Welcome. I am Andrea Hobbs – a Wild Therapy and Art Therapist and meditation coach. I offer individual and group work for adults of all ages. My approach is intuitive and creative, with a deep connection to the natural world we are part of. Life can be complex and we’re not meant to do it alone. I work with you to co-create a space where you can mend at your own speed, and in your own way.
My events page on my website will tell you about workshops, current groups and residentials coming up, either facilitated by me alone, or with friends and colleagues who are like-minded.
Here is a little information about what I can offer you:
Wild Therapy
1-hour long one2one sessions outside in the ancient woodland very close to my home. Alternative outdoor spaces can be negotiated, or if accessing inclines and muddy paths is difficult for you. If weather is very challenging then I may use a quiet space in my house instead, but this would be exceptional.
Wild Therapy brings wildness, spontaneity, boundlessness, and freedom for those of us who prefer being outside in nature. It is suitable for anyone who may find a traditional therapeutic approach narrow, constraining or intense, or just wants something different. Wild Therapy is usually conducted outdoors. It allows emotional healing and growth supported by the wild environment. Our more-than-human and other-than-human companions on the planet. You can read more about Wild Therapy here.
I chose this way of working as it challenges traditional norms of sitting in a room which I found uncomfortable and un-natural, and contributed to my choosing not to pursue a career in a clinical setting. We can weave an Art Therapy approach into sessions when desired: opening up the possibility to explore through making things from natural found objects, or taking materials out into the open. This way of working provides a tactile and visual way to facilitate self-exploration and is not just for people who see themselves as artistic or ‘creative.’
Both Wild therapy and Art Therapy bring in the ‘something other’, encouraging a dialogue with something external but connected to you, rather than being focussed on just talking. As your therapist, my role is to walk alongside you on your journey to improve your emotional wellbeing, resolve emotional challenges, and help you to discover for yourself a greater sense of peace and acceptance. Unsure if Wild and Art Therapy is for you? Why not get in touch and book a short ‘taster’ session?
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Mind Calm Meditation
Small groups or individual meetings: (usually) 6-week introductory course. Meetings last around 1.5 hours and include learning talks, instructional techniques, and a period of silent meditation to introduce you to the Mind Calm approach.
Individual meetings are held at my own home, or in specific circumstances, at your own home (e.g., for health or access reasons).
One-off group workshops are sometimes available.
Groups are held at local venues and therefore charges vary according to venue costs.
Mind Calm meditation can help you to be less distracted by a busy mind, experience better sleep, cope with life’s stresses more calmly and have more peace in life.
Mind Calm is not affiliated to any specific religion or philosophy but does have a wide spiritual intent. You will not be asked to sign up to or arrive with any particular belief. Meditation is particularly helpful if you suffer from endless thinking (a busy mind), sleeplessness, or if you’re just feeling that life is OK but not great, and you’d like to feel more content, peaceful or happy.
Once you have completed the introductory course, you are welcome to join any local regular groups that are running. Meditating as a group is extremely supportive and helps us all to take the time out from our busy lives. I have been meditating on and off for over 30 years, and with more commitment for the last 10 years, exploring different methods in that time. I chose Mind Calm as it makes meditation accessible to everyone and anyone, and it’s so quick to learn and easy to understand; it’s fun, and it can really make a difference to your life.
See Events on the website for more details and dates.
In the summer, meditation groups are sometimes held outside in the beauty of Teesdale
Card Readings
1.5 hours approximately at my home in a quiet private space. Or readings are also available online too, so you can access this service from wherever you live.
Readings are not recorded, so you may wish to take your own notes.
For an additional charge, I offer a digital coloured drawing of your reading. This can help to integrate the messages you receive, and means you can carry it around with you for a while on your phone, tablet or as your screen saver on your PC. Drawings usually take 2-3 weeks to completion and are not immediately available.
I offer personal insight card readings rather than premonition or ‘future forecasting’. I see myself as a translator of the message that comes to you through the cards from your own wisdom, or Higher Self. A card reading can help you to clarify where you are in life, validate your own intuitive ‘hits’, help you to make better decisions for yourself, or reassure you that you are on the right path.
For sessions I currently use a combination of card decks: a modern-day Tarot deck that is based on the 4 elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth rather than the traditional symbols by Radleigh Valentine, and a super-simple Insights deck created at Findhorn. From time to time, I may use other decks, depending on your own preferences.
I am a spiritual being, but not a religious one. Since my young adulthood, I have explored the alternative, mysterious and intuitive side of life as a human. My self-exploration has always included card decks for inspiration and guidance.
Other Stuff
I am available as a celebrant, or facilitator, for weddings, naming ceremonies, funerals and other family ceremonies. I am very open and will be guided entirely by your own vision and ideas. I also bring my own intuition, creativity and imagination to the process of shaping your ceremony.
My very personal approach leans into our human need for connection, healing through ritual or ceremony, and an alternative approach to celebrating our life-cycles. Please contact me for a ‘no commitment’ chat to find out what is possible.
Groups – indoors and outdoors
My small one-off Calm Craft sessions that I run indoors or outdoors across County Durham and North Yorkshire (within reasonable travel distance). These groups usually begin with a very light touch relaxation/mini meditation exercise, followed by a simple craft or creative project that everyone can have a go at. Please contact me for more details and discussion about what you want. Prices will vary and depend on materials and travel required. Charities and not-for-profits will be offered a reasonable rate.
Highly Qualified
Andrea has a BA (Hons) degree in art and design, and went on to qualify as an Art Therapist, gaining a Post-graduate Diploma in Art Therapy in 1993. Having worked in varied social care and voluntary roles since 1989, with children and adults across England, Scotland and in Romania, Andrea has spent the last 20 years working in the voluntary sector, mostly as a charity manager.
In 2021, she turned her attention back to her art and therapeutic skills, running her Calm Craft groups, and qualifying as a Wild Therapist in 2023. She is also an accredited Mind Calm Coach with best selling author Sandy Newbigging’s Mind Detox Academy.
Andrea completed a Hypnotherapy training in 2007 (non-practising), and followed a Hay House card reading course online in 2020-21, with sessions from Denise Linn, Radleigh Valentine and Kyle Gray.
She is a part-time charity manager and an artist and textile crafter. She lives close to Barnard Castle with her husband, dog and chickens.
Andrea is a registered to practice Wild Therapy, and is accredited with the Federation of Holistic Therapists as a Mind Calm Coach. She is in the process of re-registering as an Art Therapist. She is insured through Holistic Insurance Services. Andrea has an enhanced DBS check for both adults and children (refreshed annually)
How to Get in Touch
Individual support requires you to get in touch, which you can do here or directly by email to support@andreahobbs.co.uk
Although my offers are stand-alone methods, all three can be blended fluidly together if this appeals to you.
It can be difficult to make that first move to reach out for support. I offer a no obligation by phone or on-screen short chat to make sure that I am offering what you need, and to make any practical arrangements required for your safety and comfort.
You can enjoy my regular blog which you will find here
Pop onto the website for all prices and timeframes, which are provided as a guide only. Travel and ‘walk-in’ times at different outdoor spaces may require longer sessions.
I am delighted to launch today the new biodegradable organic soap packaging.
We have been working away in the background to improve the soap packaging and are really excited to launch them right now. Just in time for Christmas!
We wanted to continue, of course, with having our organic soaps wrapped with biodegradable labels with eco friendly inks too. So I took my time to get it right for you – our valuable customers.
Skin Nourishing
Your favourite soaps will still be the same inside the biodegradable packaging, made with organic carrier oils, essential oils, herbs and petals. Super cleansing on skin, but also deeply nourishing and moisturising on skin. Extremely gentle too for sensitive skins.
The soaps are very long lasting and so kind to the environment, your skin and to your pocket too, a great combination!
Organic Gift Boxes
All our Gift boxes will have the new look soaps. We are trying really hard to catch up on all our new online soap photos at this busy time. Doesn’t everything happen at the same time! But you can be assured all Organic Gift Boxes and Soaps going out will have our new look. So you can order with confidence.
I always really value your feedback so I am looking forward to what you think of our new look organic soaps. Pop your comments her or on social media alternatively feel free to email or call me with your feedback.
With everyone feeling the effects of rising costs we are very proud to bring you the best quality ingredients in the purest products. Working as a small business I can pass on the benefits of small production, along with the attention to detail for each and every customer. Thank you all for your continuing support.
20% off Organic Soaps til midnight tonight
With perfect timing you can also enjoy 20% off our Organic Soap today (5th December) til midnight!
You will LOVE our new biodegradable organic soap packaging in your christmas stocking!
Remember you can carrying on saving up until 12th December with a special offer each day for all orders placed
We are launching our Spectacular 12 days of organic Christmas promotion for 2022
All you lovely customers are now very used to enjoying taking the benefit of our annual pre-Christmas offer. This year more than ever it is brilliant to save on your favourite organic skincare this Christmas. Here are some savings right here.
Enjoy our 12 days of organic Christmas from the 1st to the 12th of December, we will be running a different deal on each day. The code for each unique promotion will last 24 hours, but it will change everyday at midnight.
Enjoy this fab 12 days of Christmas offers.
The first offer is on Thursday 1st December
We don’t want to spoil the surprise of all the amazing offers we will doing, but for example, one day could be a big discount on a particular item. Then the next could be a free gift with each order!
It’s up to you whether to order on one day, or whether you wait until another day to see if it’s an offer more suited to you!
All we can guarantee is there will be a lot of great promotions that we have never before offered at Organica J. The promotion is a thank you to all our customers, old and new.
The codes will be announced on our Facebook and Instagram pages each day so please make sure to like/follow these accounts.
We hope you manage to get something that’s been on your Christmas list this year in our 12 days of Christmas offers!
Don’t forget you can also be in the draw to WIN a Gift Box of Organic Soaps worth over £50. One lucky customer who orders between now until midnight 12 December will win.
Terms and Conditions:
The codes must be used at the checkout. The codes will be announced daily on our social media channels (Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/OrganicaJ) (Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/organicaj)
The codes are only valid for 24 hours. Customers cannot request to change codes for another day’s code.
It may be the case that some promotion codes will not show up in order confirmation or at the checkout. In such cases, you will be contacted once your order is placed with details about the promotion you have applied for.
We are delighted to introduce three new additions to our I am Calm Range. These gift boxes are a wonderful choice for a gift for someone that wants to welcome more calm into their lives.
You can choose from our three different gift boxes
When more happiness is needed – encourage uplift, emotional balance and deep nurture – this gift box is the perfect way to bring in more joy.
Joy is a blend of rose geranium, petitgrain, bergamot and rose otto essential oils.
Perfect for Vegans and Gluten free
The after shower, bath & body oil can be used on the body as a powerful moisturiser after shower, bath or for massage.
Right now I am really enjoying using these blends on my super sensitive, eczema prone skin – and it is smooth and soft and rash free.
The aromatherapy pulse point roller balls can be easily carried to work or wherever you are. You can reach for the pulse point to bring calm whenever you need it. They are so easy to apply and a little is all you need each application.
These are nicely complemented with a creamy and moisturising organic soap, that skin just loves. Gently cleans and protects and is very long lasting
Each Gift Box Contains: I am Calm After Shower, Bath & Body Oil 50ml, I am Calm Pulse Point Roller Ball, Organic Soap 45g.
All the products are vegan friendly and are gluten free.
Biodegradable packaging
These I am Calm Organic Gift Boxes are presented in a totally biodegradable gift box. It is made from recycled card finished with tissue paper and rafia. Super important for our extremely precious planet.
Perfect for Birthdays, Christmas or indeed any special occasion.
The I am Calm Organic Gift Boxes come to you packaged for you to send them out in the post or to give direct to the lucky recipient.
This month we are focusing on an essential oil blend and being the end of November, this month it just has to be one of our festive blends – although Spicy Heaven is not just for Christmas! Many customers (including myself) just love this blend, all year round. Bringing together Clove, Cinnamon, Frankincense and Sweet Orange, in a great synergy, to create this gorgeous blend. You cannot mention them all together, without hearing Santa’s sleigh!!
You can also enjoy our Orange and Frankincense essential oil blend, which is brings a gentler festive feel.
Here are the top ten uses for this essential oil blend.
a scent that creates a warming feel
can be helpful for digestive issues
can clear the air of airborne unwanted bugs
creates an instant festive feel
calming and relaxing
uplifting and a mental tonic
could be useful for convalescence
before lighting a open fire put just a few drops on the logs to give that awesome scent to your room
add a couple of drops to cones and place in a bowl when you have not an open fire
use for scenting christmas tree decorations – a drop or two is all you need, amazing on your real tree
Please note though that Spicy Heaven essential oil blend is suitable for inhalation only and must not be used on skin.
To bring that festive spicy heaven feel to your home, you can buy it here online now.
For using essential oils for specific medical problems always contact a qualified aromatherapist
Here at Organica J, all of our products are completely natural and cruelty free. However, we now have an increasing number of vegan products in the range. All with recyclable or biodegradable packaging, Here is our top vegan organic aromatherapy products that are on offer at organicaj.com.
A soothing gel for tired, overworked or stressed muscles. It provides relief from aches and pains. The aloe vera gel takes the essential oils into the body to reach the muscles and gently, but effectively ease stresses and strain. Massage the gel gently but firmly for a few minutes into the affected area twice a day for the most effective results. Do not use on face, wash hands after use. Our Muscle Rub is made using the highly acclaimed Deeside Waterwith its scientifically proven benefits. Used by athletes such as cyclists, footballers. Also walkers, and for general muscular aches and pains.
Our Luxurious soaps include organic vegetable oils and essential oils. High percentage of extra virgin olive oil – moisturising and conditioning on skin combined with coconut, sustainable palm and sunflower along with the finest of organic essentai oils. Long lasting and leaving skin clean and silky smooth. Free from preservatives, colourings and animal by-products. Biodegradable packaging – plastic free
You can choose from: Lavender & lavender flowers; Geranium & Rose Petal; Peppermint & Peppermint Leaf; Frankincense & Orange; Meditation; Love; Joy
Our gorgeous and luxurious bath and body oils are heavenly. We have three for you to choose from: Aching Limbs, Restful Evening and Nervous Exhaustion. As a bath oil, add to bath and ‘swirl’ water to help disperse. The essential oils will penetrate the skin and the carrier oils leave the skin feeling smooth, moisturised and well nourished.
Our new luxury After Shower, Bath and Body Oils are a fabulous to relax, uplift, soothe and calm.
Choose from Love (with sweet orange, ylang ylang, patchouli and jasmine); Meditation (frankincense, lavender, sandalwood and vetiver) or Joy (rose geranium, petitgrain, bergamot and rose otto).
The I Am Calm Collection contains some of the ‘Kings’ and ‘Queens’ of aromatherapy oils. These blends are not only vegan, but are nut free and gluten free too. They are an extremely skin softening and moisturising blend. They are just as your aromatherapist would make.
Enjoy the I am Calm Collection range of Love, Meditation and Joy in a roller ball.
Use on pulse points on the neck or wrist when you need to be calm, use this powerful, but gentle blend of aromatherapy organic oils. You can also use on the front of chest too, so that you can also enjoy inhaling the delicate blend. Easy to transport with you anywhere you go. A vegan, nut free, gluten free blend for the ultimate skin experience
Suitable for all hair types. Gentle, effective cleansing and nourishing without chemicals. Great for those with sensitive skins and scalps.
Very delicately infused with uplifting and calming sweet orange and mandarin organic essential oils.
100% organic ingredients. A vegan organic aromatherapy product with a gluten free recipe for the ultimate hair experience. Preservative, SLS and petrochemical free.
Plastic free biodegradable packaging. Choose from 90g and 45g bars
Restful Evening, which can be very useful to aid relax to sleep, Nervous Exhaustion is a blend that can help ease stress and aid with emotional balance. Use on pulse points on the neck or wrist when you need to access the soothing, calming blend of aromatherapy oils. Some of my clients also like using the roller ball on the upper chest area to aid sleep at bedtime.These blends are 100% organic and preservative free – just as your aromatherapist makes.
Our improved Midges and Mozzie Balm. This product has been upgraded with a, we believe, better formula. Try it out for yourself.
So gentle on skin and incredibly soothing. A must have for barbecues, camping trips, hill walking and for all outdoor events, where you may encounter flying insects. Also great for treating bites if you have been bitten already.
Available in three different sizes 15ml, 30ml and 60ml.
All products that Organica J is currently developing are vegan.
These are our top Vegan Organic Aromatherapy Products, but we also have our Aloe Vera Gel, Comfrey Oil Macerate, Organic Carrier oils and all our organic essential oils are perfect for vegans too.
I hope you enjoy our vegan products with recyclable and biodegradable packaging.
Welcome to another of Organica J’s Top Ten Uses! This month I will be focusing on 10 helpful uses for Ylang Ylang essential oil (cananga odorata).
As a clinical aromatherapist, I have used ylang ylang in a lot of treatments! I also have ylang ylang as an important component of my ‘Love’ blend, The name means ‘flower of flowers’, which gives you a clue to its fragrance. It is used a lot in perfumes. As it such a ‘heady’ fragrance, you only need to use a little to have the effect that you require – less is more with this oil.
It has always been traditionally known as an aphrodisiac, which. will be because of its hugely calming, relaxing properties, but pigeon holing this oil is a mistake, it has so many applications. It is simply a fantastic addition to a blend. My favourite mix – in my ‘Love’ Blend is sweet orange, ylang ylang, patchouli and jasmine. These oils just have a fabulous synergy together.
Here are my opinion of the top ten uses of beautiful ylang ylang
1. Softens and balances moisture in the skin 2. May help to reduce high blood pressure 3. Calming for anxiety and shock. 4. Stabilising when you are feeling emotions of anger or rage 5. Gently, but powerfully uplifting 6. Can be useful for sexual issues that arise from anxiety. 7. Can be helpful for moderating menstrual mood swings 8. It blends well with many oils, such as clary sage, lavender, neroli, frankincense and rose geranium.
9. Can be very helpful to aid relaxation and so sleep.
10. it is a reputed aphrodisiac, perfect to use in a sensual blend.
The ylang ylang essential oil that I have in stock is from Madagascar. There are four or five distillation grades of Ylang ylang, these are premier, extra, first, second and third. I like to use the ‘complete’ ylang ylang, which is a blend of ylang ylang extra and grade 1 and 2. Which allows it to be more economic and accessible, but I feel, with no real compromise to the quality of the oil.
Ylang ylang has a powerful floral and sweet fragrance
The tropical tree is mainly found in Indonesia and Madagascar and flowers all year around in these climates. It is a light yellowish colour liquid.
If you wish to use this oil on skin always blend in a carrier oil, as a rough guide 1 drop of blend to 5ml of carrier oil
If you feel this would be a useful oil for you, you can buy organic Ylang Ylang Essential Oil from Organica J.
For using essential oils for specific or complex medical problems always contact a qualified aromatherapist or check with your GP.
After the heat, or for some of us, its still warm out there. Do you need help with summer insects and insect Bites, if they are a problem for you? Here are some aromatherapy tips and possible solutions for you
Its that time of the year when all insects and bugs are aplenty and we are spending more time out of doors than we probably normally do, so are more at risk from insect bites.
So, firstly some oils you can use to repel insects – citronella, tea tree, peppermint,lemongrass, lavender , lemon scented tea tree, bog myrtle and thyme. Of this list tea tree and lavender is a great treatment for bites too. If you don’t want to blend up your own oils, we have our own Midges & Mozzie Balm ready made that can do the trick. You you can simply pop a jar into your rucksack, or have on the table when you have your BBQ to get the problem sorted. The Balm comes in four different sizes. Midges and Mozzie Balm is great for treating insect bites too.
I have had customers embarking on a test of the balms this week (along with some other products such as garlic tablets and B vitamins) on their holidays. So I will let you know how they get on with everything.
But if you wish to blend your own mix – a suggested blend to repel insects such as midges, flies etc is citronella 8 drops, tea tree 5 drops, lavender 6 drops and peppermint 3 drops, put in around 30ml of water in a spray bottle and shake each time before use (avoid eyes). If it is a few weeks before you use again, make up a new batch. This blend can be used in an oil burner in a room to help deter insects, such as in the kitchen or 2 to 3 drops on a tissue or cotton wool ball.
Alternatively, if abroad and mosquitoes are the problem, I will always have the Midges and Mozzie Balm with me, but also I like to use the above blend with the addition of 4 drops of lemon scented tea tree or lemongrass. I usually make up around 5-10ml of this blend – just simply multiply the blend equally to make a larger quantity. (1ml is approximately 20 drops)
Its easy to transport a 5 or 10ml bottle of the pure blend and a small jar or midges and Mozzie. I take a 30ml spray bottle with me, and once abroad, I dispense around 20-25 drops into the bottle and fill with water – shake before each use (avoid eye) and refresh the blend every few days or when finished.
I can’t go out in the evening abroad without the midges and mozzie balm applied or the above blend. It really helps me avoid unsightly and painful, itchy insect bites. I do also take a vitamin B supplement regularly, which I believe, is also helpful for me.
If you have concerns on medications or medical conditions, always check with the GP or a qualified aromatherapist. For any specific aromatherapy questions contact a fully qualified clinical aromatherapist.
I am delighted to introduce the new I Am Calm Collection to Organica J’s artisan aromatherapy organic skincare range.
We offer three new After Shower, Bath & Body Oils. Use after shower, in the bath, as a body moisturiser or massage oil. The I Am Calm After Shower, Bath & Body Oils can be used as a meditation aid/tool.
Meditation and Calmology
I formulated these oils while undertaking a two year Calmology course with Sandy C Newbigging. Sandy is a best selling author, therapist and I found him to be an inspirational teacher. I graduated as a Calmologist in November 2020. I enjoy my meditation practice greatly, and I occasionally offer teaching too. It has brought me personally so much more peace, calm. It was a very natural progression for me, as an aromatherapist to create new aromatherapy products that can be used to promote peace and calm, joy and love in those who enjoy them.
Arnie Creations
I worked in collaboration with my dear friend Andrea at Arnie Creations. on this project She is a wonderful artist, and art therapist, who is an extremely experienced meditator. In lockdown, she voluntarily led a meditation group online to connect with and support people. Andrea created the wonderful artwork on the new I Am Calm Collection. Another incredibly inspirational human being! Thank you, Andrea 🙂
Vegan, Nut Free, Gluten Free Blends
The oils contain a vegan, nut free, gluten free blend for the ultimate skin experience – intensely nourishing and regenerating organic carrier oils blended carefully with organic essential oils. 100% organic ingredients. preservative, SLS and petrochemical free.
I Am Calm Organic Aromatherapy Blends
Choose from:
Love – this blendencourages a gentle opening of your heart to allow in more love. This is for all types of love – for self, friends, family, partners, all people and the world we live in. Connect with the power and synergy of this love-filled organic blend. Be Love more
Meditation – this blend encourages calm, allowing in stillness of the mind and body. Connect more with your conscious awareness in the present moment with this organic blend. Be Present more
Joy this blend encourages uplift, emotional balance and deep nurture. It creates the opportunity of allowing in more joy. Connect with the strength and synergy of this joyful organic blend. Be Joy more.
Pulse Point Roller Balls
These fabulous blends are also available in Pulse Point Roller Balls so you can enjoy Love; Meditation and Joy blends in this easy to use format too. They are small, and incredibly portable so you can pop them in your handbag or pocket and take your pulse point with you to work, or indeed anywhere. When you feel that you need a boost of calm you can apply the pulse points.
Use these roller balls on pulse points on the neck or wrist when you need to be calm. These powerful, but gentle blends of aromatherapy organic oils can also be used as a meditation aid/tool.
The After Shower, Bath & Body Oil comes in a 50ml bottle, and the Pulse Points come in a 10ml roller ball. All containers and lids are recyclable. c
