Specialist trauma informed studio working at the intersection of therapeutic touch and somatic therapies in a welcoming and inclusive space for rest, repair and reconnection.

Welcome to Olive Tree Therapies!

Portrait of André, in autumal woods with backlit sunset, therapist and owner of Olive Tree Therapies

My ethos

Olive Tree Therapies takes its name from a tree deeply rooted in my family and cultural heritage. Across the Mediterranean, olive trees stand as symbols of resilience, peace, and wisdom - qualities I hope you can reconnect with during your time here. This is a space to pause, breathe, and return to yourself; a sanctuary where you can rest, heal, and be cared for away from the demands of a busy world.

As a queer-owned, GSRD/LGBTQI+ and neurospicy affirming practice, Olive Tree Therapies is founded on an actively anti-oppressive, trauma-informed, and person-centred approach to healing. Every session aims to honour the entirety of your being, your whole story, your soma, and your lived experience. My intention is to nurture safeness, compassion, and connection, so you can explore your own capacity for restoration and growth in an environment grounded in respect, equity, and care.

About me

My name is André (he/they) and I’m an experienced integrative therapist with six years of dedicated practice in bodywork, bringing together several touch therapies which include Western styles of massage, Thai massage, somatics and energy work. My work is informed by PolyVagal theory, Yogic & Ayurvedic principles, along with my 12 years of experience working in bereavement and suicide prevention across the charity sector and NHS Scotland. This means that I can offer evidence-based, emotionally intelligent care for complex and layered needs: from chronic pain to nervous system healing to musculoskeletal recovery and rehabilitation.

Western styles of massage that I offer include Deep Tissue, Sports, Swedish, Relaxation, Aromatherapy and Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD).

My qualifications & affiliations

BA (Hons) Psychology and Criminology (Coventry University)
FeltSense Polyvagal Model Certification (live online, Polyvagal Institute - ongoing, to be completed in May 2026)
Somatic Trauma Therapy, 150 hours (Edinburgh, SHT)
Diploma in Complementary Therapies (London, CityLit)
Diploma in Therapeutic Nuad Thai Massage, 150 hours (Chiang Mai, School of Fine Art of Thai Massage)
Table Nuad Thai Massage Level 1 and 2 (Chiang Mai, International Massage School - ITM)
Ayurvedic Massage, Panchakarma and Yoga Therapy, 200 hours total (Kanur, School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma)

Short courses:

Certificate in Advanced Cupping (Chiang Mai, Chatchai Chinese Medicine Clinic)
Deep Tissue Massage (Brighton School of Massage)
Sports Massage Therapy Level III (London School of Massage)
Therapeutic Approaches for Scar Tissue Management (Edinburgh, in-touch Education)
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Glasgow, Gateway Workshops)
Oncology Massage (Glasgow, Cancer Support Scotland)
GROW/L Somatic Method with Abigail Rose Clarke (live online)
Reiki Level II (Lisbon, Portugal)

I am a member of:

Scottish Massage Therapists Organisation (SMTO) membership no. 3347
The Union of Thai Traditional Medicine Society of Thailand membership no. 680000757

I am fully insured by Balens.