We offer a range of therapies aimed at improving your overall wellbeing and personalised to meet your specific requirements.
These treatments are available in our Therapy & Wellbeing Centre, our In Patient Unit or your own home if visiting us isn’t possible.
Our therapies complement medical treatments by helping with emotional, physical, spiritual and psychological issues that can arise when you or a loved one is facing an incurable illness.
How to access our complementary therapies
All complementary therapies are available by internal referral only.
If you’re living with an incurable illness and would like support, your GP or doctor can refer you to our services.
You can also self-refer by calling our advice line 01785 270832 during weekday office hours, 9 am – 5 pm.
When you are referred to us you will receive:
- an assessment
- tailored support from our highly skilled team of healthcare professionals.
From the moment of diagnosis, we are here to help improve your quality of life and provide free, specialist care that meets your needs.
What complementary therapies are available?
Aromatherapy
Uses natural essential oils extracted from plants, which each have therapeutic properties, to improve physical, emotional and spiritual well being.
Indian head massage
A treatment that massages the head, neck, shoulders, upper back, and face.
The massage aims to rebalance the body’s energies and relieve tension and stress.
Reflexology
Involves applying gentle pressure to specific points on the feet, hands or ears to promote relaxation and feelings of wellbeing.
Reiki
This technique seeks to promote wellness by creating balance in a person’s life force or energy field.
Used for stress reduction and relaxation.
The ‘M’ Technique
Is a method of gentle touch that is soothing, relaxing and suitable for anyone who is feeling stressed.
Therapeutic massage
A type of massage that uses specific techniques to manipulate the body’s soft tissues to treat physical and mental ailments.
It can help to reduce stress, decrease pain and increase a feeling of calmness.
We also hold a variety of wellbeing sessions including weekly tai chi and seated yoga, a monthly mindfulness group and social prescribing sessions.
Please note, these sessions are available only through referral to our services.
Meet our complementary therapy team
Rachel
Practicing Complementary Therapy since 1995, she ran her own business before joining our charity in 2006. She introduced the ‘M’ Technique’ to our services as an option when other therapies aren’t appropriate for certain medical conditions.
“I love providing therapies because they benefit people physically, mentally, and emotionally.
“I feel very grateful to offer them in such a caring setting alongside a dedicated team working together to give the best care possible.”
Quirky fact
Rachel used to dance professionally!
Jenny
Joined us in September 2024 with over 20 years’ experience of providing therapies in hospice and cancer care settings. She is also a qualified yoga teacher specialising in seated yoga and yoga for the over 60s.
“Katharine House supported both my parents at the end of their lives and I feel privileged to be able to give something back.
“I can’t express how much the support offered to both my parents, means to me and my family.”
Quirky fact
Jenny is currently trying to learn Greek!
Jocelyn
Joined us in March 2024 as a sessional therapist offering therapeutic massage and became part of the Complementary Therapy team in September. She specialises in all things massage with a keen interest in neurological conditions and getting people moving
“Our hospice is a place of refuge for so many people. To be a part of having a positive impact on people makes me feel very privileged and humble.”
Quirky fact
Jocelyn holds dual citizenship. She is originally from South Africa and has lived in the UK for 22 years.
Care feedback and reviews
iWantGreatCare is a trusted site for healthcare reviews. They enable you to leave meaningful feedback on your care or say thank you.
You can read honest, direct feedback from people like you when looking for care for yourself or a loved one.