Nikol Sova, RCST
Originally from the Czech Republic, I moved to the UK in the late 90's and started public service interpreting in 2001. Over the 20 years of my practice I have witnessed human beings in almost all possible situations - giving birth, dealing with physical and mental illnesses, surviving accidents, fighting at court trials, facing imprisonment or dying. It wasn't my linguistic skill only which helped me to become a sought-after interpreter but my ability to hold a non-judgemental, neutral space and my capacity to deal with professionals and clients from very different backgrounds. I believe this has greatly helped me to gain basic understanding of human existence.
In 2006 I survived a potentially fatal accident. My serious injuries were fixed through conventional medicine but there was no help available for the emotional and physical pain. Daily serious headaches limited my life greatly. I found no relief in medication but eventually I realised that my body responded well to the love, care and attention I could provide it through meditation. I learnt to witness the turmoil of my painful existence. As a consequence, I noticed that deep in my body, there was health and stillness I was able to access; a concept recognised and embraced in craniosacral therapy.
Through my meditation practice I experienced my first spiritual opening. I experienced blissful moments but I also felt lost, desperate and scared by the power of the universe. Then, I understood that I had to learn basic energy principles, grounding, centering and balance.
In 2010 I started studying with William Bloom and subsequently assisted him on his courses. I also attended East London Buddhist Centre regularly.
Around the same time I also began to learn taichi and gi gong. I am lucky to have highly experienced teachers and my daily practice helps me to deal with my own and my client's challenges. I believe that energy management and self-care are essential skills for a person to learn and I am happy to assist and share my knowledge and contacts with my clients.
Several years ago, I understood that I needed to use my experience and share my knowledge with others. In 2014 I finished my craniosacral training at the popular Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust in London.
I am a registered member of the Craniosacral Therapy Association (CSTA) and practise in Upper Clapton, East London. I follow the biodynamic approach to craniosacral therapy which respects the pace set by the client's own body. CSTA sets high standards of training. As a registered practitioner, I am subject to the CSTA's Code of Ethics in Practice and Continuing Professional Development. My craniosacral training included 200 supervised client hours, training clinic experience, and qualification in anatomy and physiology. It is recognised by the International Affiliation of Biodynamic Trainings (IABT). Regular postgraduate courses improve my professional development and allow me to use the latest approaches in my work.
I follow and resonate with the teachings of my colleagues Michael Shea, Cherionna Menzam, Katherine Ukleja and Steve Haines.
Postgraduate Trainings
The Significance of Polyvagal Theory for Touch and Somatic Therapies with Dr Stephen Porges, 2022
Neurobiology of Attachment, NICABM’s course, 2021
The True Purpose of your Soul Journey, Dr William Bloom, 2021
Fluid and Cosmos: Exploring Bio-Intelligence with Continuum, Cherionna Menzam-Sills, 2019
Behind the Smile: Cranial Nerves, Katherina Ukleja DO, 2018
A Primordial Anatomy: Deepening Into Fluid Embryo Intelligence with Continuum, Cherionna Menzam-Sills PhD, 2018
Trauma and Healing: An Exploration of Mental Illness, Addiction and Disease, Dr Gabor Mate, May 2017
Journeys Down the Oxytocin Highway: Exploring the Vagus Nerve, Cherionna Menzam-Sills, 2017
Embodied Mindfulness and Experiential Neuroscience, Candice Marro and Dr Elena Antonova, 2017
Ignition and The Midline, Michael Shea PhD, 2016
The Embryo In Us, Dr Jaap Van Der Wal, 2016
The Gut-Heart-Brain Connection: Mesenteric Arteries, Michael Shea PhD, 2016
The Face, The Base and Embodies Compassion, Michael Shea PhD, 2015
Stress - The Modern Day Plague, Katherina Ukleja DO, 2015
Primary Respiration and The Fluid Body, Michael Shea PhD, 2015
Embodying Embryology and Continuum Movement Exploration, Cherionna Menzam-Sills PhD, 2015
The Fluid Body - A Continuum Movement Exploration, Cherionna Menzam-Sills PhD, 2015
Presence and Healing Trauma, Suzanne Scurlock-Durana, 2014
Pelvic Power, Sarah Nesling, 2014
Hands on Trauma, Katarine Ukleja DO, 2014
Undegraduate Training
Craniosacral Therapy Educational Trust, London, 2012-2014