Who is Gabe Stewart?
Formerly a lifestyle magazine journalist, and award-winning Special Reports Editor at The Scotsman Publications, Gabe Stewart gained a reputation for professionalism, confidentiality and commitment to quality in the media.
Witnessing firsthand the effects of negative stress, Gabe learned how to improve her own well-being, which in turn led her to a change of career.
“I am utterly captivated by, and passionate about, the subject of wellbeing, which was ironically a focus of much of my journalistic output,” says Gabe. “Since my career change and my initial training and experience in massage therapy, I have never tired of the satisfaction brought about by a job well done. In this regard, the ideals I held in my former career have continued on to my new one.”
Gabe’s thirst for knowledge and enthusiasm for massage led her to enrol on the UK's first massage degree-level course (taught by the prestigious Jing Institute of Advanced Massage Training in Brighton, UK) because she was committed to joining an elite band of Jing practitioners who are recognised by many of their medical peers as being among best-qualified and most professional massage therapists in the UK. The Jing Institute is renowned for equipping graduates with a toolbox of various massage techniques from both Eastern and Western traditions, chosen for their efficacy in treating chronic pain.
“Since deepening my knowledge of massage, I have also broadened the scope of my interest in wellbeing overall, to include training and experience in delivering Mindfulness, Shibashi (Tai Chi), Reiki, Fire Circles and Grieftending.” Gabe is now qualified to facilitate Mindfulness sits and Shibashi classes and holds these regularly, both online, in person and in nature.
Qualifications and experience
Gabe was initially trained by renowned New Zealand holistic massage teacher Lolit Gilbert, with whom she attained a merit in the ITEC Diploma in Massage (recognised by the NHS).
She subsequently attained a 91% pass mark from the Jing Institute of Advanced Massage Training in Brighton, England, UK. Her Professional Diploma in Advanced Clinical and Sports Massage qualifies her as an “ACMT”, an Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist. This qualification allows her to practise trigger point therapy, myofascial release (MFR), forearm massage, sports stretching and table shiatsu.
Gabe also has qualifications in pregnancy massage, massage for people with cancer, Neals Yard Remedies holistic facial massage, deep tissue massage, hot stones, Indian head massage and reflexology.
She is also a member of FEDANT, the Federation of AnteNatal Teachers and is qualified to teach the 3-day Knotstressed Pregnancy Massage Training course to qualified professionally practising massage therapists.
Gabe is certified by the The Mindfulness Association (MA) as a teacher qualified to deliver the MA’s 8-week long MBLC (Mindful Based Living Course) and she is trained to facilitate Shibashi classes. She currently holds classes and courses on Mindfulness, Mindfulness in Nature and Shibashi, in person, both indoors and outdoors, and on zoom.
She is a member of the Complementary Therapists Association and is a registered First Aider with St Andrews First Aid.
Gabe's continuing professional development plans for the future also include undertaking more advanced training in Shibashi Tai Chi and in Mindfulness teacher training.
In her spare time, Gabe loves heated discussions in her two book clubs and keeping up to date with the latest in arts and science. She also enjoys rambling, swimming and kayaking.