Enhancing Images

and Gaiaessence Therapies

About Me

Enhancing Images and Gaiaessence Therapies is a Complimentary Therapy based business that was inspired and created through a natural born interest in 'Mother Earth' and her 'Kingdoms'; Healing, Health and matters of a Spiritual Nature.

I was born into a farming family and spent the first fifteen years of my life growing up in the countryside in various parts of England, where my dad worked in Pig Farming. When I was born I had some quite serious health problems in relation to the kidneys and urinary system. I had to undergo much hospital care and surgery to rectify these problems, during the first three years of my life.

As mentioned I lived in various parts of England as I grew up, as we moved homes several times, due to the nature of my dad's work and so combined with my health experiences, regularly had to deal with 'change'! During adolescence I had to deal with some rather difficult and unpleasant experiences - (as many of us do). This ignited my quest for knowledge and answers in regards to my experiences and 'why' things had happened the way they did.

I am now happily married and blessed with four lovely children. I was very young when I discovered I was expecting my first baby; but followed my instincts and intuitive feelings that this was a blessing and meant to be. I am glad that I followed my heart and decided that from that moment on, whatever my life path and purpose was meant to be, it would fit round my home and family life!

As all parents know, bringing up children can be a challenging time, as well as being the most wonderful experience of your life! My experience of parenting has been no exception from the norm; as each of my children, including my husband also, has experienced some kind of health problem along the way. Because I enjoy being around people socially, as well as having a keen interest in taking care of and maintaining mine and my family's health, I decided to look further into therapies that could help with all of our healing paths!

All training that I underwent and subsequent qualifications achieved, all were done through once weekly or weekend, once monthly courses that fitted in round my family's needs and schedule.

To begin with I trained as a Beauty Therapist at Henley College and Basingstoke College of Technology between 1995 - 1998. In 1998 I studied Aromatherapy with The Kevala Centre in Devon and gained my Diploma in 1999.

In between this I gave birth to my third and fourth child!

During 2000 I studied Anatomy and Physiology and Swedish Body Massage with The Middlesex School of Complimentary Medicine, qualifying in September 2000.

Having enjoyed my time as a mum, being pregnant and the experience of childbirth (my third daughter whom I delivered myself at home, after a quick labour)! ~ I decided to train as a 'Doula' with Millenia Doulas in London. I was also inspired to do this training after having received such tremendous support from my Mother during my first two births, the midwives at my first, second and fourth births and that of my childbirth educator at my first birth too!
'Doula' is the Greek word for Handmaiden. Handmaiden's, particularly those who had experienced childbirth themselves, were the ones who supported women and provided reassurance during childbirth throughout many cultures, over many centuries in the past. These women used many forms of natural remedies to support this process. With the rise in medical interventions becoming more commonplace, there has been a rise in interest more recently and a need for 'doulas' to be in attendance during the childbirth process once again; as a means of maintaining a more natural and holistic connection during this very special time.

Studies show that women who have the added support of a female companion during childbirth, often have easier births, less pharmacological analgesia and less intervention

The Gaiaessence Healing which I provide is a combination of the complimentary therapies that I use to aid, support and enhance the childbirth process.

In February 2001 I attended an Active Birth as a doula at Heatherwood Hospital in Ascot and in May 2001 I attended a Water birth at Wallingford Community Hospital near Oxford providing massage and moral support to the birthing couples. Just recently in November 2007 I attended another Active Birth at Heatherwood Hospital, providing aromatherapy and labour massage techniques; as well as moral support.

During 2002 I studied Aromatherapy with the Carlton Institute of Beauty Therapy and learnt about the benefits of using essential oils and massage to enhance wellbeing. I gained an NVQ3 Accreditation and an IIHHT Diploma in Aromatherapy in 2003.

Around this time I developed an interest in the Subtle Energy Systems, Chakras and Crystals and how our thoughts, feelings and beliefs could effect our physical bodies. I enrolled on a course studying Crystal Therapy with Lucis College in Surrey.

All courses I have been on have involved a certain degree of 'Reflective Practice' to enhance my skills as a therapist. This course also took me on a very interesting journey of self discovery!  In 2005 I completed my 2 year Diploma in Crystal Therapy and became a member of ACHO. To continue aiding my own personal healing and that of my family, I went on and did Reiki 1 and 2 with Jan Reid in 2005. In 2005 - 2006, I decided to refresh my skills as a Doula and attended a course called 'Heart Whispering' with The Holistic Birth Trust Foundation in Bristol, run by Amanda Rayment and Val Phillips. During the course I was taught how to provide Holistic Forms of Childbirth Education; Heart and Womb Focused Meditations and Activities to support the mother and her supporting partner during the pregnancy and childbirth process. Since 2003 I have held regular workshops on Complimentary Therapies, Metaphysical Issues, Meditation and Creativity.

Just recently in September 2007 I attended The Childbirth Essentials, 4 day Lk Basic Massage Course, where I learnt about the basic neuroendocrine responses to massage during pregnancy, labour and birth, specific massage techniques, the use of the programme when combined with water and the importance of a conducive physical environment to promote natural birth. I also had to attend a birth after teaching the programme to a couple who volunteered to be a case study for me and then had to write a 2,000 word essay based on my learning, experience and understanding of the programme, as well as that of the feedback I received from my case study couple.

As yet I am unable to teach this programme in a group setting; in order to do this I have to attend The Lk Massage Programme Trainers Course, held over 2 days. Once I have attended this course, I can register as a teacher. Registration will mean that couples who make enquiries within my area of practice, could be referred to me; and will enable me to hold classes for these couples.

The course I plan to attend is on the 3rd and 4th May 2008. Anyone wanting to enquire further into this programme can do so directly through Childbirth Essentials.

In February I will be attending a course at Teach Therapy - 'Essential Oils in Pregnancy and Childbirth' and In March and April I will be attending The Baby Massage Instructor's Course, also with Teach Therapy.

The success of my business has only been possible through the continued support of my wonderful husband, children, friends and family; and of course would not of been possible without the financial assistance and support of The Prince's Trust and my Business Mentor Nicola Strong.

I have my own Therapy Room which is in a beautiful summerhouse, situated in the picturesque gardens of our home in Henley-on-Thames. I work from home, on a mobile basis and regularly attend Pamper Events and Fayres.

The Origin of the Business Name

Enhancing Images stems from my days as a Beauty Therapist, where pampering treatments helped enhance my client's wellbeing and perception of their own personal image as well as that of the world around them. Gaiaessence Therapies came into being after I qualified as a Complimentary Therapist, as I felt the work I do has a natural affinity with the Earth and Mothering ~ 'Gaia' is known spiritually as The Mother of Earth; (Mother Nature). Essential Oils, Massage Therapy, Crystals, Reiki, Pregnancy and Birth are the essences and 'life force' of the earth; so I felt that these were therefore ideal names to be assigned to each other, to create ~

Enhancing Images and Gaiaessence Therapies

Kindest Regards,
Sam
 

Samantha Claire Belcher    telephone 01491 573921 or 07799 756614    email sam@gaiaessence.co.uk

Disclaimer: I work only as a Complimentary Therapist and Doula. I only provide therapies and services for which I am qualified to do. I am not a Doctor, Midwife, Nurse or other Medically Qualified Practitioner and do not offer any kind of services or treatments that these officials are qualified to undertake. Nor do I claim to Diagnose, Advise Medically, Prescribe or Cure. A consultation will be given at the beginning of every Therapy session. Should you be suffering from ill health or any undiagnosed conditions or symptoms, whether physically, mentally or emotionally; assessment, diagnosis, appropriate treatment given, referral and consent from your G.P., Doctor, Midwife, Obstetrician or other appropriately medically qualified specialist should be sought, prior to your attendance for your chosen Therapy. As a Complimentary Therapist, the therapies and services provided are intended to 'Complement' any conventional medical treatment you are receiving; not replace it or act as an alternative.

sponsored by