Massage, Somatics &
Neuro-Affirming
Therapy in Leith

A specialist, queer-owned studio working at the intersection of therapeutic touch and somatic practice. I offer a trauma-informed, inclusive space for all to discover rest, repair, and reconnection

Portrait of André, a somatic bodywork therapist and owner of Olive Tree Therapies, standing in a serene autumnal forest with warm sunset light.

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 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 background allows me to offer a grounded and non-judgmental presence for the varied needs you may bring to our sessions, whether we are working with somatic therapies, movement, or therapeutic touch. My focus is on providing a dependable and steady space where you can feel seen and safely supported across any of the modalities we explore together.

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

My training & affiliations

Core Training & Academic Education

2026 (Expected) – FeltSense Polyvagal Model Certification (Polyvagal Institute – Live Online)
2025 – Diploma in Therapeutic Nuad Thai Massage (School of Fine Art of Thai Massage – Chiang Mai)
2024 – Somatic Trauma Therapy Certification (SHT – Edinburgh)
2023 – Ayurvedic Massage, Panchakarma and Yoga Therapy (School of Ayurveda and Panchakarma – Kanur)
2022 – Master of Arts (MA) in Photography & Filmmaking (Glasgow School of Art)
2019 – Diploma in Complementary Therapies (CityLit – London)
2016 – Samaritans Listening Volunteer (Central London Samaritans – London)
2010 – BA (Hons) Psychology and Criminology (Coventry University)

Short Courses & Specialized Modalities

2026 – Therapeutic Approaches for Scar Tissue Management (in-touch Education – Edinburgh)
2025/2025 – Table Nuad Thai Massage Level 1 & 2 (ITM – Lisbon/Milan)
2025 – Certificate in Advanced Cupping (Chatchai Chinese Medicine Clinic – Chiang Mai)
2023 – Reiki Level II (Shanti Terapias Holisticas – Lisbon)
2020 – Oncology Massage (Cancer Support Scotland – Glasgow)
2020 – Manual Lymphatic Drainage (Gateway Workshops – Glasgow)
2020 – Sports Massage Therapy Level III (London School of Massage)
2020 – Deep Tissue Massage (Brighton School of Massage)

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.

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