During our initial consultation, it usually becomes clear which of the treatments available will benefit you the most. Certain conditions respond better to the different forms of therapy, and I'll suggest accordingly.

At the beginning of each subsequent session, a brief chat will help us decide whether to continue with the same treatment or switch to another. This will depend on your body's reaction, if any, to the initial session, and on how you're feeling and what your needs are at the next. So, it doesn't matter if you've booked to have a Reflexology treatment, but on the day you'd rather have a massage. This is great...you're listening to what your body needs and taking responsibility for making sure it gets it!

Many people decide to work their way through the treatments on offer over a period of time, and will find what suits them best.

This is a safety precaution for you, as client, and for me, as therapist. There are certain conditions which would mean that you'd not be able to have treatment eg. severe circulatory disorders and heart conditions, a history of thrombosis or embolism, epilepsy and diabetes, without an OK from your GP or hospital consultant. This is a matter of safety, ethics and my insurance company!

The medical consultation is also an opportunity for me to get to know you a little, which means that the treatments you have will be truly holistic in nature. Often, a seemingly insignificant comment given in conversation can throw light on problems or conditions, and serve as a missing piece in the jigsaw of your health and well-being.

Please be assured that any details you give me will be taken and held in strict confidence, and you have access to your medical consultation and treatment forms at all times.

I'll need to know what the medication's for. This will determine whether your doctor will need to know you're coming for treatment, so he can monitor you. Massage or Reflexology treatments are detoxifying to your body, which sees medicines as toxins. So you won't be as well protected by your medication for the 24 hours or so after your treatment. This isn't too important for many conditions, but would be if it were treating epilepsy, for example, or a heart condition.

Yes I am...I belong to the Federation of Holistic Therapists [www.fht.org.uk] who also provide me with my public liability insurance. Certificates to confirm this are displayed in my treatment room.

A massage is supposed to be a good experience!

A therapist ought to ask you if the pressure being used is OK for you, once the massage has begun. If it isn't...say so. "Could you use a lighter pressure please?" or "I prefer quite a firm massage," are comments which help us to get it right for you...so never be afraid to let us know.

Why not consider beginning with a Reflexology session, or an Indian head massage? That way, you will have the chance to meet me [a size 24, who understands body image issues] and experience a treatment which will be given with you fully clothed, apart from bare feet, in the case of Reflexology.

Another time, you might feel able to opt for a massage or you could decide to stick at Indian head massage or Reflexology. You don't have to shed layers to benefit from holistic therapies.

The pressure used during a Reflexology treatment isn't a light, tickly touch. It's firm, without being painful, and not at all ticklish...so my clients tell me!

After a brief consultation, you lie on the massage couch, having removed footwear. Your feet are cleansed using surgical spirit or baby wipes, which also gives me the opportunity to assess any obvious problem areas or zones of hard skin, which could be an indication of your health as well as the fitting of your shoes.

The Reflexology treatment begins with a few gentle relaxation exercises for your feet, toes and ankles. The full treatment takes about 45 minutes, and is a pleasant pressure massage all over the feet and ankles, using the tips of my thumbs and fingers. Pressure is applied to all the reflex areas of your feet, which correspond to the different organs, systems and areas of your body, looking to find signs of energy blockages in those systems. These can be felt as grittyness, like tiny grains of sand under the skin, which you might also feel, or they might be felt as a tender area on your foot. Working gently on these tender or gritty areas will help to free up the problem and allow the body to heal itself. In this way, the affected system is able to work more effectively, with resulting improvement in your general feeling of well-being and vitality.

The feet are then given a massage to complete the treatment and, after resting for a few minutes, you'll be given a drink of water and we'll discuss any findings and future treatment plans.

A gentler, shorter and slightly modified treatment can be given during your first three months, until the pregnancy is well established.

Care is always taken with the choice of which essential oils to use or to avoid in aromatherapy massage, depending on the stage of the pregnancy, and with Reflexology the reproductive areas of your feet are avoided during your first trimester. After this, treatments can be given safely, while making allowances for the comfort of Mum and Bump.

Yes, I do...but I'll need the signature of a parent or guardian if she's under 18 years old, and you'll need to stay with her during her treatment.

This is a child protection/safety consideration for us all.

Yes I do. Many men come for treatment via their partners, or by referral through existing clients, so are under no illusion as to the professional nature of Sole Matters.

After a short consultation, you will be shown to the treatment room and left to undress to pants/shorts level and lie face down on the massage couch, covering yourself with a large towel. [You will be kept warm with towels throughout the treatment, only the areas currently being massaged will be uncovered.]

After blending the required oils, the massage begins with your back and legs. Then you turn onto your back and we continue with the front of your legs and your feet, your neck and shoulders, your arms and hands, then your face and scalp if required.

An hour and a half after beginning, you'll be completely relaxed, and possibly asleep!

There isn't an upper age limit to any of the treatments. Sometimes shorter or lighter treatments are appropriate, and great care will be taken with the choice and strength of essential oils, in the case of an aromatherapy massage.

The treatment will always be tailored to the needs of the individual.

It's impossible to generalise...it depends on so many things.

It depends on why you came in the first place...was it because of a long-standing medical problem or simply for relaxation and "time-out"?

It depends on what can you afford in terms of time and money in order to make a difference in how you feel.

I can advise, but obviously you decide. After your first treatment, we'll have a chat about the best course of action, and we'll agree a treatment plan. But if I feel I can't help you, I won't keep you unnecessarily coming back. I'll always try to refer you to someone who I think could benefit you more.

I have gift vouchers for each of my treatments, or for a set amount of money from £10 upwards. I also have a variety of gift cards from 50p, so it's easy for you and great for your friend. Also, it's a present that's a little bit different, yet can make a huge difference to the recipient.
Contact me to arrange payment and delivery.