These are some of the testimonials I have received from people who have chosen to walk with me the often difficult journey towards personal healing. Each one of them has given me the opportunity to learn more about myself and the sacred connection between client and practitioner. I feel privileged and touched by having been allowed to witness their vulnerability and to help them recognise it as a strength rather than a weakness, on which to build their life again with love and compassion.
The purpose of H E A L I N G, as I see it, is to recognise that we are not broken and in need of fixing but that we are beautifully complex beings who, having been confronted with many traumatic events (trauma is a fact of life), in our attempt to survive have worked out some pretty awesome adaptations and protective mechanisms. While these served their purpose at the time of the event, they often become redundant and rather cumbersome in their clumsy attempts at keeping the vulnerable parts hidden out of danger. Once we have seen the reasons for their hard wired boycotting attempts at our current wellbeing (they are stuck in the past and try to keep us there too) we can treat them and ourself with compassion, show that they are no longer needed and ask them to leave while we enjoy an opening which in turn will let light and love in. Once we learn self compassion changes around us start to happen and this is the greatest of all miracles. I feel truly blessed to be witnessing this over and over again. My deepest thanks and gratitude is to all who have chosen to share part of their journey with me.
Ottavia
The purpose of H E A L I N G, as I see it, is to recognise that we are not broken and in need of fixing but that we are beautifully complex beings who, having been confronted with many traumatic events (trauma is a fact of life), in our attempt to survive have worked out some pretty awesome adaptations and protective mechanisms. While these served their purpose at the time of the event, they often become redundant and rather cumbersome in their clumsy attempts at keeping the vulnerable parts hidden out of danger. Once we have seen the reasons for their hard wired boycotting attempts at our current wellbeing (they are stuck in the past and try to keep us there too) we can treat them and ourself with compassion, show that they are no longer needed and ask them to leave while we enjoy an opening which in turn will let light and love in. Once we learn self compassion changes around us start to happen and this is the greatest of all miracles. I feel truly blessed to be witnessing this over and over again. My deepest thanks and gratitude is to all who have chosen to share part of their journey with me.
Ottavia
Testimonials
Somatic Therapy
I can’t recommend enough. Ottavia is a truly exceptional therapist. She has helped me resolve issues I have lived with for years and, quite frankly, thought I would never overcome. I would encourage anyone struggling with a particular problem to get in touch with her. (Alastair)
Highly recommended
I didn’t know what to expect when I went for my first appointment but i felt at ease as soon as I met Ottavia . She was so calm and I immediately felt relaxed and knew that I had done the right thing booking after a friend recommended her to me. The sessions are amazing and I always feel so much better and lighter by the time I leave . I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is going through a stressful or anxious time . Thank you (Julie)
Gentle approach
Ottavia’s gentle and quiet demeanour are evident from the start of her consultation. She explained the crystal and Reiki process in detail and followed this up at the end of the session with recommendations to try at home. Following my first visit, I experienced one of the best night’s sleep in a while. Thank you! (Wendy)
Blown away
I was absolutely blown away by the whole experience and the difference I felt immediately afterwards and indeed am still feeling. I have had so much more energy and haven’t been so full of angst. In fact I had a friend to stay over the weekend and on arriving she said as soon as she came into my home she felt huge energy all around! Thank you so much for your help, kindness and understanding. I didn’t ever expect to have such an amazing sensation and instantly feel so different - I honestly thought my sadness and angst were feelings I would have to live with. (Amanda W.)
Wonderful experience
I just had a Reiki and Crystal therapy session with Ottavia and the experience was wonderful. Being my first energy healing experience I did not really know what to expect, but Ottavia made me feel at ease, explaining with patience the process and answering my questions. During the treatment I felt totally relaxed and I let go all my tensions. At the end of our meeting I felt lighter and connected with my body and soul. The sensation of wellbeing stayed with me for hours! I totally recommend it to anyone willing to get in touch with his inner soul and start a path of healing. (Kiki)
Powerful Stuff
I have seen Ottavia at various points in my life when I have been struggling with grief and loss. Her treatment is gentle, intuitive and non invasive and yet has been the most powerful and intense healing I have ever done. I have experienced warmth, light and relaxation when I didn't think it was possible. I have accessed painful feelings which I was bottling up inside and come out the other side feeling somehow lighter or at the very least stronger and more capable of dealing with them. Ottavia is wise beyond her qualifications and she brings her wide reading and experiences with her which I believe gives her a greater understanding and connection with her clients. Her manner is professional but oh so approachable and she has an uncanny ability to put you at ease. I don't always understand what she does but I can certainly vouch for the effects which are both profound and far reaching. I highly recommend her to anyone. (Kate T.)
Amazing Healer
I have been going to Ottavia on and off for a few years now. She is absolutely amazing!! She is sympathetic to your issues and she listens and the healing that I have received from her has helped me so much and has truly has been life changing. I can't recommend her enough. She is a wonderful healer and can help for so many different things. (Corrina W.)
Ottavia has helped me massively!
I have found such peace from seeing Ottavia in only 2 sessions. Her help and methods in dealing with stress and anxiety are more effective for me than 6 sessions of 1:1 couselling I had prior to meeting her. It truly has began a better path for me emotionally and mentally. I’m learning a lot! (Alice M.)
Sometimes You Have to Trust What You Don't Understand
Seeing a new therapist and trying new methods to heal our woes is always a huge leap of faith, especially when you don't understand the processes involved and so I was relieved to find myself immediately at ease in Ottavia's presence. My previous concerns about how to yet again introduce my huge and complex list of burdens & expereinces to another therapist vanished as we started talking as I was calmed by Ottavia's scientific approach wrapped in a her natural caring aura. I felt totally safe, at ease and free of the usual pressure to reel off a massive list.
Ottavia's session gave my mind the rational reassuance of scientific method while also somehow addressing my inner weight and burdens in ways I cannot confess to understand, but was grateful to have experienced. My body felt lighter and unburdened by her unique mix of treatments and her widom has helped me gain some rationale to my experiences which has given peace and finally answered some of my 'why' questions, which feels like a huge step forward. Healing journeys are often long and with Ottavia I feel no pressure to move faster than I feel able. I will certainly be visiting Ottavia again and I would urge anyone who is on the fence about taking the first step to relax, not worry and see visiting Ottavia as a positive investment towards a less burdened life. (Karen S.)
Wonderful
Ottavia has had a significant impact on my life. From the first moment I met her I felt a strong connection and a genuine kindness. She has cared for me and guided me through a very dark time with such wise words & wonderful treatments. I feel re-set & stronger after each time I see her & am so grateful that our paths have crossed. I have recommended her to friends as everyone should have a chance to be cared for by Ottavia. (Lisa)
A transmitter of light
What an amazing soul . Ready and happy to help you reconnect with your true self . After a few sessions she helped me expand my consciousness so I could experience and see the world from my true being and that felt amazing . I had forgotten that feeling and she helped me reconnect to what I already knew . I’m a Pilates teacher so understand how important your mind and feelings are for the physical body. Ottavia helped me see from my heart rather than my head which gave me a sense of release and ease in the body. She instinctively channels what is needed and says the right thing to allow you to search a little deeper. I would see her every week if I could. I’ve recommended her to my partner, my mum and friends as I feel everyone should get to enjoy her energy . (Gaby)
Inspiring and Calming
I have seen Ottavia on several occasions and always find her intuition, calm and inspiring attitude tranformative. She works on subtle levels however her observations are always completely razor sharp and spot on! A reiki treatment is a deeply restoring and calming process that has helped me on many levels. The combination of crystals and aromatherapy oils transports me to another deeper place and as part of my recovery from PTSD is invaluable. (Emma B)
Ottavia's Healing
I wasn't sure how the treatment would be when l first went, l was surprised by how powerful and right it felt. Ottavia's quiet humility hides how strong her ability is.... She is intuitive and wonderful. (Emmas S.)
Transformative
I was recommened to see Ottavia by a friend after recently being diagnosed with PTSD. Over the last ten years, I've had a number of falls, quite a few investigations and other emotional strain which has mounted up to having both physical and mental trauma lodged in my body in a variety of ways. Working with Ottavia has been immensly transformative in shifting not only the way I think about processing the issues I have on an emotional level, but also physically releasing ongoing tension in my body. Her knowledge of how the body works alongside an indepth understanding of trauma come through clearly and in an unforced way. I trusted her from the off, which is very important when dealing with the combination of issues I have. Although I know crystal healing and reiki might not be to everyone's normal way of thinking, I can't recommed her highly enough. If you have a long standing injury or trauma which is blocking you in any way, go see her. You won't regret it. (Val)
Highly Recommend
Ottavia is a very intuitive, wise and generous soul. She does this work with her heart firmly in the right place and this is illustrated through the integrity in how she works. Having almost no experience of Reiki or Crystal work before coming to see Ottavia, I was impressed by how through the work, we were able to reach a deep emotional level, not always accessible through using words alone. Thank you! (Charlotte)
Ottavia
It’s hard to pinpoint quite what reiki is or how it works but after three sessions with Ottavia I’m painfree after a long spell of being ruled by pain. What I didn’t expect from reiki was to leave my sessions with Ottavia with such a powerful sense of well being and calmness. I feel like she has put me back together again. (Lindsay)
Life lessons
Ottavia has helped me to understand my emotions and the reason that I react in certain ways to situations. Guilt, fear and anger have been gradually replaced by acceptance, hope and love. Not bad for a tough old sceptic like me. Every visit feels like a little holiday for your soul. (Hayley)
But this is not what I came for!
Ottavia is quite extraordinary and I mean that in the full sense of the word. She is deeply intuitive and listens to everything, including the things you don’t say out loud. She takes your hand and gently walks with you as you find your way to the core of why you’ve come to see her. I have no idea how she does what she does, or why crystals and Reiki work but I do know I am more whole than I have been since I was a child. (Liz)
A very beneficial experience
Ottavia can completely understand and engage with you as an individual, offering reassurance and thoughtful guidance that’s personalised for you. It’s been so valuable how much sense Ottavia has made of physical and emotional difficulties I have been experiencing. I feel like I'm starting to understand myself so much better and can cope with life’s ups and downs with more understanding, awareness and confidence. I am so grateful to have met Ottavia - a truly kind and caring lady, and for everything I have learnt from her - It’s completely changing my outlooks and how I approach my thoughts, feelings and future. (Katie B.)
A wonderful experience
I walked in suffering from very painful sciatica and walked out painfree. Ottavia has created a relaxing and comforting environment, in which with her gentle calmness she delivers a healing with knowledge and confidence. I had no doubt that Ottavia would help me and I was not disappointed. Her follow up to the session was detailed and extremely helpful in helping me decide what to do next to continue my road to recovery. Everyone needs an Ottavia in their life at some point and I'm just so pleased that she is here for us now. (Claire S)
Saved from the brink
One of the reasons I am still here today is due to this amazing woman.
Having fallen into a deep depression, I could only see one way out. Ottavia took me under her wing and started the long slow process of healing. From that first session where there was complete darkness to the sessions when the bright intense light lit up my inner being, Ottavia was there to guide me through the process.
She is truly a wonderfully gifted person who I would encourage everyone to see. (Peter)
The remarkable engagement of Ottavia
We all lead busy lives and there are interruptions and elements which interfere. Ottavia is the perfect resource. She carries an assurance of her healing powers, she engages and energises, and I hold her in the utmost respect. There is a peace and accommodation which cannot but improve your days and I would recommend her without hesitation. You will find both healing and inspiration and I recommend that you spend time with Ottavia whenever you can. (Melanie)
It works!!
I have suffered from severe anxiety for most of my life. Now, thanks to the brilliant talented and empathetic Ottavia, it is something that is no longer ruling my life. Ottavia has provided the healing and tools which mean that I can accept and love the person I am, and use my feelings of anxiety to push forward in a very positive way. I am astonished that this works - but believe me, this has changed my life!! (Mark)
Regaining your balance
I've learnt a lot from my treatment and friendship with Ottavia and was so pleased to have had regular reiki sessions during my pregnancy. I felt connected and at peace with my baby before she even arrived.
Ottavia has a way of explaining and demystifying sensations and emotions that make them easier to accept and understand. Her use of reiki, crystals and essential oils made for a perfect combination to relax and regroup, helping me to find a balance in my body. She also provided me with the tools to help myself which is so important to maintain a good mental state wherever you are. My anxiety is definitely more manageable nowadays and I will continue to visit Ottavia and recommend her to anyone who needs a healing hand. (Beth)
Amazing experience
Having never before experienced Reiki or crystal healing I can highly recommend spending time with Ottavia. It doesn't matter if you are not clear why you want to try this healing. Ottavia is a kind, gentle person who makes you feel safe and is deeply knowledgeable. I found the whole experience amazing and left feeling as if I had started on a really positive journey and so relaxed. Fantastic. (Jane)
Well-held space
Ottavia provides a special environment for each individual to safely explore what comes up during a session. It is quite clear and deeply felt that she is ready to journey with you and it was this level of trust I needed to really drop into my experience. Silence or words, just knowing, all is well. Thank you Otta x (Kristin)
An amazing experience
I have been seeing Ottavia for a couple of years now and she has helped me get through various difficult times in such a way that I now regard my sessions as giving myself a body and mind ‘MOT’! I suffer from anxiety which is mostly manageable, but every now and then flares up and prompts a visit to see Ottavia and have her put my world back in order. I have always been interested in crystals and essential oils, but I’m far more informed now since learning from Ottavia when she uses them in my sessions. She also very kindly gave me a healing stone to help my poorly mum during a recent hospital stay, and she honestly felt so comforted and more positive by having her special crystal with her.
Ottavia has a beautiful calmness and compassion which combined with sensible, wise insight and knowledge, makes for a truly wonderful healing experience. I never fail to leave feeling calm, grounded and at peace, with a better perspective so I’m able to cope with life and it’s challenges. If I could, I’d see her every week! (Lydia)
Highly recommend
I started seeing Ottavia when two friends recommended her treatments. I confess I was a bit skeptical, but in my session I forgot to mention the awful itching from eczema right down inside my ear – it hadn’t seemed very major – and Ottavia put her hands either side of my head and asked me if I had a problem with my right ear! Ottavia’s insight in to what is going on with me physically and emotionally is amazing.
Initially, I found the hour’s treatment very relaxing – lying down in a nice environment, with gentle music playing and a warm blanket over me is pretty therapeutic in itself. As time has gone on (I have had regular appointments for over a year now) I have relaxed and get more and more from each session. I have had some quite moving insights and, more than anything, I feel Ottavia has helped me to be more in touch with myself – both with physical ailments and emotional issues; and with the connection between the two. She makes suggestions of things to try at home with crystals and oils and other techniques (like tapping), and these are to help me learn to help myself. The things I don’t know I know and just need to reach…if that makes sense. I have found regular treatments with Ottavia so beneficial I persuaded my partner to book an appointment. Ottavia has really helped with his anxiety problems.... (Sue)
Someone who listens
At a time in my life, when I was suddenly overwhelmed by something that had happened in my past, I went to see Ottavia .... It was the best thing I ever did for my mental and surprisingly physical well being. Ottavia is calming and very easy to talk to. She listens to every word you say and has a beautiful calming voice. The mind exercises she gave me to do had a very positive effect on me. I was finally able to put what happened in my past, firmly IN the past. Ottavia helped me to move on in my life and taught me how to nurture my relationship with loved ones. I have been surprised by how much of a change in myself my visits to Ottavia have made to my wellbeing. The most calming experience of my life is spent in those one hour sessions. (Bernie)
Compassion over cynicism...
I had 3 sessions with Ottavia over a couple of months. I knew her from a yoga course we both did. I was experiencing what felt like an existential crisis and felt derailed every time I tried my usual strategies. My inner self was obstinately holding out for something new, something different, something that required me treating myself with compassion and leaving aside my cynicism. And let me just tell you a little bit about my cynicism! No one could be more sceptical of crystals and reiki. I am a proud rational thinking person, and I can’t imagine I would ever have come to this practice.
When I was dithering about whether to make an appointment, my physio asked me simply if I felt a connection with Ottavia. And yes. I did. I totally trusted her. And so I took the leap. And I’m forever grateful that I did. The sessions were transformative and felt incredibly healing in the purest sense of the word. There were some very dark and scary feelings which I needed to work out. Ottavia made me feel imcredibly safe without protecting me from these feelings which I had been avoiding. The reiki and crystals mystify me but I don’t care anymore. The sessions have allowed me to embark on a new phase in my emotional life and made sure that I didn’t stay stuck in a tremendously difficult place.
Ottavia is an extraordinary mix. An engineer turned healer who is grounded in good science. Don’t expect to turn up and passively ‘get healed’ Instead, Ottavia invites you to bravely explore healing while she never leaves your side. I particularly appreciated the occasional message she would send me following our sessions. Her reflections afterwards always provided me with incredibly rich food for thought. I still refer to them. And it’s an indicator of the compassionate and grace with which she holds her role that she extends her reach beyond the boundary of a time limited session. Open your mind, and don’t be surprised if you then discover you’ve opened your heart. (Alex)