By Tracy Jackson - Counsellor and Practice Manager at The Practice Rooms in Exeter
Leaving the High Street in Exeter and heading up the gentle cobbled slope towards Exeter Castle, you pass the secluded blue door of The Practice Rooms, amongst the bespoke shops and café. It is ideally located within close proximity to Central station, the bus station, and many city centre car parks making it convenient for both practitioners and clients, whilst at the same time, the street has a quiet, relaxed feel.
As you enter the building, walking up the stairs onto the first-floor landing you feel the calm and tranquillity that seems to run through the centre. Although part of a larger network of Rooms that equally have the same eloquent touch and styling you can feel the individual heartbeat created by our wonderful practitioner’s care for their clients and the space. I first started practicing at the rooms as a counsellor working with students for the University of Exeter and instantly became aware of one of the many jewels within these rooms - the therapist’s kitchen. Although all the practitioners work in private practice there is a real sense of community, chat, laughter, and friendship naturally happening in this area.
When the opportunity to become Practice Manager arose it was a position I was instantly drawn to and have been happy to hold for the last two and a half years. During this time, I have seen lots of great changes in our online diary, website and supporting our practitioners. I have gained insight into many amazing therapies both talking and holistic finding it a privilege The Practice Rooms plays a part in supporting the Wellbeing of the local community.
Our rooms are housed in an 18th-century building over three floors and a basement. With two staircases, quirky landings, and beautiful features, we have eleven rooms, some with sinks, two with facilities for treatment couches and some covered by an acupuncture licence. Although our rooms have similar elegant décor they vary in size and have their own unique character. Some practitioners seem drawn to certain rooms whereas I find myself drawn to different rooms depending on my day.
Outside of our rooms just a short wall away there is all the energy of a vibrant shopping area with Exeter housing some of the big high street brands like John lewis, Zara, Levis, All Saints and Pandora. If you take a stroll in the opposite direction you will find the lovely little Gandy Street full of quaint boutique style shop, small independent cafes and food stores. Although Exeter is a city there are many quiet gardens as well as the Castle grounds where you can allow yourself a peaceful moment or you can take a walk down to the canal to find many eateries, walks along the waterside or even hire a canoe and paddle up to the Double Locks.
