Wellbeing in Edinburgh’s West End
Hello! I’m Susan and I’m delighted you made it here.
I am a therapeutic, trauma sensitive practitioner with a body positive, all welcome approach. Each session is tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for centring, stress relief, relaxation or relief for aches and pains, in a range of styles and therapeutic modalities. I am a teacher and graduate from the British School of Meditation with a focus on breath based meditation practices, leading us gently into a better understanding of ourselves and how we navigate the tricky terrain of life.
Unfortunately I am not able to accept new clients currently, but head on over to the booking page if you wish to sign up to my waiting list.
What I offer
Therapeutic Massage
Massage is a wondrous gift, albeit I completely own my bias! Don’t just take my word for it, massage is a deeply precious and special thing, for it brings about a reconnection to our bodies, whilst alleviating some of the gnarly holding of life that shows up in our body.
The ways massage helps are infinite and simple. Massage is a nourishing and restorative way to bring back a sense of balance and connection. It creates space where there is tightness.
Healing is not a straight path
Healing from trauma is rarely linear. Some days you feel everything and other days nothing at all.
Trauma-informed massage is not about fixing trauma or promising a cure. Any therapist who claims they can “heal” your trauma is misleading you. Trauma leaves its mark on your nervous system, your body, and your experience of the world, and that cannot be erased.
What massage offers is something different but profoundly important. It is a space held safely by a skilled and qualified practitioner, where your nervous system can pause, your body can reconnect, and you can feel contained, supported, and grounded in the moment.
It all starts with the breath
The gift of a full, nourishing and enlivening breath cannot be underrated. Breath is source of life itself. It connects us to our very essence, and it’s something we do with conscious effort and unconscious effort all at the same time. Meditation is a way of working with the breath consciously, to ground into our bodies, drop into a sense of stasis and connection. If you want to know more about my views and practices on meditation, read more. And if you want to experience some simple, guided meditations follow the link.
How to find me & my availability
You can find me at my own wee therapeutic haven at Palmerston Place, which is based in the heart of Edinburgh’s beautiful West End and short walk from the West End tram stop. Appointments are available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
Accessibility: Please note that I’m based on the second floor and there is no lift available.
If the appointment time or day you are looking for isn’t part of the scheduled hours, it is always worth dropping me a line
25 Palmerston Place
Edinburgh
EH12 5AP
Susan Lancaster
Meet Susan
Accomplished, trauma-informed massage therapist with the best part of 20 years experience under my belt, you can feel safe and reassured in her hands.
Don’t just take my word for it
Here are some reviews from folk who have seen me
★★★★★
I have been coming to see Susan for regular massage for over ten years now. I leave every appointment feeling restored and centred. I especially love the natural essential oils Susan uses during our treatments. I can’t imagine seeing anyone else!
— Emily
★★★★★
My massage was exactly what I was looking for. The whole session was easy and comfortable, with no rushing or pushing - Susan was happy to go at my pace and privacy was well respected. Everything was excellently explained and at no point did I feel lost or unsure of what was happening. I can’t wait to visit again.
— Daniel
★★★★★
Susan provides excellent and thorough neck and shoulder massages that really relieve the neck and shoulder pains that I have experienced. I am now a regular client and would highly recommend Susan Lancaster Therapies. Thank you!
Book a massage
Booking your appointment couldn’t be easier, with a convenient online scheduler. Simply choose your session and duration.
Once booked, if it’s your first appointment, you can complete your pre-treatment questionnaire which you’ll have received in an email from me within a day of your booking. I recommend doing this straight away (meaning you get even more time on the bed).
A bit of a blog
Have a wee mooch at the excerpts and head over to read more if you’re drawn
There is a phenomenal book written by Dr Bessel van der Kolk, psychiatrist and founder of the Trauma Research Foundation, called The Body Keeps the Score. This book has had a profound impact on me, both personally and professionally.
I’ve yet to meet an engaged and informed counsellor, bodywork practitioner, yoga teacher, or similar who hasn’t read it and come away inspired. Most have gained knowledge that sparks a beautiful butterfly effect, improving their practice and deepening their own sense of self.