Meet the Team

Our six-treatment guarantee

We’ll improve your condition within 6 treatments, or get your money back.*

Stephan Grabner

Stephan originally trained as a nurse, working as an International Business Development Manager before transitioning into holistic therapy. He was inspired to make this change after being successfully treated by an experienced Amatsu therapist in 2015. His recovery from hip and knee problems convinced him to train as a practitioner. Since then, Stephan has trained under renowned instructors, including Jane Langstone, Chris Roworth, and Dennis Bartam, and has taken additional courses in both the UK and Germany.

Qualifications: Registered General Nurse (1986), Amatsu Anma (2016), Amatsu Seitai (2017), Amatsu Shinden (2019), Diploma in Japanese Physical Medicine (2022), Diploma in Japanese Acupuncture (2023), Ozone Therapy & Prolozone (2023), Master AHNF (2024). Fully insured, DBS/CRB checked, and First Aid trained.

Memberships: American Academy of Ozone Therapy, Acupuncture & Acutherapy Council, Nursing & Midwifery Council, International School of Amatsu Japanese Integrated Medicine, Amatsu Orthopathic Association, IGAF e.V.

Experience: Practising Amatsu since 2016, Stephan initially worked part-time, transitioning to full-time in 2019. In 2021, he opened the clinic in Cross Street, Abergavenny, and expanded the clinic in 2022 by collaborating with other practitioners, including Charlotte and Michael. Stephan is dedicated to growing the clinic further.

Personal Motivation: Stephan is passionate about finding solutions to his clients’ health issues. If he cannot help directly, he makes every effort to refer clients to the right specialist. His aim is to help clients achieve optimum health so that every day can be a normal, happy day without pain.

Approach to Treatment: Stephan assesses clients by observing their posture, gait, and shape, as well as conducting muscle and kinesiology tests. He uses a combination of acupuncture, manual therapy, and neural therapy, developing a tailored treatment plan for each individual. His approach is highly flexible, incorporating ozone therapy for enhanced results when needed.

Charlotte Taylor

Charlotte’s journey into holistic therapy began after a car accident left her with chronic pain and bulging discs. Faced with the choice between invasive surgery and heavy medication, Charlotte sought alternative approaches and discovered the benefits of holistic treatment. During the pandemic in 2020, she began studying various therapies, including Qi Gong, which led her to pursue training at the International School of Amatsu Japanese Integrated Medicine. In 2021, Charlotte moved to Abergavenny and found Stephan’s Amatsu approach to be highly beneficial, eventually deciding to train under his mentorship.

Qualifications: Japanese Diplomas in Amna and Sekkotsu, Reiki Level 1 & 2, Phlebotomy, Vaccination Injections and Inoculations.

Experience: Charlotte has been practising Amatsu for two years and has committed to continue her training to enhance her skills and expertise. She has also been qualified in Reiki since 2022 and is trained in phlebotomy and vaccinations.

Approach to Treatment: Charlotte’s approach to Amatsu leans towards traditional Japanese methods, incorporating battlefield medicine techniques that date back 2,000 years. She aims to make every session personal and bespoke to the individual, creating an ambient environment with sound, light, and aromas for relaxation. Charlotte blends her Reiki skills with Amatsu techniques, enhancing the healing experience for her clients.

Personal Motivation: Charlotte’s personal experience with chronic pain drives her passion for holistic therapies. She finds great joy in witnessing her clients’ transformation and takes immense pride in every positive review she receives. Charlotte is deeply motivated by her clients’ trust and continues to develop her unique blend of holistic medicine.

Michael Cordel

Michael has over 30 years of experience in acupuncture and holistic therapies. Before becoming an acupuncturist, Michael worked in the care sector, supporting individuals with learning disabilities. He graduated from the International College of Oriental Medicine in West Sussex in 1992, and his practice has taken him across Ireland and the UK, including Kilkenny, Scarborough, and North Yorkshire. Michael is also a Dru Yoga teacher, offering classes in Monmouthshire for the past eight years.

Qualifications: Licentiate of Acupuncture (Lic. Ac.), Certificate of SeoGuem Therapy, Acupuncture and Acutherapy Council Member, DRU Yoga Teacher Diploma, DRU Breath Coach Certificate, DPN Member (Dru Professional Network).

Experience: Michael has been practising acupuncture, including Microsystem Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, since 1991. He integrates traditional and modern acupuncture techniques with massage therapy, making his sessions a comprehensive experience. Michael also teaches general yoga classes, focusing on promoting well-being through movement and breath.

Approach to Treatment: Michael aims to understand a client’s complaint while appreciating their constitution through observation and discussion. He ensures that clients are informed throughout the process and encourages feedback during treatment to optimise comfort and outcomes. Michael’s approach integrates traditional acupuncture methods with modern techniques, such as AcuNova, and uses non-invasive alternatives like magnets and warming devices when appropriate.

Personal Motivation: Michael’s interest in acupuncture began with a desire for a more holistic approach to medicine, one that views the human body as more than just a collection of physical parts. He is motivated by the transformative power of acupuncture and finds great satisfaction in seeing clients live healthier, happier lives without pain or physical restrictions.

Dr Claire Marie Thomas

Dr Claire Marie Thomas is a GP with a passion for women’s health, menopause, and lifestyle medicine. She helps women navigate hormonal transitions with confidence, offering clear, compassionate and evidence-based supportive methods.

At Amatsu Clinic, Claire leads The Conscious Menopause Clinic, offering doctor-led consultations designed to help women feel informed, balanced and supported through midlife.

Outside of practice, she enjoys life in Monmouthshire with her family — embracing creativity, adventure and the outdoors.

Qualifications: MRCGP, MBChB, BMedSci (Hons), DFSRH, DTMH, DipNLP.

Experience: Claire brings a rich blend of clinical expertise from GP practice, women’s health, sexual & reproductive medicine, lifestyle medicine, and global health projects. She leads The Conscious Menopause Clinic at Amatsu Clinic — offering doctor-led menopause consultations designed to help women feel informed, balanced and supported through midlife. Alongside her clinical work, she contributes to health-technology and wellbeing education initiatives that encourage people to take charge of their health.

Approach to Treatment: Claire’s approach combines medical science with a compassionate, holistic outlook. She focuses on evidence-based guidance while also supporting lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep, movement, and emotional wellbeing. Her consultations are warm, clear and deeply personalised, helping women understand their bodies and choose treatment paths that align with their needs. Claire bridges traditional medical insight with a whole-person philosophy, ensuring her clients feel heard, informed, and confident.

Personal Motivation: Inspired by her own experiences as a mother and by the women she meets in practice, Claire is committed to creating a supportive space for women during one of life’s most transformative transitions. She finds joy in helping clients rediscover balance, confidence and self-understanding. Outside the clinic, Claire enjoys life in Monmouthshire with her family — embracing adventure, creativity, and the outdoors, which continually nurture her passion for wellbeing and mindful living.

Helen Cahalane

Helen studied Psychology at York University before building a varied career supporting people across social care, the NHS, advocacy and the third sector. This varied experience has given Helen a broad understanding of the many ways that life experiences, circumstances, lifestyle and individual choices can influence health and wellbeing.

Qualifications: BSc (Hons), ND (DipCNM), mGNC. Helen has practised as a Naturopath for many years, having qualified with the College of Naturopathic Medicine (CNM) in 2013.

Memberships: General Naturopathic Council (GNC), General Council and Register of Naturopaths (GCRN), Society of Naturopaths (SoN), Complementary & Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT), Naturopathic Nutrition Association (NNA), Federation of Nutritional Therapy Practitioners (FNTP).

Experience: Helen's professional background has included working with young people, older people, people experiencing mental health concerns, people with disabilities, refugees, looked-after children, homeless people and ex-offenders. She has also worked in health promotion, preventative medicine, charity leadership, advocacy and local-authority change management. As a Naturopath she works with adults and young people seeking support with a wide range of health and wellbeing concerns, with particular areas of interest including energy, fatigue and sleep; gut and digestive health; hormonal and endocrine health; blood sugar and metabolic health; low mood, stress and anxiety; skin concerns; immune and post-viral health; and supporting people who are managing existing health concerns. She also works with people who want to optimise their general wellbeing or support particular goals, such as pre-conception health, sport and fitness.

Approach to Treatment: Helen's approach is holistic, tailored and client-centred. She takes time to listen to each individual, understand their health history and explore the physical, emotional, lifestyle and environmental factors that may be contributing to how they feel. Rather than focusing on one symptom in isolation, Helen considers the whole person. She has a strong functional-medicine perspective and can draw on a broad naturopathic toolkit including nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, nutraceuticals, homeopathy, Bach flower remedies and principles from traditional Chinese medicine.

Personal Motivation: Helen's aim is to help people develop a deeper understanding of their health, recognise patterns that may be affecting their wellbeing, and feel more informed and empowered about the health and lifestyle choices available to them.

Mark Rees ANP RN, RM, IP

Mark Rees is an experienced Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Independent Prescriber with more than 23 years of independent practice. His background spans urgent care, GP out-of-hours, walk-in centres, A&E, occupational health and primary care support, giving him a broad clinical perspective and a calm, practical approach to patient care.

Qualifications: Mark is a Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife and Independent Prescriber, with an MSc in Advanced Nurse Practice and further training in occupational health, specialist practice and management. He is also experienced with clinical systems including System One, Emis, Vision and Adastra.

Experience: His career has included senior operational and clinical roles across primary and secondary care, as well as leadership responsibilities in service improvement, governance, quality assurance and team management. Mark has also contributed to urgent care and hospital avoidance work, helping to improve patient flow, triage and access to the right level of care.

Personal Motivation: Mark brings a strong commitment to high-quality care and a practical focus on helping services run effectively for the benefit of patients. He is known for being collaborative, resilient under pressure and focused on achieving the best outcomes for the people he supports.

Approach to Treatment: Mark combines clinical expertise with a structured, patient-centred approach, aiming to deliver safe, effective care tailored to individual needs. His background in urgent care and occupational health supports a confident, efficient style, while his experience in service leadership helps ensure treatments are delivered with professionalism and attention to detail.