Specialist Clinics

The Brightwell provides access to a variety of specialist clinics, both medical and advice-based.

Each therapist is fully qualified in their field and registered with the relevant professional bodies.

Below are just some of the Clinics and Sessions available.

You can also keep up to date with interesting articles and updates on our Health & Wellbeing section of our blog www.thebrightwell.org.uk/blog/categories/health-wellbeing

To check availability and book a session, please call reception on 01454 201 686 or email hello@thebrightwell.org.uk

Acupuncture

Baldder and Bowel

Acupuncture has been used since the 1970's as a complementary treatment for many neurological conditions and it has a good reputation for its ability to stabilise and, in some cases, improve many of the symptoms. In recent years, well documented research and modern acupuncture techniques have been introduced to help improve the efficacy of the treatment.
There are different systems of acupuncture which can be used either by themselves or in combination for treatment:

Body acupuncture: Can target any area of the body affected in order to help; improve blood circulation, increase relaxation in the muscles and tissues, pain relief, relief from anxiety and insomnia, increase energy levels, improve bladder control and digestive function, among many other benefits.

Scalp acupuncture: A system developed in more recent years specifically for neurological conditions. Here, points are treated along lines on the scalp that lie directly over the specific areas of the brain that control different bodily functions such as mobility, sensation, balance, etc.

Sam May is an experienced acupuncturist who is well versed in the complexities of neurological conditions. He holds a degree in Acupuncture from the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine, and has been practicing in Bristol since 2010

Ear acupuncture: This system is based on a theory similar to that of reflexology where specific points of the auricle (external ear) act as reflex points for different parts of the body which can therefore be treated through the ear. This type of acupuncture is particularly effective for stress, anxiety and pain anywhere in the body and it is also used worldwide for the emotional and physical symptoms related to drug and alcohol withdrawal as well as PTSD.

Acupuncture

If you are unsure that acupuncture is for you, Sam will be more than happy to meet with you to answer any of your questions and to discuss a treatment plan.

Sam is at The Brightwell for appointments on Fridays between 9.30am and 2.30pm.

Each session lasts between 45 and 60 minutes.

Initial Consultation £45

Treatment session £30

Bladder and Bowel Health Clinic

We are very pleased to announce that we have a new Clinical Nurse Specialist, called Cath Dixon from Hollister, carrying out appointments here at the Centre.

Up to 70% of people with MS will be affected by either bladder or bowel problems at some point, discussing any issues, however small, can really help. Common problems include increased urgency/frequency, retention, constipation, leakage or diarrhoea

Many other neurological conditions will also face similar problems with bladder and bowel health.

Our Clinical Nurse Specialist, Cath Dixon, has many years’ experience and a wealth of knowledge concerning neurogenic bladder symptoms.

Cath would be very pleased to answer any of your bladder and bowel questions or address any concerns you may have around this area.

This clinic is freely available for all current members of The Brightwell.

Member Review

Helen and Mike Murphy had an appointment with Cath when she was with us in August.

Here is what they had to say…

"As you may already know, MS poses some really difficult and embarrassing effects in the bladder and bowel department! Nurse Cath welcomed us warmly at The Brightwell and immediately made us feel at home in her room, ready to talk about this most intimate and basic human function.

She listened to each of the problems being faced and knew exactly what we were going through. Her wealth of knowledge, experience, and simple tips were helpful and easy to understand. We left the appointment feeling very confident and looking forward to being able to cope so much better than before."

Further information

Please click here see our blog article for more details.

One to One Counselling

About Counselling

Psychotherapeutic counselling provides a secure and confidential[1] space for you to talk to a trained professional about your issues and concerns. Counselling can help with many difficult life problems and challenges. It is also an opportunity to develop new perspectives and deepen existing insights into yourself and your life as a whole. In this way therapy can be an ongoing process of transformation not only for when we are suffering but also for when we need space to navigate life, explore the past and find meaning and hope for the future.

The process involves building a trusting relationship between you and your therapist. They will work with you to explore your unique circumstances, challenges, perspectives, thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values and behaviours so you can develop a better understanding of yourself and others. They will help you make beneficial changes to ease distressing feelings and move to a place of thriving rather than just surviving. A counsellor will give little or no direct advice - they will help you find your own solutions and your own path forwards.

About Sasha

Sasha is a qualified Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist and registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy. She works to build open and trusting therapeutic relationships and will take time to listen, explore and understand the world from your point of view and at your own pace. You can talk about anything that’s troubling you, confidentially and without judgment, including things you may not have felt able to share with anyone else.

Sasha has wide experience working with many mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety, stress and burnout. Whilst she works with all the challenges life can bring, she has particular experience and interest in long-term health conditions and chronic illness, major life transitions and change, grief and loss. She also has specialist training and experience in working with past trauma.

Sasha’s experience as a counsellor includes working in NHS primary care general practice in Somerset, with St Peter's Hospice in Bristol and in a trauma therapy service in South Wales where she also currently works. She has over fifteen years of experience with the Samaritans providing emotional support over the phone, face-to- face and via email and has also supported individuals longer-term through Bristol-based organisations such as the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL), Changes and Womankind.

Sasha can offer shorter or longer-term therapy in-person, online or over the phone.

Sessions last 50 minutes.

Contribution per session £40

[1] There are some exceptions for legal and ethical reasons which will be explained to you.

Massage, Aromatherapy & Reflexolgy

Foot Health & Care

We are delighted to welcome Therese Staniland to the Brightwell from Wednesday 2 August 2023.

Therese Staniland, originally from South Africa and has been in the beauty and nail industry since 2002, she was a trainer for Star Nails and owned her own training school in South Africa. She will be offering specialist foot care treatments and procedures.

She is qualified as a Level 4 foot health practitioner and is passionate about the therapies she offers.

Services Include:

Cut and file nails
Nail reconstruction
Care in diabetic Feet
Corns
Hard skin removal (Callus)
Veruca Treatment (Verrutop)
Ingrowing toenails
Nail fungus treatment
Foot or Lower Leg Massage
Manicures with gel polish.

2 sessions per month from Wednesday 2nd August.

30 minutes or 1hr appointments available.

Follow up sessions 6/8 weeks.

Cost:

30 mins £25

60 mins £40

Reflexlogy

Since I was a young boy growing up on the family farm, I have been active and loved being outdoors. My passion for sports and outdoor pursuits has continued through the years. I have also had a keen interest in Complementary therapies, which peaked in 2013 when I was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. I explored alternative options that may be able to help with my condition, improve my overall wellbeing and allow me to keep active.

Experiencing the benefits of Reflexology first hand changed my interest into a motivating new career. Now, as a qualified Reflexologist, and member of the Association of Reflexologists and the Complimentary Natural Healthcare Council, I provide treatments to people around North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire.. Alongside, I enjoy being a supportive Dad to my lovely daughter.

In recent years, I have volunteered at St. Peter’s Hospice and for McMillan at Southmead Hospital. I believe in supporting others without expectation and volunteering to offer support to others is incredibly rewarding to me, and for my family.

At The Brightwell

I am at The Brightwell every other Tuesday with appointments starting from 10am until 1pm. Each session lasts 45 minutes.

A contribution to the charity of £15 per session for your treatment is politely suggested.

Please book at reception.

Nutritional Therapy

Jenna Cox is a registered nutritional therapist, passionate about helping individuals navigate their journey to optimal health through transformational diet and lifestyle changes. To her nutritional therapy practice, Jenna brings empathy, insight and a personal understanding of living with a health condition, having been diagnosed with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) in 2016.

On a mission to support others, Jenna graduated with distinction as a nutritional therapist from the College of Naturopathic Medicine, and is affiliated with the Association of Naturopathic Practitioners.

Nutritional therapy is an evidence-informed, whole-body approach to nutrition and lifestyle which works alongside conventional medicine. Jenna will work with you to create plans that integrate into your lifestyle, making transformation, not only attainable but sustainable, while keeping you accountable so that you can reach your dietary goals. Your time with Jenna doesn’t end after your consultation. Between appointments you will receive:

A personalised nutrition and lifestyle plan with recipe ideas, a meal planner, and product recommendations
Food diary analysis
Medication, nutrient and supplement interaction evaluation with supplement recommendations
Laboratory test recommendations (optional)
Test result interpretation
GP referral letters where applicable
Email support between appointments

You may be facing a number of health concerns. Jenna’s holistic approach supports a range of areas such as:

MS
depression & anxiety
cardiovascular diseases
autoimmune diseases
inflammatory bowel disease
sleep disorders
migraines
weight management
thyroid diseases
menopause and perimenopause
PMS/PMDD
osteoporosis
healthy aging

6 x 50-minute sessions over 12 weeks are recommended to help make sustainable and long-lasting lifestyle and dietary changes.

Contribution per session: £89

Block of six sessions: £480 (6 x £80)

Mollie Suits

The experts from the Company that provides Mollie Suits often hold sessions here at The Brightwel. These appointments are for those who are intetrested in finding out more and to check the suitability of the product for each individual's needs.

For further information and to book an appointment, please visit

www.remotion.co.uk