Complementary Therapies & Mental Health

Sadly, Stress, Anxiety, Depression and other mental health disorders are on the increase in Britain. According to BMA, referrals to mental health services in England rose by 33% from 2019 to 2023. Anxiety and depression are Britain’s most common mental health problems[1], with more than 1 in 7 UK adults stating that their mental health is currently bad. 

A recent study shows that more women than men are currently struggling with their mental health (18.5% women & 12.5% men) and that young people aged 16-24 are struggling the most, with 23.5% describing their mental health as bad or the worst it has ever been.[2]

Although it is good that people are trying the access help, evidence suggests, that service providers do not have the resources to meet the high demand. Therefor, many individuals are left waiting a long time for treatment. 

Antidepressant and antianxiety medication is regularly prescribed by GPs, however, there are many Natural Therapies which can also provide great relief. Mind Charity recommend several natural therapies on their website, including Massage, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Acupuncture, Meditation, Herbal Remedies and more.[3]

[1]NICE (2011). Common mental health disorders. {online} www.nice.org.uk

[2]Mental Health Statistics UK 2024 {online} www.forthwithlife.co.uk

[3]Complementary and alternative therapies. {online} www.mind.org.uk

There are many reasons why Complementary Therapies can help someone who has Anxiety or Depression. If you are struggling with your mental health, then you are not alone. When life seems busy, chaotic or overwhelming, it can be a difficult first step, to make time for yourself. You may feel that you don’t deserve a treatment, or that you simply don’t have the time, as there is too much to do. However, creating space in your day, to do something positive for yourself, can make a huge difference to how you feel. People find comfort from talking and being safe in a calm, relaxing environment. Or just being quiet and still, allowing the mind and body to unwind and emotions to settle. 

I offer a range of relaxing therapies that can offer benefits to the physical body and to the mind. Massage Therapy, Indian Head Massage, Hot Stone Therapy, Warm Bamboo Massage, Reflexology, Natural Lift face Massage, Cupping Therapy and Acupressure. I also have relevant qualifications and experience working with adults and adolescents with Autism and other neurodivergent people.

These Complementary Therapies can all help to boost the immune system, reduce headaches, improve sleep, calm emotions, stabilise mood and improve your general sense of health and wellbeing. They are safe alongside other treatments such as CBT and also alongside prescribed medications, such as antidepressants. If you would like to read about each therapy in more detail, please click on the ‘Treatments’ and ‘Relaxation Therapies’ tabs at the top of the home page.

I am fully insured and am registered with the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), set up by the government to regulate Complementary Health Practitioners. It is recommended by Mind Charity, and other organisations, that you use a registered therapist when booking treatments. Clients who have qualifying health care plans may be able to reclaim some or all the cost of their treatments. I am happy to provide receipts for this.

The treatment room in Whitby is a calming and relaxing space. I use natural, organic essential oils and clients are welcome to choose a fragrance that they find soothing. The massage couch has a heated blanket, which can be used for added comfort. The lights are dimmable, so if you would like low lighting and the curtains drawn, this can be done. As a therapist, I appreciate that each client has their own individual tastes and needs. If you’d like to choose your own music to have on in the background, please just let me know. Perhaps there’s a particular album or artist that helps you to unwind? If you prefer to chat during your treatment, that’s ok, or you can be quiet and completely zone out. I often have clients fall asleep during their treatments, which I take as a compliment!I offer a range of treatments, but I also let clients mix and match their therapies. For example, if you’d like a 60 minute treatment, half reflexology and half Indian head, then just let me know!

Useful links:

andysmansclub.co.uk

mind.org.uk

mentalhealth.org.uk