About the Authors

Learn more about Celia Johnson and Helen Parkins, the authors of How to be a Successful Therapist.  

Celia Johnson

Celia Johnson has been a professional musician, a nurse, and for the last twenty years, a massage therapist. After graduating from the Royal College of Music she joined the Halle orchestra as a double bass player. Some years later she left the orchestra to train as a nurse. Once qualified, she nursed in most areas of acute care, including Accident and Emergency. She also continued to play the double bass, freelancing with orchestras throughout the UK.

Her time in nursing sparked an interest in complementary therapies, and she trained and qualified firstly with Reflex Zone Therapy, then massage, and Reiki to the level of Master Practitioner.

Finding that complementary therapists rarely seemed to join forces or to share and learn from their working experiences, she soon set up and ran a support group for practitioners in her area. Their many questions sparked the idea of writing the previous edition of this book. Her articles have been published in professional journals such as Positive Health, Massage and Health Review and the International Journal of Theatre Nursing and online for Holisticpro.com. She has given talks on local radio and the BBC.

As well as running a thriving private practice, Celia gives talks and workshops on business skills and also delivers First Aid training. Her wisdom and friendly inclusive approach make her a much sought after speaker and teacher.

For more information about either Celia or Helen, please contact us.

Helen Parkins

Helen Parkins is qualified commercial solicitor turned business advisor. In various guises, she has been advising, training, speaking and writing for nearly twenty years. She is also a qualified MTI and ITEC massage therapist.

The initial driving force behind the ‘one-stop' small business team, Zestworks, Helen today continues to run her own business advising clients in and around London and the south. She is co-author of A Zest for Business and regular contributor to In Touch magazine. A popular speaker, with a practical and de-mystifying approach to the law, she is a partner of the British Library's Business and IP Centre, and runs a series of innovative workshops there for small business owners and entrepreneurs. She has also held similar workshops for local authorities.

The rest of her time is spent working with her clients, ranging from those at start-up stage to those with global presence. Known for her warmth and personable style, Helen combines her extensive experience and expertise to help her clients establish enriching, successful businesses for themselves.

Find out more about "How to be a Successful Therapist"