Yuliya Kostenko
Founder and LT course Director
Yuliya Kostenko is the founder, leading therapist and course director at the Leech Therapy Centre UK. She is a highly qualified practitioner with 6 Diplomas in Leech Therapy and 10 years of continuous education in complementary medicine. Yuliya has studied Leech Therapy with top experts in the world, for example the National Professional Association of Specialists of Alternative Medicine by K. Sukhov and L. Kostikova (Moscow, Russia). Yuliya then continued her training at Saint-Petersburg Hirudology Association with professor Albert Krasheniyk. She further undertook advanced leech therapy training with other prominent teachers worldwide.
Yuliya also specialises in Traditional Chinese Medicine and holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Acupuncture from Kingston University London. She subsequently completed postgraduate diploma training in Gynaecology at CICM and finished a rigorous 3 year Diploma programme in Chinese Herbal Medicine (WCA, Academy). In addition, Yuliya has undertaken multiple CPD courses in natural medicine therapies and remains fully committed to ongoing professional development. Yuliya participated in the World’s 3rd Hirudotherapy Congress in 2019. Currently, she runs a successful leech therapy clinic in London and delivers leech therapy training courses internationally.
Our Growing Team
Below are some of the many specialists who have successfully completed our Professional Diploma in Leech Therapy programme and now deliver high-quality leech therapy treatments in their clinics. As members of the Leech Therapy Centre UK practitioner network, they are highly recommended for their professionalism, expertise, thorough approach, and dedication to patient care.
Alicja Golicz, Machester UK
Alicja has over 30 years of experience working in medicine as a Registered General Nurse. With time, she felt a deeper calling, not away from medicine, but beyond its limits. Today, besides Leech Therapy, Alicja is fully registered in Peripheral Venepuncture Competence in Practice, Medicine Management, Infection Prevention and Control, Health Safety Welfare, Aseptic Non-Touch Technique ANTT for IV Therapy and Injectable Medicines. She combines the knowledge of clinical science with wisdom of ancient healing to achieve the best results for her patients.
Tatiana Ferapontova, West London UK
Tatiana is a scientist and multidisciplinary health practitioner with expertise in leech therapy as well as microbiology, organic food systems, and nutrition. She is a member of the International Ayurvedic Association. Tatiana integrates leech therapy with naturopathic and pharmacological training to deliver personalised holistic care. Her work reflects a deep understanding of supplementation strategies, drug interactions and contraindications, which she combines with leech therapy to achieve optimal outcomes.
Marina Kovalska, Preston, UK
Marina holds a UK First Class BSc (Hons) in Nutrition and Exercise Science and currently in the final year of MSc in Dietetics. She works with leech therapy alongside clinical dietetics, combining evidence-based nutrition with a holistic approach to health. Marina supports the body’s natural capacity for healing and long-term health by creating the right conditions for recovery, balance, and optimal function.
