Clinic Co-Founder and Director

Integrative Osteopath & Naturopath
Specialist in Neck, Head, Jaw & Face Issues for Women

A Specialist, Whole-System Approach

After 20 years in practice, I now focus exclusively on helping women find relief from issues affecting the head, neck, jaw and face. These areas respond best to a gentle, precise, whole-system approach rather than forceful or formulaic treatment. I offer a uniquely integrated way of working that combines cranial, structural and visceral osteopathy, specialised intra-oral techniques, mind-body perspectives and naturopathy.

This specialisation has become the heart of my practice, as I love treating these areas, and the results are so rewarding. The head and upper neck contain the brain, brainstem and key sensory systems - the places from which we we feel, interpret and meet the world, and the control centres for the entire body. When these areas function well, our whole system can shift in extraordinary ways. Over the years, I’ve seen patients experience profound changes during these treatments - even those who had tried other approaches without success.

I work with everything from straightforward mechanical issues, to complex or chronic conditions. Sessions are 60 minutes (longer than typical osteopathic follow-ups), allowing us to work at greater depth, so meaningful results can be achieved in each visit. The first appointment is 70 minutes, which includes a detailed case history and full initial treatment.

Why I Specialise in Treating Women

Two decades of treating women have taught me how uniquely our bodies experience strain, tension, and imbalance. Female anatomy, physiology, and life stages (menstruation, pregnancy, perimenopause and beyond) all influence muscle tone, joint laxity, pain perception, inflammation, and how stress impacts us. These differences mean that women often experience both symptoms and treatment differently to men, and benefit from care that is specialised and tailored, rather than generic.

The demands that many women carry can create chronic tension and nervous system dysregulation. The women I work with are often giving a lot to others, juggling work and family commitments, and feel they are 'spinning too many plates', leaving little time for rest, recovery, or self-care. Their bodies may hold stress in subtle, persistent ways, meaning the nervous system stays on high alert 24/7, even if outwardly they appear 'fine',

I design each session with a deep understanding of how women’s bodies and minds respond to stress, injury, and overload. By focusing exclusively on women, I can tailor every treatment to these unique needs, offering a level of specificity, care, and insight that isn’t possible with a more generalised approach.

A Wider Lens

What makes my work different is the breadth of my professional training and experience, which allows me to assess a single issue from multiple perspectives; structural, cranial, postural, fascial, neurological, nutritional, somatic, emotional and naturopathic.

This holistic view means we don’t get stuck looking at your symptoms through just one narrow lens. Instead, we build a complete understanding of how and why the issue developed, and what’s needed to truly resolve it. Many patients say it’s the first time their problem has ever been approached in such a joined-up way, and this is often why meaningful change begins to happen.

Common Things I Work With

• Neck tension, stiffness, or pain

• Headaches and Migraines

• TMJ / jaw tension, clenching, or grinding

• Sinus and ear issues

• General tension in the face, head, and eyes – common with stress or lots of computer work

• Recovery after injury or surgery

• Support and rebalancing following dental work

• Calming a busy or overactive mind, clearing brain fog

• Sleep problems

• Vagus nerve balancing to support a well-regulated nervous system

• Facial Muscle Balanicng – targeted soft tissue techniques and exercises to optimise facial muscle tone and ease tension

A Typical Session May Include:

Gentle Structural Osteopathy & Myofascial Treatment:  I use structural osteopathic techniques to release restriction without force or ‘cracking’. This may include mobilisation, muscle release/ massage, and fascial unwinding to ease tension and restore optimal movement. When working on the head and neck, I always consider the body as a whole, so gentle adjustments throughout the feet, pelvis, spine, and thorax may also be included to encourage alignment, fluidity, and full-body integration.

Cranial Techniques:  These techniques calm and balance the nervous system, improve fluid balance, ease strain patterns, and support deep integration.

Intra-Oral Work (When Helpful):  A precise, gentle, and highly effective way to release TMJ, facial and head tension from inside the mouth. Patients are often surprised by how non-invasive and enjoyable this treatment feels, while noticing deep relaxation through the head, face, and sometimes whole body as chronic jaw tension unwinds. This is often the missing link in chronic headaches. I use medical-grade disposable gloves and always explain things carefully, so you feel fully in control throughout.

Vagus Nerve Balancing:  Techniques that restore balance to the autonomic nervous system. These are beneficial for everyone, but especially helpful for stress and anxiety, poor sleep, head and neck tension, or a constantly busy mind.

Facial Muscle Work: I can integrate targeted muscle and fascial techniques, and stengthening exercises, to optimise muscle tone and balance in the muscles of the face. This can support maintain long-term facial balance, help relieve tension, headaches, pain, and even enhance cosmetic appearance. It can also be helpful for people who want to restore lost muscle tone as they ease off Botox. 

A Naturopathic Lens: Where useful, I help you explore lifestyle, nutritional, and environmental factors that may contribute to your symptoms - often missed in a purely structural approach. I can suggest nutritional tweaks or supplements when helpful. For example, headaches may be influenced by hydration, blood sugar fluctuations, nutrient deficiencies, or histamine overload. Using these additional tools can help speed progress and support longer-lasting results.

A Trauma-Informed, Nurturing Approach

I create a nurturing, grounded and sensory-aware environment to help your system settle, allowing change to happen with ease. My approach is trauma-informed and gentle, understanding how both your physical and emotional history shape your system, and the issues you bring. Where helpful, I can draw on my background in psychology and trauma work to support the safe and effective resolution of patterns and symptoms, making sure you feel fully seen, supported, and relaxed throughout your treatment.

How Many Sessions Will I Need? 

Every client’s pathway is unique, and you are always in the driver’s seat of your treatment journey. In osteopathy, the average course to fully resolve an issue is typically 6–8 sessions, often weekly at first, then fortnightly. Speed of progress depends on many factors, including general health, the complexity and duration of the problem, and willingness to follow recommended guidance.

With the depth and precision of this work - especially when treating areas not usually targeted, like intra-oral jaw muscles - meaningful change is often felt after each session. Some patients only need a short course of treatment for a specific concern, while many continue regular or monthly treatments after this initial phase, finding these sessions become an important part of their self-care. 

Patients often tell me that these ‘maintenance’ treatments help them feel more grounded, resilient, and supported, offering nurture and restoration in busy, demanding lives. These sessions support a well-regulated nervous system, helping to release deep tension, improve sleep, and enhance mental clarity. They also act preventatively, stopping symptoms returning, while increasing overall balance and wellbeing in both body and mind.

The Therapeutic Partnership

I provide resources to support your progress, from clear explanations of your condition to practical strategies and self-care for home. Treatment is a collaborative partnership; together, we create the conditions for lasting change.

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Core Qualifications

• BA (Hons) Psychology, University of Sheffield, 2000

• BSc (Hons) Osteopathic Medicine, BCOM, 2005

• Diploma in Osteopathy, BCOM, 2005

• Diploma in Naturopathy, BCOM, 2005

• Sutherland Cranial Osteopathy pathway, 2005–2008

• Diploma in NLP, Health Coaching, ITS with Ian McDermott, 2006

• Diploma in Clinical Massage, BCNO, 2002

Postgraduate Training & CPD

My postgraduate osteopathic studies include Cranial Osteopathy training with Sutherland Cranial College, and advanced intra-oral, head, face and visceral osteopathic techniques with Jean-Pierre Barral. I have also trained in somatic therapy, trauma work, limbic system retraining, mind-body techniques such as guided meditation and breathwork, breathing pattern disorders, and various healing and quantum field modalities.

I have completed in-person CPD training with leaders in the fields of osteopathy, movement, and trauma work, including Bessel Van der Kolk, Steven Porges, Gabrielle Roth, Jean-Pierre Barral, Leon Chaitow, Laurie Hartman and Katherine Ukleje.

Professional Experience

Since 2005, I have practiced in clinics across London, Brussels, and Brighton, gaining extensive experience in osteopathy and integrative healthcare, before establishing the Tree of Life Centre in 2012 with my husband Simon. Alongside clinical practice, I have lectured and tutored in osteopathy to undergraduate students at BCOM, run postgraduate training courses, and provided one-to-one mentoring for other therapists. I have also worked as a conference producer and copywriter for the Health Service Journal and Nursing Times.

Beyond the Clinic…

Outside of work, I fill my cup with beach walks, a steady supply of tea, and time with my two wonderful sons. I also love comedy, a good glass of wine, and pondering the mysteries of the universe. Movement has always been an important part of my life; from childhood ballet to becoming a professional belly dancer in my 20's. In more recent years, I have taught belly dance from a somatic, personal-development angle. The music and movement from this world are always a source of regulation, joy and uplift for me. I was born and raised in Brussels, to Liverpudlian parents, and spent much of my childhood in Arizona - a broad spectrum of places and people that sparked my lifelong fascination with how culture, environment and sensory experience shape who we become. I love art and design, and I’m currently training in sensory-informed interior design.

Contact

I’m always happy to answer any questions people may have before booking a session with me. As Clinic Director at the Tree of Life Centre, I also help people find the right therapist for them within our large, wonderful practitioner team. For any questions or signposting, please email me directly at: gaynor@tolcentre.com