Ansdell House Clinic

ob graduated from the British School of Osteopathy (BSO) in 1998 with his honours degree in Osteopathy. This followed a previous career in vetinary pharmaceuticals. The change of career was prompted by a sudden change in family circumstances and a review of the situation caused him to go back to his teenage desire to be an Osteopath- so back to university at forty-something! Born in 1951 to a father who was a plastic surgeon and mother who had been a theatre sister he was no stranger to medical life. Rob views Osteopathy as the gentle alternative that really works for the relief of pain and the re-establishing of normal function. Rob prides himself that his treatments are not painful. Rob always felt drawn towards the healing profession, but early insight into conventional medicine was not appealing. Discovering that osteopathy treats the problem, not just the symptoms, made it the profession of choice. Since the day he decided to change his career to osteopathy, he has not regretted a single second and believes that he has achieved his reason d’etre.

Yassien (call him Yaz) was raised in London, where he took an early interest in working in healthcare. His particular interest in natural, non invasive methods of maintaining and improving health led him to study at the British College of Naturopathy and Osteopathy (now known as the British College of Osteopathic Medicine). Yaz achieved a BSc (Hons) in Osteopathic Medicine and a Diploma in Naturopathic Medicine in 2003. Soon afterwards, Yaz left London; moving first to the East Midlands and then, in March 2006, to Lytham St Annes, where he joined Rob’s expanding practice at the Ansdell House Clinic. Since graduating, Yaz has continued to extend his knowledge and skills, having successfully completed post graduate courses in Cranial Osteopathy and The Perrin Technique™ for the osteopathic treatment of ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. He has also been taught by renowned osteopaths John Wernham and Laurie Hartman. He is particularly interested in the variety of conditions that can be osteopathically treated, and is keen to express that osteopathy is not just for back pain

Mark graduated from Edinburgh Foot Hospital and School of Chiropody in 1983 with meritorious awards in surgery and podiatric medicine. Upon graduation, he took up appointment with Fife Health Board as a Senior Chiropodist at Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy where he worked until 1989, predominately in the field of elderly care and rehabilitation. During this period he instigated clinical research and trials for a leading cryosurgical manufacturer for the treatment of cutaneous conditions such as verrucae and minor skin tumours, which led to a two-year appointment based in the USA. He has worked extensively in the NHS and in private practice and regularly contributes to the media on matters relating to podiatry and foot health. He has served as a Council member for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists – the leading professional body in the UK – and has contributed to parliamentary debates on podiatry within the NHS in both Holyrood and Westminster. He has a special interest in paediatrics and the developing foot and a substantial part of his practice is geared towards the management of underlying gait problems and biomechanics. Mark is a keen climber and hill-walker and plays badminton competitively in the local league in Lytham St Annes. In his spare time he writes extensively on professional matters and more recently has been compiling a book of poetry and a novel based on his climbing experiences.

Susan trained at the College of Osteopathy and Middlesex University in London where she gained a BSc Honours degree in Osteopathy. Whilst living in London, Susan was asked to teach osteopathy and homeopathy to final year acupuncture students at the London College of Traditional Acupuncture where she spent the next 3 years. She also has a BSc Honours degree in Health Sciences (Homeopathy), together with qualifications in Indian Head Massage, Reflexology and Flower remedies, where she practiced in several London clinics for a number of years before a move to Lancashire. Susan is married and has 2 grown up children and enjoy researching their family tree (www.feetham.com) and visiting historical/national trust sites. Susan has trained at the London College of Classical Homeopathy and Westminster University in London, Susan gained a BSc Honours degree in Health Sciences (Homeopathy). Also trained in Indian Head Massage, Reflexology and Flower remedies, Susan practiced in London clinics for a number of years before moving to Lancashire.

John worked for some years in his family business, retailing angling equipment. He also worked as a musician. In the late 1970’s he took an interest in psychology, and he trained as a cognitive psychotherapist with a consultant psychiatrist in a health service setting. This experience led him to seek academic qualification, and he studied psychology at Bolton Institute of Higher Education where he gained his degree with honours. With some 5 years experience as a cognitive therapist, and a degree in psychology he went on to form the consultancy that he still continues to operate. At the same time he commenced his training as a hypnopsychotherapist. Following this training he joined the board of the training establishment, serving as senior tutor for approximately 3 years. John continued to run his consultancy, where his skills were employed chiefly in the treatment of anxiety, and the symptoms and behaviours arising from it. He also enriched his knowledge and skills on many short courses. In the early 1990’s he embarked on a course of study of neuro-linguistic programming, emerging from it as a Master Practitioner. In addition he ran training groups helping people to deal with their stress levels by self-treatment and, even more importantly, prevention. In the 1990’s John studied for his Master’s degree in applied psychology at the University of Manchester, graduating in 1990. At this time, he was running stress clinics for some local GP’s, and his master’s dissertation was a study of the efficacy of hypnotherapy/psychotherapy in a primary care setting. This study revealed some very interesting results, and forms part of the basis for his treatments. John has worked in many settings with many issues. For instance, he has worked in palliative care, using his skills to help cancer patients by easing the side effects of chemotherapy. He also helps patients with irritable bowel syndrome to find relief from their symptoms. John continues to work in his consultancy, which has been running since 1984, and his time as a therapist extends over 30 years. He is also involved in the training of hypnopsychotherapists.

Kuni came to England during the mid 90’s to study English at Oxford. Since moving to the Fylde coast, Kuni has further developed her skills as a Reiki Master, Reflexologist and trained at the European Shiatsu School in Marlborough. Kuni’s traditional Japanese upbringing and the strong influence of her grandmother stimulated her interest in the holistic approach to treatment and especially to the hands on healing therapy of Shiatsu. Shiatsu works on the body’s vital energy known as ‘Ki’ (pronounced Chi) using acupoints to re-energise and re-balance the body’s energy levels.