About Sophie
Psychology was my first love
At school I’d heard about the field of Psychology – understanding the nature of human behaviours and their motivations – and straight away I was intrigued. Growing up in a safe and loving family environment, I’ve always wanted to support people as much as I could so opted to study this at A-level and went on to do the BSc degree at the University of Liverpool.
Occupational Therapy was my next move
I knew I wanted to work in the NHS because of what it stands for - free healthcare for all, regardless of race, sexuality, religion- from cradle to grave. I went onto the NHS careers website and came across Occupational Therapy (OT). This is a profession where you help people experiencing aging, illness or accidents to maximise their independence. I decided to do the MSc course at the University of Cumbria.
In the year that I graduated I experienced a significant life event
My wonderful Dad passed away. For me, it was catastrophic and devastating. As I was grieving I decided to accept a Band 5 NHS role working on a physical rotation, rather than the mental health wards.
With experience gained I accepted a senior role in the community
In 2016, whilst working in an Integrated Urgent Care Team, I met a Physio who introduced me to the idea that the NHS is a job for life. Truthfully, I’d always wanted to travel the world, and him saying this was a turning point for me.
March of 2016 I truly began travelling, starting with beautiful Cuba
This was followed by New Zealand, Samoa, Europe and by the end of that year I branched out and went to Bali, Miami, French Alps, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia; sometimes with my mum or a friend but mostly alone, making friends along the way.
I met Marilyn and Yoga became a lifeline for me
Processing my Dad's death left me feeling lost, searching for meaning and with a deep sense of disconnection from myself. I met my Yoga teacher, Marilyn, and she introduced me to meditation and Yoga as a means to come home to myself. The tools she gave me created space for me to lean into my pain, process parts of it in my own time and integrate it into who I am today. Wherever I travelled around the world I would always prioritise studying Yoga in various ashrams and studios.
2018 I became a Yoga teacher
I went to an Ashram (a space to practice and study Yoga/Meditation and other spiritual practices) in Majorca. It’s ran by Green Yoga International and I completed a 200-hour multi-style teacher training in 3 weeks. We studied Yin, Hatha, Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga.
Later, I followed my dream of living in Australia & studying Yoga in India
I became interested in Trauma Informed Yoga and Chronic Pain at the start of the pandemic when working as an OT in Melbourne. Having enjoyed working for Transform Physio treating chronic pain clients there, I returned home and began working as a Clinical Specialist in Chronic Pain for Connect Health Pain Services.
With over 10 years of experience working in healthcare I've seen what works
I absolutely love treating my clients in a holistic way. I find if clients understand how simple breathing exercises or mindfulness affects their anatomy and physiology they are more likely to engage in a daily practice and that’s when they start to notice a shift and reduction in their symptoms of long term health conditions. It’s so rewarding to see people achieving their goals.
Explore and experiment in holistic healing
My advice is to never stop exploring and experimenting when it comes to managing your health and wellbeing. Scientific studies show the limitations of the medical model: Medications and surgeries play a vital role in many conditions but equally for many conditions they are not a sustainable solution to symptom management, recovery or rehabilitation.
Don’t let anybody, including yourself, tell you what you can’t do.
Try something new this week and see if you notice a shift in your mind, body and soul. Know that the entire universe is out with lanterns, waiting to show you the way... and perhaps I can be one of your guides, if you're interested!
Every body is a Yoga body
If you're worried you won't be able to do Yoga, let's talk about it. You can perhaps come to one of my chair Yoga classes or if you have persistent pain, then one of my gentle, all levels classes could possibly be beneficial for symptom management.
Therapeutic Yoga
Sophie delivers a bespoke person centred style of Yoga that stands on the foundation of her therapy background. Not only is she a qualified Occupational Therapy she has completed a 300 hour training course with Svastha Yoga & Ayurveda in order to become a certified Yoga Therapist. Sophie is also a Pregnancy Yoga Teacher too and is currently studying Yoga for post natal rehabilitation and family Yoga.
Movement Heals
Throughout the entirety of her NHS career all Sophie wanted to do was spend less time writing reports and more time implementing effective treatments. Once Yoga became a part of her life she found herself time and time again recommending Yoga for therapeutic benefits. What Sophie loved about the NHS was that she met people from all walks of life and could teach them simple strategies to improve their overall health and wellbeing. Journeying to the community hasn't dampened Sophie's desire to help all sectors of society so in 2023 she founded Move & Heal, a Community Interest Company.
Julianne Courtice- Co-Director
Sophie and Julianne met in 2013 on the elective orthopaedic ward at Trafford General Hospital and have remained friends since. Julianne is a retired professional squash player, Physiotherapist specialising in Musculoskeletal care, Pilates Teacher and certified acupuncture practitioner. Julianne too is passionate about providing holistic healthcare and also believes it is a necessity for the masses, not a luxury for the few.
Multi-disciplinary Approach
With the wealth of combined knowledge and over 20 years of Healthcare experience Sophie & Jules are currently looking to expand their community work to provide more therapeutic Yoga and holistic health services to the people of Greater Manchester.