We are a small team, however among us there is an abundance of experience and space to be held for those who really need Shiatsu touch, facing any health issue can be life-altering, and we hope our offerings can be a place of refuge and reformation during this time in the client’s life.
“Personally I found the program extremely helpful in regaining my physical and mental health. Being so unwell with this condition has been isolating and frightening, with no treatment able to be offered from the Medical profession. The Shiatsu really helped bring down my nervous system, as I was in panic so much. This in turn reduced the level of physical symptoms and muscle pain I was experiencing. Not only was it a technically effective treatment, having the warmth and kindness and touch of an experienced professional was reassuring and nurturing. I did get back to work and I feel that Shiatsu for Change was a significant part of my recovery”
Kirsty Hurd-Thomas (FWSS)
Founder & Director | Shiatsu Practitioner & Qigong Teacher
I am a graduate of the Devon School of Shiatsu, where I also assisted the teachers for several years before qualifying to become a teacher myself. I have trained in Movement Shiatsu, and in Transformational Shiatsu / Shiatsu with Soul. I carry out regular CPD (continuing professional development) and am a member of the Shiatsu Society (FWSS), the governing body for Shiatsu Practitioners. I have more recently qualified as a Qigong teacher with the Shiatsu College.
I have taught Do-in, meridian location, and Shiatsu at the International School of Macrobiotics and currently teach my own Qigong and Shiatsu for self-healing classes.
I have a background in drama and movement work and have been following body based practices for over twenty years. This informs my work as a Shiatsu practitioner and means I can offer a strong presence and holding for my clients. I continue to regularly practice Qi gong, Conscious dance and Movement of Being.
I created Shiatsu For Change through a desire to work with people who wouldn’t usually show up for a treatment. Some really need treatment but, perhaps wouldn’t usually be able to access it, due to funding or lack of knowledge about how Shiatsu might help.
“I have never found a better practitioner of this work”
Judy Talbot (MRSS/Dip. Tui Na)
Shiatsu Practitioner
I began my journey into Shiatsu back in 1999 when I trained at the Ki Kai Shiatsu Centre in London. I subsequently qualified and became a registered member of the Shiatsu Society (MRSS) which is the main regulatory body for Shiatsu in the UK and hold a diploma in Tui Na (ITEC).
I am also a qualified Tui Na (Chinese deep tissue massage) practitioner, specialising in Sports Rehabilitation. Together with this therapy and having studied Reiki I and II, I like to incorporate this knowledge and these techniques within my treatments. Most recently I have explored and developed spiritual healing which have enhanced my energetic connections on many levels.
Meditation and yoga are a regular practice which enable my treatments to be more intuitive and focused on a deep, energetic level.
My working experiences have included areas of both Mental Health issues within a Crisis unit and Drug/alcohol Rehabilitation centres.
I have lived in the beautiful South Hams now for many years and enjoy all the wonderful things it has to offer from beaches, moor to vibrant communities.
“What a treat it was to have a series of sessions with Judy. She has a gentle, caring, and tender nature that instantly put my whole being at ease. The sessions were deeply relaxing, nourishing and restorative. Over time, I started to feel my vitality returning. I felt like I’d been plugged back into the mains; a huge thing after being diagnosed with long-Covid / ME and spending long periods in bed. The sessions gave me a sense of hopefulness that I had lost through persistent illness. I’m so grateful for Kirsty and the team for this gift. Heartfelt thanks to you all.”
Cassie Osborne (MRSS)
Shiatsu Practitioner
I first began my Shiatsu journey in 2016, and completed my Diploma at the Bristol School in 2018 and am a registered member of the Shiatsu Society. In Bristol I worked with new and expectant mothers both pre and post-natal. Since relocating to Devon I have been offering my professional support to those suffering with work stress, burn out and more recently with those experiencing physical and mental health issues caused from prolonged isolation. I have a deep love of the sea and dancing, and believe this energy shines through in my shiatsu work.
“My treatments with Cassie were really great! Not only did she significantly help to improve a stomach problem I had suffered from for 9 months but I generally felt more in my body and a greater sense of wellbeing.
Having a series of treatments over the six weeks was so great and something I would not have been able to afford otherwise so what a wonderful project!
She worked sensitively and was very professional.”
Kate Coombs (BAHons, Cert Ed, DipShi Fws)
Director
As a Shiatsu Practitioner, Artist and Teacher of many years’ experience I am dedicated to the healing power of Shiatsu. For the past 30 years I have been actively engaged in the exploration of Embodied Presence. This sense of presence and connection to our deeper essential self is at the core of my work and life, and my own healing. I am now running retreats and workshops as well as giving Shiatsu one to one.
I am delighted to be one of the Directors of Shiatsu for Change and would wish for as many as possible to benefit from the profound support Shiatsu can give physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
Daverick Leggett
Director
Daverick is one of the early generation of UK Shiatsu Practitioners. He was an editor for some time of the Shiatsu Journal and ran a branch of the European Shiatsu School in Reading. He retired from one-to-one practice in 1997 on the birth of his son and now works as a Qigong teacher. He also writes about and teaches TCM nutrition. He co-directs another CIC which manages eight acres of agricultural and conservation land on the edge of Dartmoor, a field which hosts the summer camps Rise Up Singing and BuddhaDharmaSangha. He lives in Dartington, Devon, where he dedicates much of his time to growing fruits and vegetables.
Nicola Ley (MA BSc BA PGCE Dip.Shiatsu MRSS)
Director
I first discovered Shiatsu in Tokyo in 1979, when I mistook the shiatsu class for a martial arts class. Shiatsu has been the main thread in my life ever since. I am proud to support this “Shiatsu For Change’ initiative.
I believe Shiatsu can help everyone.
