Catherine Clooney, B.A., Hons, MAR, NRRI, IRIL.
Over 16 years ago, I was working in a fast paced, corporate environment in Central London. I was suffering from stress, working long hours, smoking and not taking care of myself. Reflexology saved me. That is when I decided to change direction, to follow a caring and nurturing path in life. I trained in classical reflexology in London, with the London School of Reflexology, approved by The Association of Reflexologists.
I had lived and worked in the Middle East during the early 90’s. Where I had the opportunity to meet with local women, who amazed me with how they looked after each other. They would get together to paint each other with beautiful henna designs, they would massage gorgeous local oils onto their faces and hair. They showed me the benefits of this particular type of massage and told me about the wonderful health and beauty merits of the oils. I knew that this knowledge would stand me in good stead for the future, but I didn’t know exactly where it would lead me.
In 2006 I wanted to expand my horizons again, I took a year out to travel throughout; Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Fiji, The Cook Islands, Australasia and the U.S.A. Adding to my knowledge and skills as a therapist along the way. In Vietnam I was introduced to Vietnamese acupressure points, and Vietnamese Traditional Medicine. I went on to study more about the Vietnamese method with various wonderful teachers. In Thailand you can see, experience and learn traditional treatments for health and wellbeing, including the Eastern method of reflexology.
By learning different techniques from local therapists and teachers, also local women who passed on traditional knowledge, I combined this with the knowledge I had gained from the Middle Eastern women in the 90’s. Such a rich array of knowledge that had been handed down through generations, to so many women around the world. I returned to London, where I combined experiences gained during my travels with my reflexology practice. At this time, I searched out more about Facial Reflexology, we are always learning and growing. Different forms of facial stimulation have a long and interesting history, being used by different cultures from around the world.
In 2009, I was living in Italy, near Lake Bracciano, Lazio. In Italy, I worked with Italian, American, Irish and British women interested in, not only their current health and wellbeing, but also concerned about how past illness or stress in their lives was affecting how they felt and looked now. I moved into Rome, where I treated international clients from FOA, an office of The United Nations.
In 2015, I returned to the family bosom of West Cork. Joining the team at Caring Hands and The Natural Clinic, Cork and also opening my own treatment room at The Gate Lodge, Liss Ard Estate, Skibbereen, West Cork.
I believe that what we experience and learn along the way, shapes us and makes us who we are. I am inquisitive, love to learn and add to my skills but also develop my own work based on what I have learned and experienced during my lifetime and from working with my clients. I have seen what works for my clients, how they benefit from the treatments I provide.
I was approached by one of the reflexology associations and was asked to use my years of experience to provide CPD training courses in face reflexology. I was delighted to put my Clooney Concept course together based on my years of experience and research.
Occasional ‘pop up’ clinics in London, New York, Rome and Bahrain, this gives me the opportunity to catch up with friends and past clients. How lovely!
