Complementary and Creative Therapies

Complementary Therapies are becoming increasingly valued. We offer a variety of therapies in order to help relieve stress, to aid relaxation, to promote a sense of well being and develop self help/coping skills. The therapies are given alongside conventional medical treatments and are not to be regarded as an alternative to what has been prescribed by a Consultant or GP. The importance of Complementary and Creative Therapy in holistic care is recognised by St Mary’s Hospice as one of the specialist services providing supportive and palliative care to the people of Furness and South Lakes. Our therapists are trained to clinical standards and will ensure that the treatments offered will suit your individual needs.

Which therapies are available?:

• Art Therapy is a psychological service, offered individually and in groups, which provides a supportive setting to help you physically, mentally, emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Art therapy uses art materials and the relationship with the therapist to creatively explore difficult feelings and become more attuned to your inner needs. The therapist will assist you in this practical process and encourage you to express and communicate intuitively, experimentally, and imaginatively.

• Horticultural Therapy is a new addition to our services. We have extended our programme to include horticultural therapy with our therapists, and gentle gardening with professional assistance. Patients and carers will be enabled to benefit from the natural environment of the Hospice including the greenhouse, courtyard, garden and our developing Healing Garden of vegetables, herbs and cutting flowers.

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• Craniosacral Therapy is a non-manipulative, gentle, hands-on therapy. It has the effect of being deeply relaxing thus helping the release of physical or emotional tension. Those who receive this therapy often find they have increased energy and a greater sense of well-being.

• Aromatherapy -

The benefits of natural plant oils are used within a gentle massage which can help the body cope with a variety of physical and emotion conditions all within a comfortable and caring environment.

• Simple Lymphatic Drainage - This is a gentle and effective way to improve lymphatic drainage through gentle massage. It is also a way of giving the individual after care which can be used at home. Referral for this service can be given though a specialist nurse or GP.

• Reflexology is the practice of treating specific reflexes in the hands and feet that correspond to all the parts of the body. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve circulation and enable the body to return to a state of normalisation.

• Remedial Massage Therapy employs various techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body i.e. muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage can be beneficial in treating a variety of conditions and as an excellent tool to aid relaxation.

• Chair Massage - This massage uses our specialist chairs to provide all the benefits of massage without the couch. If preferred treatment can be given fully clothed without oils.

• Creative Imagery Relaxation - We provide a variety of techniques including relaxation and guided visualisation to help achieve a deep state of rest. Can be used for both individual and group sessions.

• ‘Moving on Positively’ Groups - A variety of sessions either to follow individual sessions or for immediate access depending on requirements. Examples of content might be stress management, relaxation techniques and creative journal work.

Am I eligible to receive Complementary Therapies?

If you have first hand experience of a life-threatening illness or are a relative or carer of someone who has, or if you have experienced bereavement, then you could be eligible.

How do I get referred?

You need to talk to your GP, Macmillian Nurse, Breast care nurse or other allied Health Professional to ask for a referral.

What to Expect

Your first session will be an informal assessment where you can discuss the treatments and your preferences with the therapist, raising and queries so that you can decide on your treatment plan.

How much does it cost?

All hospice care is provided free of charge but donations, however small, are always gratefully received. If you wish to make a contribution please click here.

Complementary and Creative Therapies

• Aromatherapy -

The benefits of natural plant oils are used within a gentle massage which can help the body cope with a variety of physical and emotion conditions all within a comfortable and caring environment.

• Reflexology is the practice of treating specific reflexes in the hands and feet that correspond to all the parts of the body. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, improve circulation and enable the body to return to a state of normalisation.

• ‘Moving on Positively’ Groups - A variety of sessions either to follow individual sessions or for immediate access depending on requirements. Examples of content might be stress management, relaxation techniques and creative journal work.

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