Anyone trained in reflexology?

[Mum2Ela]

I am going to start a distance learning course in reflexology next month and just wanted a bit of advice really.

Can anyone help?

x

I would love to have this done so if you need someone to practice on!!!!

Are you planning on practising professionally? If so, you may find you are unable to get accreditation from any of the governing bodies and consequently there may be insurance issues. The Association of Reflexologists is the largest international organisation and will be able to give you good advice.

In short, my advice is don't do distance learning unless you're just doing the course for fun. Sorry to be controversial but I don't believe you can effectively learn any therapy that involves touching your client without one to one guidance and support from a tutor.

sorry Mum2Ela - should have added that I am a qualified Reflexologist (amongst other things)

Thanks for that chIRIStmasfairybigpants. The distance learning is with The BSY Group (British School of Yoga) and was recommendede ot me by my tutor (I am doing an aromatherapy massage and reflexology course for 'fun' atm at my local college). I will have to attend workshop days and also my tutor can write a letter for me which will serve as part of the practical. Do you think this sounds ok? I do want to practice at the end of the course so I am looking for the best way to do it.

Also, I am trying to gauge the length of time it will take me to complete the course (which is a 'learn at your own pace' course).

I would be very grateful for any advice you could give me.

x

bumping . .

If you're doing the distance learning to complement the college course you may be ok - I have a friend who is a reflexology tutor and she has had a run of students who've trained with a college and found they can't get membership anywhere because the training was not of sufficient depth or quality (also no case studies or formal practical exams)but still met government guidelines (barking!!)You may need to also consider the risk of potentially paying for tuition that you're already getting at college.
If the distance learning course is holistically based then I can fully understand the the BSY recommendation but I'd still be inclined to check with one of the reflexolgy governing bodies, perhaps you could send them a copy of the prospectus of each course, to verify you won't need to undertake additional training (at further expense)if you wished to be affiliated to them once qualified. Does that make sense?

i'm training with Association of Reflexologists at the moment. the course lasts just under a year. one full day every 3 - 4 weeks plus coursework. it is quite demanding but it is the only course that the NHS recognises and has good insurance during training

hope you don't mind me saying this but there are several reflexology organisations - why study with a yoga school?

these are the main two

Association of Reflexologists

International Institute

HTH.

well done mazzystar (am not v good at links & did my training some time ago (with the AoR) - hope you're enjoying your course!

The BSY was recommendedto me by my tutor, but i'm looking for a bit more guidance which is why I am asking you guys. Atm I don't know which courses are the 'better' ones, which I will be able to practice at the end of. Will have a look at your links thanks.

hello xmasfairy

i'm really enjoying it though finding it hard to fit in all the coursework with a 14 month old and p/t job to do as well.

are you practising? wouldn't mind picking your brain about things sometime...?

Feel free to CAT me (you too Mum2Ela) have loads of books if you want to buy any to help with studying

Mum2Ela, feel free to CAT me if you want to know more about the course I am doing. Where are you based? Guess it also depends who is providing training nearby.

Thanks guys. I have looked at the Association of Reflexologists link and phoned for information for a course that runs not too far from me (I am in Cardiff).

The fees are pretty steep - £800 (tho not sure what I was expecting) so I have to go away now and consider this as a proper career move.

Want a job where I have a good work-life balance. I have 2 children - aged 3 and 13 months. Working atm 2 days a week, for my sanity really! Gota degree in Psychology and was thinking of going back in Sept to do a masters, so I have to decide which to do now.

Mum2Ela - The work/life balance is what drew me to holistic therapies - it certainly wasn't the money as you'll never make a mint!! That said, my life has changed on so many levels and , although not quite as affluent as I once was, I am certainly 100 times happier with everything. All the very best with your decision making and hope things are a bit clearere for you

Doesn't your local FE college run diploma courses; obviously distance learning is goodin that you choose when to study but the FE courses are usually just 2 or 3 hours once a week. Look at the VTCT website or ITEC website, boththese courses are well recognised and are the ones offered by FE colleges

Mumsnet triumphs again!

Just wanted to update to tell you all that I have enroled for the Practitioners Certificate in Reflexology at the Assocation of Reflexologists.

The course starts in Feb and if for one weekend a month for 10 months, over a year.

Am excited!

wow, good for you!

must confess i am a bit behind as had to miss last session as babyhad tonsilitis. hoping to catch up over xmas.

keep in touch

Have to say its thanks to you mazzystar that I enroled on that course.

I am really looking forward to it. The school is going to send me a book list so I can start doing some reading.

Mum2Ela - CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

I'm sure it's a decision you'll never regret! Who will you be training with btw?

Top Tip - Check your library before buying books as you may only need them on loan rather than for permanent referral- it can prove v expensive on that side of things if you get too enthusiastic & buy everything!

mazzystar - hope your LO is better soon so you can get back to your studying & good luck with the rest of your course

Hi, I am currently studying the VTCT cert in reflexology at my local college, and hoping to be qualified next summer. Have to say I'm surprised to hear the NHS only recognises AOR courses, my tutor has said I will be qualified to practise at the end of the course so just assumed this included the NHS. The course includes a minimum of 5 case studies covering at least 20 sessions (but will prob be more like 30), and I will have 6 practical assessments, and written exams, so thought this is pretty thorough surely?
Anyway, was interested to see there are some others in the same boat, I have 2 boys aged 5 and 2 1/2, and finding it hard fitting in the study, and skills practise, but loving every minute of it. Am very excited at the whole prospect of having a career where I can be in contact with, and help people, AND work it around my family life too. Just wanted to say "hi", and I'll be interested to hear how you get on Mum2Ela, good luck!

nicmum2boys - there is no legal requirement for training to practise reflexology which is why orgs such as the AoR are developing the National Occupational Standards. Your tutor is right though, you will be qualified - but only to the standard set by your college. Once the NOS are recognised though, only those whose training meets the standard will be able to call themselves reflexologists.
If you plan to join any of the main reflexology organisations (which is definately worth it IMO & not only for the cheaper practitioner insurance & professional guidance you can get)it might be worth your while sending them a copy of your syllabus now & asking them if the level of your training will be sufficient to allow you membership. You can then make an informed decision over what you want to do if you do need any additional training.

Saying all that (& hope I've not alarmed you)some colleges have been very proactive in aligning their training to that of the professional bodies, but not all. Always best to check & good luck with your studies!

I am starting my Reflexology Practitioners course on Sat and I can't wait!

hi mum2ela
enjoy it! i've done about half of the course now, but have we've had a few long stints of illness so I have decided to defer doing the second half and case studies until next year.
i bet you'll get loads out of it, let us know how you get on.