What is Therapies United?

This project was initially established in 2005 for the Maggie's Centre in Edinburgh - to help staff signpost anyone using the Maggie's centre (eg people with cancer and their families/friends) to complementary therapists who could help support them to help reduce stress levels and improve their sense of wellbeing.

Lorraine Murray, a qualified therapist and teacher of therapies is the 'founder' of Therapies United and manages the register. She worked at Maggie's Centre in Edinburgh helping them to run their stress and relaxation sessions and noticed that there wasn't a comprehensive resource of complementary therapies available, though 90% of people using the centre asked about this option.

She runs her own company, Feel Good Therapies Ltd which offer training and products in health and wellbeing. www.ilovefgt.com

Unlike many web directories, we take the time to check out insurance, professional credentials and any other important information that therapists declare when they join the register. We ensure that insurance details are kept updated too.

The register is available to you and everyone else who wishes to find a professional, screened therapist in Scotland. Special rates are offered to people who are connected/use the facilities of our Partnership Organisations. Therapists opt in to offer flat-rate treatments to people on a low income.

A quick tour through history...

• August 2005 - website register is established for Maggie's Centre Edinburgh
• September 2005 - first therapists start to join Therapies United
• November 2005 - first request from a company to organise therapy staff session
• January 2006 - Sick Kids Hospital drop in centre becomes a Partner
• June 2006 - Positive Voice for HIV becomes a Partner
• November 2006 - Therapies United wins an award from Scotland Unltd to support the project
• August 2006 - Maggie's Centres throughout Scotland request to have register in their area
• August 2007 - Therapies United requested to proof Breast Cancer Care leaflet on complementary therapies - and is now listed in this national publication
• May 2008 - Therapies United is now featured in the SAMH for mental health leaflet on complementary therapies - SAMH are also now a Partner Organisation of Therapies United too.

The register is open to everyone who wants to find a therapist in their local area - individuals and organisations. We've supported companies and schools throughout Scotland with therapy taster days and talks on therapies.

We were really fortunate to receive funding from Scotland Unltd to help support the register. It is also funded by the administration fee from the therapists who join and lots of volunteered time from some very helpful people!

We welcome opportunities to form Partnerships with organisations, schools and companies - to bring many benefits to your organisation and staff. Please contact us for details.

Benefits of Using Therapies United

Our therapists have a wide range of experience, skill and are committed to supporting people with their health and wellbeing. Here are some of the reasons you might benefit from using Therapies United to find a therapist:

• Free to Browse... you can simply browse through the register and look at our therapists' profiles and contact them direct with your enquiry - by e-mail or telephone.
• Tailored Search Feature - our search feature helps you to filter or widen your search depending upon your needs. Finding someone with specialist training or local to you is easy.
• Informed Choice - giving you more confidence in finding a professional therapist, knowing that they have been screened for their credentials and insurance as part of the registration process.
• Therapies in Plain English - with such a wider range of therapies on offer, we give you a brief and simple explanation of each therapy.

• Discounted Treatments - through our Partners, you may be able to receive a discounted rate. Or if you are on a low income you may qualify for low income sessions. We often run special offers so it is worthwhile subscribing to our e-newsletter to be kept informed.
• Healthy Living Tips - our therapists write articles to help you know more about what can support your health issues and further explain the therapies they practise. Our e-newsletter also includes useful health information too.
• Helping others - our mission is that we support the community and we will support fundraising where possible and contribute to charity. To date £300 has been donated to various charities so far including... Barnardos, Maggies Centre, Scottish Community Foundation, Marie Curie and Childline.