Newsletters and Articles

Hello from a new look Universal Holistics

You might have noticed a few changes happening here at Universal Holistics. In order to streamline the business and create less admin for myself, I have merged the the school and my own therapies under one easier to manage banner. The school will still be knows as the Universal School of Holistic Therapies, but all communication, social media, etc will be under the Universal Holistics name and website/pages.

If you have not already done so, please like and follow the Universal Holistic Facebook page and Instagram, as I will be closing down the school Facebook page at the end of the month.

I have created a new Facebook Group called the Universal Calm Collective, and you can access this through the Universal Holistics Facebook page. The idea of this group is to create a safe and closed online space you can come to for advice, healing, and relaxation. The plan is to have regular live and recorded sessions such as meditations, sound healing, book reviews, and question and answer sessions. To take part in these you must be a member of the group, which is of course free of charge - no subscriptions required here! I want this to be an interactive space where people feel safe to communicate and take part.

Things have been quite busy and frantic for me as I settle into these changes, and I feel so blessed to have you all supporting me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Much love, Jo xx

Trauma and its Effects on the Body and Mind

Did you know that traumatic experiences from your past could be the reason that you suffer from chronic mental or physical illness? Any unprocessed trauma, no matter how small it may seem to you or others, is stored energetically within your body and your bio-magnetic field or aura. The fight or flight response which is so useful for an initial response to a traumatic event, can continue in the body for many months and years. This increase in stress hormones has now been shown to have long term detrimental effects on the mind and body, giving rise to long term dis-ease and many chronic health conditions.

The most asked question I get from clients with chronic complaints with no identifiable initial diagnosis is 'why do I have these conditions and why am I so ill?'. The answer to this can be complex, but it is possible to piece together what may be going on within the body and mind. The first step is an understanding of how these mechanisms work, and many clients have a real 'light bulb' moment when we look at how stress cycles can create dysfunction, leading to symptomatic dis-ease.

I myself have suffered from chronic conditions, some arising as a direct physical result from a traumatic accident aged 20. However other health conditions have presented themselves over the years that had a far less obvious source point. By working through these issues, sometimes with the help of the NHS, but often on my own, I have gained a deep understanding of how breaking cycles of stress and deeply stored trauma can have an immensely healing effect both physically and mentally.

In my Trauma Processing Workshop we spend a day where I share my story of my own life trauma, and how processing this made vast improvements in my physical disability, deep seated depression & anxiety, and resolved chronic health issues. I take you through the mechanisms and theory behind the trauma response, allow you to recognise where this might relate to your own conditions, and then we look at ways to start to break cycles and release some of your own trauma.

The next available workshop is Sunday 11th May from 10am to 3pm and is available to book on the website. Priced at £45, you are getting 5 hours of knowledge, understanding, and therapeutic skills practise for the same price as a private 1 hour session. There is no need to speak up and tell about your own trauma on the day if you feel uncomfortable doing so, but there will be time at the end to chat with me privately if you prefer. The group will be kept small with no more than 6 participants, and we will include some meditation and sound healing during the day. Bookings can be made using the link below.

https://universalschool.co.uk/courses-%26-/ola/services/trauma-release-workshop-1

Drum Birthing Comes to Universal Holistics

I am excited to announce that we have the lovely Dawn Petherick from Soulfull Living Academy coming on 13th July to run our first ever Drum Birthing Retreat here at Universal Holistics. During the one day event you will be guided through all the processes involved to create and birth own own shamanic drum.

Having created my own drum with Dawn, I know what a profoundly spiritual experience it is, and you will also then be in possession of a quality sound tool that has a deep spiritual connection to you.

Although the retreat will take place here at Universal Holistics, booking is made directly with Dawn and full details can be found on the link below. There will be a maximum of 5 spaces on this event and there are at present only 2 spaces left. I myself will be there too creating another of my own drums, linked energetically to my own healing space, and I am so excited for this.

https://www.soulfullliving.academy/shamanic-drum-birthing-retreat-wl-july

Treatment Pricing Changes

I need to let you all know that I will soon be changing the way my treatments are priced. As of 1st June, all treatments will be priced according to time at the same rate for all modalities. As my regular clients will know, it is rare for someone to book in for a certain treatment and not receive at least one other modality than the one they were booked in for. In fact many already just reserve a time slot asking for a 'Jo Special', knowing that we will work completely holistically on the day. It is however useful to know roughly what sort of treatment you are after, and this is so I can decide which therapy space will be best for your needs and have it set up accordingly for you.

Therapies will therefore now be charged at the following rates:

45 minutes £40

60 minutes £50

90 minutes £70

120 minutes £90

Please note that also from 1st June, any treatment cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will be charged at 50% of the treatment fee. All new clients must pay in full at the time of booking, and this is also encouraged for returning clients of more than 1 month since last treatment. Any soundbath cancelled with less than 24 hours notice will not be refunded or rescheduled unless your space can be sold to the wait list. I'm sorry to have to impose this but I have had quite a number of very late cancellations and several no shows over the past few weeks. Not only is this me missing out on income, it also impacts plans with family , and I quite often have had to turn away people looking for appointments or classes due to my diary being full. I hope you understand my decision on this matter.

Upcoming Courses

The following courses are online and available to book now:

Sunday 11th May - Trauma Release Workshop - understanding Trauma

31st May/1st June - Universal Massage - **Full**

Saturday 7th June - Reiki 1 - introduction to energy healing (Linlithgow)

Sunday 22nd June - Sonic Aura Cleanse (Tuning Fork Therapy) - 1 space left

Sat 5th/Sun 6th July - Intermediate Sound Therapy - **Full**

Sun 13th July - One day Drum Birthing Retreat - 2 spaces left

Sat 24th/Sun 25th August - Foundation Sound Therapy

Coming later in the year - Advanced Aromatherapy, Intermediate & Advanced Sound Therapy. If there is a course you are looking for please get in touch to be added to the waitlist.

For full details and booking please head to www.universalschool.co.uk

Soundbath Dates and Availability

All classes take place in my purpose built Sound Temple here at Universal Holistics, created to give a sense of peace and tranquility as soon as you step through the door. Reclining relaxer chairs, soft lighting and cosy blankets ensure that you are comfortable throughout, as you are guided though the breathwork, meditation and sound healing. Dates for the next few weeks are:

Wednesday 14th May, 7.30pm

Monday 26th May, 7.30pm (only one space left)

Wednesday 4th June, 7.30pm

Monday 9th June, 7.30pm

Wednesday 25th June, 7.30pm

Monday 30th June, 7.30pm

All dates are available to book on the website by heading to the courses and classes page.

A big Springtime hello USHT!

As we stated before,2025 is going to be a year of big changes and exciting plans here at the Universal School of Holistic Therapies. Our first extremely sad news is that we will be losing the lovely Kirsten Green, as she has had to make the very difficult decision to step down in her roles within the school. Please see her statement below, and join me in wishing her well - she will be very sadly missed.

However we will continue, with lots of courses and new workshops already planned and in the pipeline. I will continue to run the school and our courses, and it may be that Kirsten comes back occasionally as a guest lecturer when her vast knowledge and range of skills are required. I may look at bringing other guests in, so if you have something you wish to share in a workshop format please do get in touch to see if it would be a good fit here at USHT. Advanced modules and new workshops on Manifestation are being written as we speak and I hope to have these all available to book later in the year.

There will be a wee period of bedding in as we all negotiate these changes, but I strongly feel that we will all benefit, and that the Universe always puts us on the path that is intended for us. I will be looking at course prices structure to reflect that most courses will now only have one tutor, and most will take place here at Universal Holistics HQ - I hope to make all workshops and courses as affordable as possible, while still reflecting the quality of their content, and their professional accreditation.

Please note that all enquiries should now be send directly to Joanne at jo.tavern@sky.com. Also there will be a change in bank details for any course payments, so please double check details before sending.

Despite these changes, and Kirsten's sad news, I look forward to seeing what the rest of 2025 will bring.

Love and Best wishes,

Joanne xxx

Upcoming Courses

The following courses are online and available to book now:

Sunday 13th April - Foundation Aromatherapy - safe use of essential oils (Linlithgow)

Saturday 26th April - Hot Stone Massage Course (Linlithgow)

Sunday 11th May - Trauma Release Workshop - understanding Trauma (Linlithgow)

Saturday 7th June - Reiki 1 - introduction to energy healing (Linlithgow)

Sunday 22nd June - Sacred Ear Candling & Sinus Relief (Linlithgow)

Coming soon - Manifestation - how to achieve your dreams; Advanced Aromatherapy; Advanced Sound Therapy

For full details and booking please head to www.universalschool.co.uk

NEWS FROM JO @ UNIVERSAL HOLISTICS

My main news is that in order to be able to devote my time fully to the school and my clients, is that I have resigned from my other part time job with Maid of the Forth. Although I am sad to leave my good friends there, the time has come to fully focus on my business and my own well-being. After all we need to walk our talk and lead by example! This should mean I can offer a bit more flexibility with appointment times and course dates, which will hopefully mean less disappointment for you guys.

Another change is that I will now be working regularly with the lovely Iona Housby at Nature Spirits Scotland up in Moray. I will be using my Aromatherapy expertise to assist with her range of Sacred Mists. Not only will this be exciting and enjoyable work, it's in one of my favourite locations up near Findhorn. I will also have a small range of her amazing products available to purchase in the healing temple.

Meanwhile I continue to be busy for both Soundbath Classes and Treatments so I encourage clients to book early if you are looking for a specific date.

NEWS FROM KIRSTEN @ GREEN'S HOLISTIC THERAPIES

Despite my decision to stand down from my roles in the school, I will still be continuing with my Therapy Clients and classes as normal. To book a treatment or class please contact me at kirstogreen@hotmail.co.uk

I am working on a new website https://greensholistictherapies.co.uk where details of all my work will be available in due course. In the meantime my page will remain on the USHT website with full details of my available classes.

My classes will also continue to run at Yellow Bamboo Yoga so head directly to their website to book https://yellowbambooyoga.com

Hi everyone,

I wanted to let you all know that I have made the difficult decision to step away from my role at USHT due to personal reasons. This was not an easy decision to make, I have truly loved my time at USHT and appreciate the support I have received from everyone. I am truly grateful for the experiences and the personal growth I have gained.

Thank you to Jo for your friendship, support and understanding over the last few months. I really value the time I have spent working with Jo and all the amazing and talented students I have helped along the way. 

I wish Jo and USHT all the best for the future.

Much love
Kirsten xx

Please note that although this is very sad news indeed, the School will continue with Joanne at the helm, and Kirsten may join us in the future as a guest tutor.  This will not affect any current course bookings or students waiting to complete Practitioner Certificates.

A big hello and Happy New Year from USHT!

2025 is going to be an exciting year here at the Universal School of Holistic Therapies, with lots of courses already planned. We also have some ideas for Pilgrimages and Sacred Site Retreats later in year. There will be new courses launched - see below for details of the first one, and we will continue to run all the favourites, with the addition of Advanced level modules. Jo will be heading away on her long awaited USA trip, and will come back with more insights, contacts and stories to be shared. We hope that you feel as excited as us to see what 2025 will bring.

2024 ROUND UP

What an amazing year 2024 was and we loved welcoming old and new faces to over a dozen courses. With intermediate levels achieved in both Sound Therapy and Aromatherapy, our students are really advancing in their studies. We saw our first Crystal workshops and Fascia Release Courses launched, and the school regain certification from The Complimentary Medical Association and The Guild of Holistic Therapies. Jo advanced her own studies, gaining further Meditation and Sound certification, and Kirsten gained teaching qualifications in Self Myofascial Release.

NEW COURSE FOR SPRING!!!

April will see the launch of our brand new Hot Stones Massage course. This will be a day course for any massage therapists who would like to add to their skills range. Fully accredited with the Guild of Holistic Therapists, it will include in-depth online studies followed by a full day of practical teaching. Please see our website for further details and prerequisites for this course on 26th April.

COMING UP IN SPRING 2025

The following courses are online and available to book now:

Sunday 9th February - Introduction to Crystals Course (Linlithgow)

Sat 15th & Sun 16th March - Universal Holistic Massage Course (Linlithgow)

Sat 29th & Sun 30th March - Foundation Sound Therapy Course (Linlithgow)

Saturday 26th April - Hot Stone Massage Course (Linlithgow)

Saturday 10th May - Intermediate Aromatherapy Course (Edinburgh)

For full details and booking please head to www.universalschool.co.uk

NEWS FROM JO @ UNIVERSAL HOLISTICS

Things are very busy with both soundbaths and treatments, and it is recommended to book your regular sessions as soon as possible if you are looking for a particular date. For February we continued to add in some Monday evenings, along with the regular Wednesday Soundbaths. Due to demand, I have also decided to trial some daytime classes and we have spaces available in a morning class on Monday 11th and Sunday 16th February.

I currently have a special offer on my treatments and this will continue until the end of February. You can choose either a Reflexology session or a Sonic Aura Cleanse for the reduced price of £35 (usually £45). Also my super relaxing 60 minute Holistic Facial is now only £40 (usually £50). The diary is filling up fast so if you would like to take advantage of these discounts, please book soon.

The major exciting news is that at the end of February I will be heading off on my trip of a lifetime to Arizona for my husband and my big birthday year. We plan to visit loads of amazing sacred sites so be sure to keep an eye on the Universal Holistic Facebook page if you'd like to follow our journey.

NEWS FROM KIRSTEN @ GREEN'S HOLISTIC THERAPIES

I am excited to announce that I am now qualified to teach Self Myofascial Release on a 1-2-1 and group basis. I will now be offering regular classes at Yellow Bamboo Yoga to teach you how to get the best from your foam roller, peanut and fascia release ball. To book these sessions either contact me at kirstogreen@hotmail.co.uk or head directly to the Yellow Bamboo website https://yellowbambooyoga.com

Regular Sound & Gong Baths continue monthly at Yellow Bamboo Yoga on a Friday evening, and twice monthly on a Wednesday evening at Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Leith. For more information and to book you can email me or book on the school website.