After graduating with a BSc degree in Psychology, Catriona began work as a mental health support worker for the NHS Personality disorder service in Leicestershire. During her three years working as part of a care team based in a residential home for adults, Catriona assisted in the group psychotherapy sessions that helped the clients work through their emotional difficulties. In this time, Catriona also worked with an out-reach team as group facilitator, assessing client’s needs and assigning them to groups where they could work through their difficulties with the support of professionals and other group members. Catriona trained for and co-facilitated a ‘compassionate mind’ therapy group, helping people to develop feelings of inner compassion and self-acceptance when struggling with strong feelings of self-criticism, self-deprecation and low self-esteem.
By this point, Catriona had become very interested in the benefits of holistic therapies, and decided to embark on a course of study that would enable her to gain the necessary qualifications to practice as a therapist. Over a period of one year, she completed a Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Therapies, qualifying her to practice Swedish Body Massage, Reflexology and Aromatherapy. At this time, Catriona also enrolled and completed diplomas in Level 1 Reiki, Indian Head Massage, Hopi Ear Candling, Hot Stone Therapy, Thai Foot Massage and Life Coaching.
Having completed her training, in 2007 Catriona decided to take the plunge and set up her own business – Karuna Holistics was born! With lots of help from family and friends, very dilapidated premises in the buzzing Lanes area of Leicester City Centre were transformed into a beautiful oasis of calm and tranquility where clients could leave the hassle stresses of everyday life behind. A whole range of treatments ranging from 30 minute 'quick fixes' to 2 hour indulgent head to toe massages ensured that Karuna’s reputation for individually designed programmes soon spread. Throughout this busy time Catriona continued to carry out home treatments for clients who preferred this and also took Karuna into the workplace under the banner of Touchworks – the second bow her to holistic business.
In 2010, Catriona decided to follow her dream of travelling and set off on a new journey to explore traditional holistic therapies in Asia. During her 18 months away from home, Catriona based herself in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital city, whilst travelling to Thailand, India and Indonesia. During her travels, Catriona embarked on further training including a 7-week intensive course in traditional Ayurvedic treatment and practice with Yoga in Goa, India, and also gained a certificate in Traditional Thai massage, in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Throughout her time in Cambodia, Catriona continued to practice her holistic skills, offering massage and treatments for free to HIV positive women, as well as raising money for local charities by donating a percentage of income from fee paying clients.
Catriona is interested in and believes in the space for personal growth. Her experience of working in a therapeutic environment, as well as travelling and living in Asia, has given her the opportunity to investigate and reflect upon her Self and has increased her interest in personal development. Catriona believes that the link between our emotional and our physical health is inextricable. Through training and practicing in Holistic therapies, Catriona is able to help clients become more aware of their diet, lifestyle and health in order to impact on how they feel within themselves, on emotional and physical levels.
At Karuna Holistic Therapies, we believe that the key to good health and happiness in our lives lies in the ability to develop compassion towards ourselves. To be kinder to ourselves. To give ourselves a break when we need it. To be aware of when we need to stop and when we need to look after ourselves better. We hope that by booking one of the following treatments, you will take the first step in being more compassionate and kinder to yourself – you deserve it!
Catriona lives in Leicester with her two sons, and practices holistic therapies from her home.
Park Avenue
Aylestone
Leicester
LE2 8BD
T 07930 335744
E hello@karunaholistics.co.uk
*Male clientelle treated upon a strict referral only basis*