about me - my story, my training and client testimonials
Sian Cecil - TFT-Alg, BTFTA (Assoc), MAR, BA (Hons)
I began my career in complementary therapies in 2006. Having experienced the powerful healing effects of therapies in my own life, I wanted to be able to help others achieve this too. And so Optimum health & wellbeing was born!
Since this time I have gained extensive experience working with a wide range of clients - from children to OAPs, and clients seeking pampering and relaxation to those with chronic health conditions.
I have worked from a local complementary health clinic and provided a regular on-site therapy service for a major UK company. I have also established a successful home-based practice.
My Qualifications, Professional Memberships and Insurance
I have undergone intensive, high-quality training in my field. Many of my qualifications are of the highest standard currently available in the UK. My qualifications are as follows:
* Thought Field Therapy Practitioner (Algorithm Level)
* Reiki I (Shoden) and Reiki II (Okuden)
* Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology
I hold a current CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check and an up-to-date First Aid certificate, with training renewed every three years.
I am committed to continuing professional development (CPD) and regularly add to my existing knowledge and qualifications through extra training, including post-graduate courses and therapy shares with other therapists.
My practice is fully insured, through the Alan Boswell Group.
* Thought Field Therapy Practitioner (Algorithm Level)
* Reiki I (Shoden) and Reiki II (Okuden)
* Level 3 Diploma in Reflexology
I hold a current CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check and an up-to-date First Aid certificate, with training renewed every three years.
I am committed to continuing professional development (CPD) and regularly add to my existing knowledge and qualifications through extra training, including post-graduate courses and therapy shares with other therapists.
My practice is fully insured, through the Alan Boswell Group.
I am a member of the British Thought Field Therapy Association (BTFTA) and Association of Reflexologists (AOR) governing bodies and abide by their Code of Practice and Ethics.
So, you can be rest assured knowing that your health is safe in the hands of a responsible, professional therapist.
Testimonials
Please find below a selection of testimonials from previous and current clients:
I had been trying to conceive for almost a year when a friend, who had experienced similar problems conceiving, recommended trying Reflexology. I was referred to Sian at Optimum Health & Wellbeing by a friend, who was also receiving Reflexology treatment.
Through a thorough consultation we discovered that my menstruation cycles were inconsistent and I had not been ovulating every month. Treatment involved fortnightly appointments of Reflexology, plus support and advice on general wellbeing, advice on how to read my body and what diet and supporting supplements to take in order to help stabilise my menstrual cycle.
Within 2 months of treatment I started noticing changes within my body and was ovulating consistently. Moreover, my menstrual cycle length was more consistent and I felt that I was experiencing effective periods. After 3 months of consistent cycle lengths and ovulation my partner and I conceived!
When I started treatment I felt quite emotionally unbalanced - feeling quite helpless about my situation and thinking that my partner and I would never conceive. I received far more support, advice and encouragement from Sian than I did from my GP. For me, the treatment, advice and support I received wasn’t just beneficial in terms of achieving conception but also in terms of emotional wellbeing. The treatment and emotional support provided by Sian taught me to read my body and take control of the situation by making little changes, which enabled me to achieve calmness about the situation, which ultimately contributed to my eventual conception!
I would definitely recommended treatment with Sian at Optimum Health & Wellbeing. The treatment room is very peaceful and tranquil – a little haven away from the stresses of everyday life. Sian really cares about her clients and really believes in the treatment she is utilising – this belief enables you to take control of your health and emotional wellbeing and achieve the results you want!
Laura, Cardiff
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was recommended by a friend to make a Reflexology appointment with Sian way back in 2009 as I was feeling anxious and very stressed all of the time and I was constantly catching colds and virus’ etc from my young daughters. During my consultation with Sian I decided to book a 2 month weekly course of treatments of reflexology with her to see if she could help me.
Even after the first treatment I felt so much more relaxed and able to cope better with my busy lifestyle and I couldn’t wait to return the following week. Sian’s manner is so professional, whilst at the same time, so friendly and understanding, that you can’t help but feel relaxed in her presence. Her treatment room is warm and friendly- a haven of tranquility, and her reflexology couch is so comfortable I never want to get up at the end of my treatments!
At the end of my course of treatments I felt like a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders; I felt so much calmer and less stressed than before, and friends and family commented on how much healthier and happier I looked, it truly was amazing. I now no longer have a ‘permanent cold’ as before and feel so much fitter than I ever have.
I continue to make regular fortnightly appointments with Sian to maintain this newfound health and wellbeing and recommend her to every stressed-out parent I meet! Everyone should have their very own Sian easing the pressures of living in this fast paced, modern world.
Ceri, Ystrad Mynach
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have visited Sian for both Reflexology and Massage at her treatment room. The treatment room is so inviting and once you enter you become instantly relaxed. Maybe it’s the comfortable couch, calming décor, music, scent or simply the peace and quiet!
Sian is very professional, confident and skilled in all of the treatments she offers and always aims to offer a treatment suited to your needs so the end result has always been for me personal, enjoyable, relaxing and beneficial! Well worth a visit.
Samantha, Caerphilly
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been having Reiki treatments with Sian for a number of years now. When I first started I had fortnightly treatments for stress reduction (I had a very stressful job at the time). Not only did the treatments significantly reduce my stress levels they also gave a marked improvement in muscular tension in my back, neck and shoulders - an added benefit which I hadn't been expecting. Reiki seems such a gentle treatment that it is hard to believe that it can have such real and dramatic results - but it does! The results also last a lot longer than I expected and Sian gives great aftercare advice to make sure you get the most out of your treatment. Sian's treatment room is really neat and relaxing. I always come out feeling supercharged - relaxed but also strangely energetic.
I would (and regularly do) wholeheartedly recommend having treatment with Sian. I have had Reiki elsewhere and, although I have found it relaxing, it hasn't had such clear and long lasting health benefits as with Sian. These days I only have treatment once every six weeks or so as my stress levels are much more balanced and my physical tension is much better - although I would go every day if I could!
JS, Caerphilly
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I have always suffered with joint pain in my knees, elbows and back due to the physical nature of my work. I decided to have a course of Reflexology because I had heard of its benefits in relieving joint pain. However, I must admit that I was sceptical that I would really see any dramatic changes!
Well, within 2 weeks the pain in my joints was definitely improved and the overall mobility was also better. By the time I had finished my course of 6 treatments I would say that my joints were 80% better than they had been! I would definitely recommend Reflexology to anyone suffering with this kind of problem.
However, the strangest thing for me was the other benefits I got out of the treatments. Everyone talks about Reflexology being relaxing, helping with stress and so on, and I did definitely experience an improvement in my stress levels and the quality of my sleep. But I also had another unexpected improvement - the Reflexology seemed to completely remove my hayfever! I have suffered with acute hayfever since I was a child - nose sprays, eye drops, antihistamine tablets - the works! I spend most of my summer avoiding outdoor activities because my hayfever becomes so debilitating. Yet while I was having the Reflexology I didn't have any of these symptoms at all!!!
I was so impressed with Reflexology and now recommend it to anyone with health problems. And I still book in with Sian as often as I can to keep everything 'ticking over' - especially when hayfever season strikes!
Richard, Caerphilly
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I always wanted to have a course of reflexology treatments after having one years ago. The opportunity came up with an offer t have one treatment so I took this up, I didn't really go with a complaint as such but just because I promised myself I would one day.
After one treatment I was impressed by how professional my therapist was. She took a comprehensive assessment of my medical history was totally interested in me and completely charming. As I have always been intrigued by reflexology and because I had a lovely first experience I decided to have six further sessions.
I felt that the therapy had helped me in an emotional way, uplifting and helping my well-being. I had noticed while being treated sensations in certain areas of my body which at the same time my therapist had noted the same on my feet i.e. ovary, knee and hip. I had recently reached the menopause and had a blood test to help diagnose the stage I was at. The test confirmed that my ovaries were trying to produce eggs but due to the later stage I was not having any periods. It is my belief that the reason why I felt the sensation (and my therapist did also) was due to this. I have more of a problem with my knew than I'd like to think I have and felt a relieving sensation when this area was treated on the feet.
I found the treatment room very pleasant and calming with relaxing/soothing music which enhanced the whole experience.
Cath, Blackwood
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I primarily came to Sian for reflexology during my second pregnancy to try and encourage a good pregnancy and smooth delivery. I started coming to Sian in my second trimester and have been coming to her now for 10 months.
There is no doubt in my mind that the reflexology treatment helped prepare my body and mind for the labour. All of the late pregnancy problems I was suffering from eased by the next morning following treatment and the labour/birth couldn't have been better.
I also experienced other benefits from the reflexology, namely, that other medical issues started to ease.
Since having Gabriel, the reflexology has helped my body recover after birth and the advice given to me with regards to diet etc based on Sian's experience and knowledge has been second to none.
I would highly recommend Sian to everyone, especially pregnant ladies and new mums.
Claire, The Rock
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As a fellow therapist I can be a difficult client to please! I believe that your relationship with your client is the most important factor in helping them to feel relaxed and aid any necessary healing. You can really ‘know your oils’ but when you truly relate to your client then I think that the effects of the therapy are greatly enhanced.
Sian combines the personable with the professional such that there is the perfect balance between knowledge and understanding during a treatment. The reflexology is a complete body detox! Sian always gives that extra time and focus and I feel both nurtured and balanced after a session.
Beth, Caerphilly
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before my first session of reflexology I was completely ignorant of the power of this therapy. I thought it was just a relaxing foot massage - and of course it was (how could you not relax in that wonderfully comfortable chair, with the mood music playing in the background and the aromatic oil burner adding even more ambience to Sian's super treatment room?) But I have found that reflexology is so much more!
I was amazed that conditions could be 'diagnosed' with such accuracy. Sian always knew which areas of my body were troublesome and I found the treatments very beneficial for joint pain (in knee, shoulder and back) caused by arthritis. Occasionally I found myself getting quite emotional during sessions (especially when I was grieving over the death of my father - it seemed as if the treatment somehow opened the floodgates), but I always left feeling refreshed and much calmer. I would definitely recommend reflexology to friends as a relaxing experience and a potent complementary therapy for a wide range of conditions.
AH, Caerphilly
I had been trying to conceive for almost a year when a friend, who had experienced similar problems conceiving, recommended trying Reflexology. I was referred to Sian at Optimum Health & Wellbeing by a friend, who was also receiving Reflexology treatment.
Through a thorough consultation we discovered that my menstruation cycles were inconsistent and I had not been ovulating every month. Treatment involved fortnightly appointments of Reflexology, plus support and advice on general wellbeing, advice on how to read my body and what diet and supporting supplements to take in order to help stabilise my menstrual cycle.
Within 2 months of treatment I started noticing changes within my body and was ovulating consistently. Moreover, my menstrual cycle length was more consistent and I felt that I was experiencing effective periods. After 3 months of consistent cycle lengths and ovulation my partner and I conceived!
When I started treatment I felt quite emotionally unbalanced - feeling quite helpless about my situation and thinking that my partner and I would never conceive. I received far more support, advice and encouragement from Sian than I did from my GP. For me, the treatment, advice and support I received wasn’t just beneficial in terms of achieving conception but also in terms of emotional wellbeing. The treatment and emotional support provided by Sian taught me to read my body and take control of the situation by making little changes, which enabled me to achieve calmness about the situation, which ultimately contributed to my eventual conception!
I would definitely recommended treatment with Sian at Optimum Health & Wellbeing. The treatment room is very peaceful and tranquil – a little haven away from the stresses of everyday life. Sian really cares about her clients and really believes in the treatment she is utilising – this belief enables you to take control of your health and emotional wellbeing and achieve the results you want!
Laura, Cardiff
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was recommended by a friend to make a Reflexology appointment with Sian way back in 2009 as I was feeling anxious and very stressed all of the time and I was constantly catching colds and virus’ etc from my young daughters. During my consultation with Sian I decided to book a 2 month weekly course of treatments of reflexology with her to see if she could help me.
Even after the first treatment I felt so much more relaxed and able to cope better with my busy lifestyle and I couldn’t wait to return the following week. Sian’s manner is so professional, whilst at the same time, so friendly and understanding, that you can’t help but feel relaxed in her presence. Her treatment room is warm and friendly- a haven of tranquility, and her reflexology couch is so comfortable I never want to get up at the end of my treatments!
At the end of my course of treatments I felt like a great weight had been lifted from my shoulders; I felt so much calmer and less stressed than before, and friends and family commented on how much healthier and happier I looked, it truly was amazing. I now no longer have a ‘permanent cold’ as before and feel so much fitter than I ever have.
I continue to make regular fortnightly appointments with Sian to maintain this newfound health and wellbeing and recommend her to every stressed-out parent I meet! Everyone should have their very own Sian easing the pressures of living in this fast paced, modern world.
Ceri, Ystrad Mynach
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have visited Sian for both Reflexology and Massage at her treatment room. The treatment room is so inviting and once you enter you become instantly relaxed. Maybe it’s the comfortable couch, calming décor, music, scent or simply the peace and quiet!
Sian is very professional, confident and skilled in all of the treatments she offers and always aims to offer a treatment suited to your needs so the end result has always been for me personal, enjoyable, relaxing and beneficial! Well worth a visit.
Samantha, Caerphilly
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have been having Reiki treatments with Sian for a number of years now. When I first started I had fortnightly treatments for stress reduction (I had a very stressful job at the time). Not only did the treatments significantly reduce my stress levels they also gave a marked improvement in muscular tension in my back, neck and shoulders - an added benefit which I hadn't been expecting. Reiki seems such a gentle treatment that it is hard to believe that it can have such real and dramatic results - but it does! The results also last a lot longer than I expected and Sian gives great aftercare advice to make sure you get the most out of your treatment. Sian's treatment room is really neat and relaxing. I always come out feeling supercharged - relaxed but also strangely energetic.
I would (and regularly do) wholeheartedly recommend having treatment with Sian. I have had Reiki elsewhere and, although I have found it relaxing, it hasn't had such clear and long lasting health benefits as with Sian. These days I only have treatment once every six weeks or so as my stress levels are much more balanced and my physical tension is much better - although I would go every day if I could!
JS, Caerphilly
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have always suffered with joint pain in my knees, elbows and back due to the physical nature of my work. I decided to have a course of Reflexology because I had heard of its benefits in relieving joint pain. However, I must admit that I was sceptical that I would really see any dramatic changes!
Well, within 2 weeks the pain in my joints was definitely improved and the overall mobility was also better. By the time I had finished my course of 6 treatments I would say that my joints were 80% better than they had been! I would definitely recommend Reflexology to anyone suffering with this kind of problem.
However, the strangest thing for me was the other benefits I got out of the treatments. Everyone talks about Reflexology being relaxing, helping with stress and so on, and I did definitely experience an improvement in my stress levels and the quality of my sleep. But I also had another unexpected improvement - the Reflexology seemed to completely remove my hayfever! I have suffered with acute hayfever since I was a child - nose sprays, eye drops, antihistamine tablets - the works! I spend most of my summer avoiding outdoor activities because my hayfever becomes so debilitating. Yet while I was having the Reflexology I didn't have any of these symptoms at all!!!
I was so impressed with Reflexology and now recommend it to anyone with health problems. And I still book in with Sian as often as I can to keep everything 'ticking over' - especially when hayfever season strikes!
Richard, Caerphilly
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I always wanted to have a course of reflexology treatments after having one years ago. The opportunity came up with an offer t have one treatment so I took this up, I didn't really go with a complaint as such but just because I promised myself I would one day.
After one treatment I was impressed by how professional my therapist was. She took a comprehensive assessment of my medical history was totally interested in me and completely charming. As I have always been intrigued by reflexology and because I had a lovely first experience I decided to have six further sessions.
I felt that the therapy had helped me in an emotional way, uplifting and helping my well-being. I had noticed while being treated sensations in certain areas of my body which at the same time my therapist had noted the same on my feet i.e. ovary, knee and hip. I had recently reached the menopause and had a blood test to help diagnose the stage I was at. The test confirmed that my ovaries were trying to produce eggs but due to the later stage I was not having any periods. It is my belief that the reason why I felt the sensation (and my therapist did also) was due to this. I have more of a problem with my knew than I'd like to think I have and felt a relieving sensation when this area was treated on the feet.
I found the treatment room very pleasant and calming with relaxing/soothing music which enhanced the whole experience.
Cath, Blackwood
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I primarily came to Sian for reflexology during my second pregnancy to try and encourage a good pregnancy and smooth delivery. I started coming to Sian in my second trimester and have been coming to her now for 10 months.
There is no doubt in my mind that the reflexology treatment helped prepare my body and mind for the labour. All of the late pregnancy problems I was suffering from eased by the next morning following treatment and the labour/birth couldn't have been better.
I also experienced other benefits from the reflexology, namely, that other medical issues started to ease.
Since having Gabriel, the reflexology has helped my body recover after birth and the advice given to me with regards to diet etc based on Sian's experience and knowledge has been second to none.
I would highly recommend Sian to everyone, especially pregnant ladies and new mums.
Claire, The Rock
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------As a fellow therapist I can be a difficult client to please! I believe that your relationship with your client is the most important factor in helping them to feel relaxed and aid any necessary healing. You can really ‘know your oils’ but when you truly relate to your client then I think that the effects of the therapy are greatly enhanced.
Sian combines the personable with the professional such that there is the perfect balance between knowledge and understanding during a treatment. The reflexology is a complete body detox! Sian always gives that extra time and focus and I feel both nurtured and balanced after a session.
Beth, Caerphilly
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Before my first session of reflexology I was completely ignorant of the power of this therapy. I thought it was just a relaxing foot massage - and of course it was (how could you not relax in that wonderfully comfortable chair, with the mood music playing in the background and the aromatic oil burner adding even more ambience to Sian's super treatment room?) But I have found that reflexology is so much more!
I was amazed that conditions could be 'diagnosed' with such accuracy. Sian always knew which areas of my body were troublesome and I found the treatments very beneficial for joint pain (in knee, shoulder and back) caused by arthritis. Occasionally I found myself getting quite emotional during sessions (especially when I was grieving over the death of my father - it seemed as if the treatment somehow opened the floodgates), but I always left feeling refreshed and much calmer. I would definitely recommend reflexology to friends as a relaxing experience and a potent complementary therapy for a wide range of conditions.
AH, Caerphilly
I booked my first appointment following a google search for something in my area that would assist with my insomnia. After emailing Sian and having a very positive and welcoming response to my queries I booked a session of reflexology and reiki, which she recommended as a good way forward.
I was nervous about attending my first session as I wasn’t sure what it would entail. I needn’t have worried. I was made to feel at ease straight away and I felt relaxed in the comfortable room with relaxing music.
Whilst I initially intended to go just for insomnia, I soon realised during the initial consultation that a number of other physical and emotional issues I was living with could be addressed through the sessions. These included my IBS as well as anxieties. After a number of sessions I was amazed and thankful at the improvements that were being made in all aspects of my health and emotions. The therapies were exactly what I needed after failing to find a long term solution from my doctor.
I regularly go for continued sessions to keep myself relaxed and I have also undertaken some Thought Field Therapy sessions which helped to deal with some prolonged anxieties.
I am so grateful to Sian for help with making me feel so different. I would recommend her to anyone – her approach is so genuine and considerate and since our initial meeting I have always felt that this is more than ‘just a job’ to her.
Hannah, Caerphilly
I was nervous about attending my first session as I wasn’t sure what it would entail. I needn’t have worried. I was made to feel at ease straight away and I felt relaxed in the comfortable room with relaxing music.
Whilst I initially intended to go just for insomnia, I soon realised during the initial consultation that a number of other physical and emotional issues I was living with could be addressed through the sessions. These included my IBS as well as anxieties. After a number of sessions I was amazed and thankful at the improvements that were being made in all aspects of my health and emotions. The therapies were exactly what I needed after failing to find a long term solution from my doctor.
I regularly go for continued sessions to keep myself relaxed and I have also undertaken some Thought Field Therapy sessions which helped to deal with some prolonged anxieties.
I am so grateful to Sian for help with making me feel so different. I would recommend her to anyone – her approach is so genuine and considerate and since our initial meeting I have always felt that this is more than ‘just a job’ to her.
Hannah, Caerphilly