My name is Avalon de Cosme and I have been working in the field of healing and psychotherapy since the 1980's when I set up my first clinic in Iffley, Oxford after learning the principles of Eastern health approaches from a Japanese master. I had become interested in exploring the growing field of complementary therapies available around that time.
After training in Iridology and Reflexology, I found myself working with clients using Reflexology and an Eastern approach to healing which involved working with breath, subtle energy and sound. There were many good outcomes for my clients. I also found that I was increasingly falling into a counselling mode as clients shared their innermost concerns with me and I resolved to train in psychotherapy as well.
I was lucky enough to train in transpersonal psychotherapy at the Centre for Transpersonal Psychology with Barbara Somers and Ian Gordon-Brown. I then continued with MA studies in Transpersonal Child, Adolescent and Family Therapy at the CCPE in London. I also qualified in EMDR (an eye-movement therapy particularly useful in cases of PTSD) for Adults and Children and EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique - an effective meridians tapping technique for both emotional and physical issues).
I also trained with Chris Parkes of The Reiki School in traditional Usui Reiki to Master Level and found this a most gentle and powerful method to help people heal from many physical and emotional conditions. Chris is a very talented teacher and was able to bestow upon me the direct Usui Reiki chain of transmission.
I subsequently opened a clinic in London running successful parallel practices in healing and psychotherapy where I had both UKCP and Bupa accreditation. On the healing side I worked with Reiki, Reflexology and EFT. I loved working with my clients but a time came when I needed to close my London practice and move back to Oxford.
After a personal experience with the power of sound which was so deep and far reaching, I knew I had to train in sound therapy so that I could practise this along with Reiki and Reflexology. I also offer EFT and some transpersonal therapeutic approaches for emotional issues.
My main training in Sound Therapy has been in Integral Sound Healing with the Sound Healing Academy founded by Tony Nec. The Sound Healing Academy has taught me how to use a wide range of sound instruments alongside working with subtle energy. I have also studied with Eileen McCusick of Biofield Tuning and with Sheila Whittaker, the doyenne of gong playing.
I also create Sound Immersions or Gong Baths by invitation for groups using magnificent gongs alongside other sound instruments such as singing bowls, drums and chimes. These are take place in larger rooms, yoga studios or in schools or business premises.
