Is a career in complementary therapies for me?......

[murphyslaw]

Have been a SAHM for 13 years now. Am 2 years off completing my OU degree but am really hankering after a career in nutrition/reflexology or aromatherapy.

Is it possible to make a living from any of these? Thought it would offer a good deal of flexibility in terms of hours I work etc.

Has anyone completed any training and are there any providers you could recommend? I live in South Wales

[moyasmum]

bump this , im sure someone will be able to help.Have you contacted the local colleges to see if they have courses. They are better at giving advice than they were, and might be able to put you in contact with ex students. what kind of living do you need to make?

[mazzystartled]

I think you need to research your local area, talk to established therapists - maybe find yourself a mentor to find out if it is really financially viable. You may be able to get some help with business planning etc from various sources, depending where you live.

I began a reflexology course (one of the NHS accredited ones - if you go with reflexology, and indeed any other therapy, make sure you go with the AoR or equivalent, did 3/4 of it and decided it wasn't for me.

[dollyparting]

I have a few friends who do this kind of thing. Most of them have loved the training, but not many of them are successful with it as a career.

There are not many employed posts around, and those that do exist are paid very, very little.

The people who make a success of it need a balance between their skills as a therapist and their skills as a business owner and entrepreneur.

You need to be great at marketing and selling your services, and organised to run your appointments and your accounts. As well as offering direct services, you should also think about offering training classes and selling products.

If that all sounds like you then go for it. My friends who make a success of it love it and are very fulfilled.

[murphyslaw]

thanks for all you comments.