Buckinghamshire - Amersham.  Tel: 01494 722903

Marie Buttler, MRSS

Cumbria - Carlisle, Tel: 01228 546523

I chose to be a mentor because having received much support from colleagues and business advisors I would like to share this experience with mentees. Also Mentoring is, like Shiatsu, a two-way process, receiving as well as giving.  Being French, I first trained in Paris with a Japanese "Master", Hiroaki IZUMO which led me to organising workshop classes in Paris for different level students.  I then studied at the
Glasgow School of Shiatsu where I graduated as a practitioner in June 1999. I then
took my MRSS in April 2003.
I moved to Carlisle (Cumbria) 8 years ago where I have been organising some Shiatsu introductory courses and more recently developing my practice.  This year (2005-2006) I have been an assistant to the first year group at The Shiatsu School Edinburgh and will be assisting the second year group next year.  This allows me to be more part of Shiatsu community and help developing Shiatsu, which I really enjoyed.  It took time for me to decide to go full time to Shiatsu - as I was also interested in other activities but now I am able to devote 80% of my time. I work from different places: at home, in a therapy centre which has been set initially for people who were flooded in January 2005 and now targets carers and volunteers from charity organisations; I also work from Whinfell Center Park, at about 25 miles from home.
Ideally it would be nice to be able to meet "my" mentees but I am ready to exchange emails and/or phone calls and do "distant-mentoring".

Tim Gratwick, MRSS

Kent - Sidcup, Tel: 07595 034745 

I first became interested in shiatsu in 1992 when a bone fracture became complicated and slow to heal despite the best efforts of an overstretched NHS.  I wanted to become more involved in managing my own healthcare so enrolled upon a shiatsu beginners’ evening class with the local adult education college. The course ran for a whole year, I found it inspiring and its lasting impression is still ever present and effective in me to this day. It prepared me well as I began the journey to be practitioner.
I obtained my diploma in 1997 and MRSS in 1998.Whilst in training I also became interested in meditation and how accessing the ‘relaxed mind state’ can promote health, wellbeing and self-realisation in treatment.
I am a qualified teacher in adult education, obtaining the City and Guilds Further Adult Education Teacher certificate stages 1 and 2 and Certificate in Education, Post Compulsory Education and Training. I also have a Certificate in Counselling.
Since 1999 I have taught ‘Shiatsu’ and ‘ Meditation for Relaxation’ with the local adult education authority, as well as ‘Relaxation for restful sleep’ and ‘Relaxation for Health and Wellbeing’.
In 2000 following selection and training I was appointed as tutor mentor for new/inexperienced teachers of the college.
The world of shiatsu is forever evolving; we can acquire knowledge, practice techniques and learn the theory from a variety of teachers in a variety of settings who vary as greatly in their teaching methods as we do in our learning styles.
Whatever our learning pathway, each person brings their own spirit and personality to their practice of shiatsu. For me, it is the very essence of the practitioner, and their own unique understanding of shiatsu, which brings these techniques to life, so they may have their profound effect.

Julia Clark, MRSS

Kent - Beckenham, Tel: 0208 659 6533

I studied with the European Shiatsu School, in Wiltshire at Chris Jarmey's,
and in Covent Garden.  I waited for a year before applying for my MRSS, so I could gain experience, practising Shiatsu on members of the public in a small clinic one night a week. At that time, I was running my own graphic design company, working
mostly from home.  It took three attempts to pass the AP&P section of the written MRSS papers, but once that was achieved, the practical was a breeze due to experience I'd gained in the interim!  I started practising shiatsu on a full-time basis in 1998, after closing the graphic design company.  I have worked in several different places, including one natural health centre for about seven years. At present, I work four days at home, and one day in a large gym in the city. I am also setting up a small practice of seeing people in city offices for neck and shoulders Shiatsu.

Jean Robertson-Molloy, MRSS 

London, Tel: 0208 882 7275

I trained with Chris Jarmey at the ESS, took my Diploma in ’97 and my MRSS in ’98.  Prior to that I had studied for four years with the ESS and after my third year went back to my roots in Glasgow , where I learned a lot from Elaine, Hilary and others at the Glasgow School.  I think that mentoring is highly applicable to the Shiatsu world, in that there are lots of folk among us who are not necessarily employed full–time in Shiatsu, but who really have a keen interest in seeing Shiatsu develop, and in helping people who are still working to gain their initial qualifications and /or are looking for ways of developing their career further.
My own business skills are a bit thin, as I am not currently trying to work more than a few hours a week in Shiatsu, having many other activities which occupy my retirement from my original full-time career, which was in Social Work.  As such however, I have some knowledge and skill in the business of helping people develop their full potential, and that is something close to my heart.

George Chaplin, MRSS

Brighton, Tel: 07717 196786

I have trained with the British school of Shiatsu and got my diploma from the London college of Shiatsu in 1994. I am a member of the Society since 1995 and have worked at different centres for drug addiction and I currently work at two clinics. I am originally from Athens and lived here for the past thirty years.

Michele Campling, MRSS

London, 07941 100242.  Email:  micampling@micampling.plus.com

I became an MRSS in 1995, six months after qualifying from the British School of Shiatsu-Do.  I’ve just graduated as an acupuncturist and am trying to combine the two disciplines coherently.  In terms of mentoring, I would say that I could be most helpful in advising people on how to make a living from shiatsu, which I have now been doing full-time for seven years.  I tend to concentrate a lot on musculo-skeletal work and the internal effects of stress, so I can discuss these aspects.  I have also had some interesting experiences with dodgy clinics, so I can talk through work conflict issues.  Finally, due to my acupuncture studies, I can help with TCM/point location.

Francesca Jaggs, MRSS

London, 0208 925 1181

I began my training with Ki Kai School in 1989 and obtained my diploma in 1992. However, it then took 4 years for me to gain the courage and confidence to take my MRSS. For me my greatest fear was of being observed and judged.. 'performance fear'. This was a huge milestone for me ...andon passing I finally felt I could promote myself as a professional... it felt like a sort of initiation ceremony whereby a
profound shift took place in me - very much for the better! I guess this is the main reason I was drawn to mentoring - I felt it was an ultimately rewarding process and want to encourage others when they may be struggling and doubting if it is worth the
effort/stress etc.  The anatomy, physiology and pathology were my least problems as my training as an SRN gave me a distinct advantage - however, other aspects of training, esp TCM were a challenge. My approach to Shiatsu now is more towards the
intuitive rather than working according to any theory.

Margaret Gucklhorn, MRSS

London, 0207 435 9437

I practice and teach Shiatsu in London.  I put my name down for mentoring because I remember all the difficulties and uncertainties of being a student and a graduate and can certainly empathise and hopefully help anyone in need.

Siwan Quinn-Bratton, MRSS

London.  Tel: 07958 412398

Char Scrivener, MRSS

London.  Tel: 0207 820 1332

Jocelyn Wellburn, MRSS

London, Tel: 0207 209 2464

I am 65, live in North London and am now almost retired, still giving some Table treatments, being very occupied with 2 small grandchildren.   I trained in the 80,s with Ray Ridolfi at the BSS. I also studied with Clifford Andrews, Pauline Susaki, and Bill Palmer. And Barefoot Shiatsu with Shisuko Yamamoto and recently Maria Serrano.  Macrobiotics and the way of life of Okido Yoga have had a lasting influence.  I am keen to re empower my clients, with exercises, diet, guiding them to find other helpful forms of treatment.
I assisted  at the BSS and taught at their practice classes for some years, and went on to take beginners and Do In classes out in the community.  I have Reiki level 1 and 2.  I got my MRSS in 1990 and later a CITY AND GUILDS in Adult Education.  I maintained a part time Shiatsu practice, mostly from home, for 20 years, 5 of them outside London. Without the good experience of Liz Arundel’s example, encouragement and unofficial mentoring, I probably would never have achieved all this. I, in turn enjoyed befriending and supporting new students.  I took up Shiatsu because I needed the emotional grounding it gave me. Over the years,I have used LRT, a long term self help group, psychotherapy, Chi Gung, Tai Chi and meditation. 
I am still fascinated with bodywork and healing and love to share this.  My strengths  would be enthusiasm (Aries), encouragement, understanding emotional aspects. Weak areas TCM…

Eda Ascott, MRSS

London.  Tel: 0207 263 4725

Annika Miller-Jones, MRSS

London.  Tel: 0207 837 8954

Shakeh Banian, MRSS

London.  Tel: 0208 740 9635

My name is Shakeh. I am an MRSS and a graduate of Shiatsu School- London.
I have been practicing Shiatsu since 1994, when I set up my clinic from home. 
Alongside of being a “part time” mother now, I am currently running a non profit organisation called Wisewomen’s Club, providing holistic solutions for isolated women in London; for whom I design and run various workshops in healing arts and energy work.
I am also a fully qualified lecturer (C&G) and have been teaching Reiki, Samskara Yoga and Meditation through Hammersmith & Fullham and Brent Adult Educations. Since I am not working for the AE anymore, I would like to offer some of my spare time, mentoring the interested and serious shiatsu students to advance in their studies and practice.
I would love to hear from you and am sure this will be a satisfactory and stimulating exchange of interests for you as much as it can be for me too.
Love and Light

Tal Calthrop, MRSS

Middlesex - Enfield, Tel: 0208 292 4657

Teresa Hadland, MRSS

Northamptonshire – Northampton.  Tel: 01327 860114.  Email: teresahadland@hotmail.com

I began my Shiatsu studies in the early 1980s and now practise and teach in the Midlands. I have seen Shiatsu grow and flourish over the past 20 years and look forward to the future. Being a therapist can be a lonely occupation and it is really important that students and practitioners alike have a resource from which to draw when necessary - whether as a listening ear or in a more proactive role. I hope I can be of help in some way.
 

Mark Pogson, MRSS

Somerset - Wells.  Tel: 01749 672944

Mary Macfarlane, MRSS(T)

Somerset – Weston-super-Mare.  Tel: 01934 815110

I discovered Shiatsu in 1991 while searching for what to do with the rest of my life.  I trained with the Bristol School, graduating in 1996, became MRSS in 1997 when I also did the Shiatsu College post-grad course. 
I've taught Foundation Shiatsu from 1995 and finally gained my MRSS(T) in 2004. 
Along with my private practice,  I teach at the Bath School of Shiatsu and Yoga.   I also teach Shiatsu on a self help basis to people with Mental health problems and those in re-hab and recovery from substance abuse.
In my previous life I lived in the West Indies, Zambia and Papua New Guinea working as an Agricultural Chemist and Teacher so I have lived in multi-ethnic communities and learnt much from other cultures.  Finding Shiatsu changed my life and the love and support during my three years study I will treasure always.
After graduation, especially during my first post grad year I felt quite alone and isolated at times and missed my "group", how good it would have been to have a "Mentor" on the end of a phone!  This is one of the main reasons for my volunteering to be a mentor.  We all need support in our Shiatsu journey and I am happy to try and give back to the great Shiatsu community.

Jane Whittingdale, MRSS

Surrey – Haslemere.  Tel: 01428 653042

Kim Lovelace,  MRSS

Sussex - Chichester, Tel: 01243 778599

Carolyn St John, MRSS

Brighton/Hassocks, Sussex.  Tel: 01273 831719

I qualified as a 5 element acupuncturist in 1981 and then Shiatsu at The Shiatsu College, London, in 1989, and reflexology in 1996.  My very first qualification was becoming a nursery nurse in 1971.  I am now 54 years and moved out of London 4 ½ years ago.  I am mostly giving Shiatsu and slowly getting back into acupuncture.  In 1994 we were the first group of students at The Shiatsu College London when it started in Hampstead, above the Active Birth Centre!  Our teachers were Cliff, Carola, Nicola, Elise and Paul Lundberg, and quite often Michael Rose.  I feel my style was strongly influenced by Carola and Michael and of the 5 element acupuncture training at Leamington under J R Worsley.  My practice is local and no longer in Brighton.  I live about 10 miles from the centre of Brighton.  

Rose Fuhrmann, MRSS

Sussex - Lewes.  Tel: 01273 400914.  Email: rose@drfuhrmann.fsnet.co.uk

I had been interested in Chinese medicine for a while, when I attended my first Shiatsu workshop in Germany 1989 in the context of a Kiutsu weekend. I was fascinated and considered it a wonderful addition to my Buddhist practice. A number of weekend workshops and a year of professional training in Lucerne (Switzerland) were followed by a 3-year-training with the Shiatsu College in Brighton. I graduated and set up practice in1999. Since I have been exploring the field, doing an intensive workshop on spiritual Shiatsu with Simon Fall and the 2-year Post-Graduate Training with the Shiatsu College. I became a registered member of the Society (MRSS) in 2005.
Originally trained as a historian, I have published in the field of religious history, constitutional law and community projects and worked as a researcher, lecturer and tutor at a number of universities. My background being a rather academic one, I have, over the years, coached acupuncture students as well as nurses in their academic research. Since 2005 I have worked for the Shiatsu Colleges in Brighton and Hastings as an assistant. I am very interested in psychology and have attended workshops in Hakomi and Family System Therapy.  I also work with children with special educational needs in mainstream education.
All this and my own struggles with my change of career, country and cultural environment rather late in life, has convinced me that mentoring for Shiatsu practitioners and students is a great idea. What is more, I absolutely believe that it should be free, that it should be developed strongly and that it should be run “in the spirit of Shiatsu”, i.e. with an awareness of the importance of giving and receiving. Attending the fantastic introductory workshop organised by Jean Robertson-Molloy in July 2006, I have also become aware how important it is to have a clear understanding of the role of mentor and mentee.
If we get this “peer initiative from the heart” off the ground as a strong, well-informed service, we will be able to prevent the introduction of obligatory (paid) supervision for practitioners, which so often follows professional regulation.

Kiran Nahal, MRSS

Yorkshire – Leeds.  Tel: 01943 875924

SCOTLAND

Jean McCulloch, MRSS

Aberdeenshire - Aboyne.  Tel: 01339 886444

Jean Davidson, MRSS

Fife – St Andrews.  Tel: 01334 470422.  Email: jbd.kintail@btinternet.com

I am a registered Practitioner with the Shiatsu Society having trained with Aberdeen College of Shiatsu, graduating in February 2003 gained MRSS in June 2004.  
I gave up my ‘day job’ in September 2004 to concentrate on building up a Shiatsu practice in my own home plus occasional sessions at a therapy centre in St. Andrews.  I enjoy both giving and receiving Shiatsu and am amazed at how much I continue to learn with each session I give and receive.   Each new client is a new experience to appreciate and learn from.
I have also use Shiatsu to work with dogs mainly those competing in agility.  I have had a few vet referrals to help with conditions they felt would respond to complementary therapy. 
My background (‘day job’) is in training and development, specialising in personal development and management skills.  This background in personal development has given me great insight into enabling people to move forward in their lives through training delivery, mentoring, coaching and now Shiatsu.  I am a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (Chartered MCIPD) through this I keep up to date with changes in this field.  
I work in three ways to provide a Shiatsu session until recently I worked mainly on the floor providing table Shiatsu for those who needed it. However a recent knee injury has meant that I am now finding that working on a table is becoming the norm. I also work with a massage chair to provide back sessions. I feel this might be of interest to students and others who are thinking of having a change from floor work.

Artemis Papert, MRSS

Aberdeenshire - Aberdeen.  Tel:  01224 487418.  Email: shiatsu@yinandyang.co.uk

Jane Groombridge, MRSS

Angus - Dundee, Tel: 01382 810526

My Shiatsu practice is at home in Dundee. Since 1991 I have been interested in Shiatsu and I graduated from the Glasgow School in 1995. After several Shiatsu workshops with different teachers I continue my studies with the The Shiatsu College. I became MRRS in 1999 after 3 failed attempts. Friends who know me will agree I was dedicated and determined to be qualified in what I love doing.I am self employedoffering Shiatsu and Cranio-Sacral therapy. Ialso own property which I manage as well asa Ladies Fashion business. I have experience of working with Shiatsu in other clinics and a rehab drug clinic. I regularly swim and do yoga and I am interested in Qi Gong, hill walking and skiing.
I got involved with Mentoring with the pilot scheme in 2004. I have had 2 mentee’s to date and found the experience worth while. Ioffermentee’s enthusiasm, a listening ear, positive ideas and encouragement.

Richard Blair, MRSS

Edinburgh.  Tel: 0131 229 8200.  Email: Richard@MrShiatsu.co.uk

I have been studying Shiatsu since 1986 initially barefoot/macrobiotic style. I have since studied with Elaine Liechti, Cliff Andrews, Pauline Sasaki, Wataru Ohashi, and Kishi.  I currently practice in Edinburgh and do occasional teaching for The Shiatsu School of Edinburgh, with an introductory workshop in Evia, Greece in the summer.
I have practiced Shiatsu on HIV clients at a charity and as an aid to Drug Detox at a residential centre.
My practice and teaching strengths are in the practical application of physical and energetic techniques, working in a zen style with a broad variety of techniques and a strong emphasis on the trad meridians.

Marie Lamont, MRSS

Fife – St Andrews.  Tel: 01334 850769

Rosemary Wood, MRSS

Fife - Ladybank, Tel: 01337 857314

Irene Schenk, MRSS

Moray, Highlands - Forres, Tel: 01309 611244

Julia Marsh, MRSS

Perthshire - Perth, 01738 813156

Igained my MRSS in 2000 and thencombinedShiatsu with a part-time job (as a rehab worker forthe Blind Society in Perth) for a couple of years before taking the plunge to develop the Shiatsu full-time -mainly one toone treatments but also an increasing number of workshops. I've alsocompleted an NLP practitioner course and I'm currently doing a degree course in Nutrition. I find it encouraging to see how Shiatsu has become more accepted over the past few years, though there's still a long way to go!-and it still requires a lot of time giving talks, taster sessions etc to spread the word. This is an area which interests me and where I'd be happy to offer any help and encouragement I can.

Liz Arundel, MRSS

Ross-shire - Tain.  Tel: 01862 871358

Janet MacDonald, MRSS

Ross-shire - Applecross.  Tel: 01520 744223

Christine Pamphilon, MRSS

Ross-shire – Dingwall.  Tel: 01349 861822

Ilka Johannsen, MRSS

Tayside - Dundee.  Tel: 01382 778806

WALES

Cathy Gardener, MRSS

South Wales / Bristol, shiatsucath@yahoo.co.uk

I started training in Shiatsu in 1989, doing the 3-yr practitioner course then 3 yrs as an assistant. When I finished I missed the company of Shiatsu people. I had good friends outside Shiatsu but no-one who understood what it's like to be a practitioner, no one to discuss Chinese philosophy, ideas about energy, ethics, whatever, or even to share a Shiatsu-related joke. Sometimes I felt very alone, and that's why I am a mentor now.
I can be here when you're stuck, as a shoulder to cry on, someone to rant at, bounce ideas off, ask for ideas or advice, get a bit of encouragement, or listen while you talk about things you can't talk about to anyone else in your life at the moment.
If I can't help I'll try to find someone else who can.
I might not seem the best person to ask for ideas about marketing as I've always done swops & donations and it's worked very well for me, so if your mentoring session is starting to turn into a treatment or tutorial I will tell you and we can talk terms or change the subject.
I practice mostly intuitive zen-style Shiatsu. My main teachers have been, in order of appearance, Keith Phillips (Bristol School), Nicola Pooley*, Bill Palmer, Carola Beresford-Cooke*, Cliff Andrews*, (*The Shiatsu College), Pauline Sasaki.
I love the TCM ideas of how Spirit manifests as us and all we perceive through the Source, yin & yang, the 5 Elements and the Vital Substances. I teach monthly workshops on these in Bristol.
I also find the ideas of chaos, fractals, relativity & quantum theory fascinating and helpful in understanding and tuning into energy as meridians and fields.
At the moment I live on a remote Welsh hilltop with no phone or computer access. I hope to have at least a phone by the end of this year, but until then it's easiest to email me at shiatsucath@yahoo.co.uk and I will email you back when I'm near a computer which is at least once a month. If you want a phone conversation we can arrange a date by email.
Happy shiatsu-ing!  Peace and love, Cath.