I want to train as a reflexologist, any help??

[coopchic]

Hi my name is clare, i am a qualified nurse, working in oncology. I have always been interested in complimentary therapies and i am looking into courses in reflexology. I wondered if there is any particular course i should attend, there seems to be so many!! My local college offers 2 courses, a certifiacte in reflexology followed by an advanced diploma course (both are 34 wks each pt cost £160 each). This leads to ihht registration or something like that lol.
Then there is a course offered by the school of massage in Manchester which is £300ish, and finally one run by Aor which is modular and costs hundreds of pounds. I am very confused by all this, there seems to be lots of different professional bodies attached to reflexology, and i was about to give up on the idea due to brain ache lol when i found this site and thought you good people may help.
So i guess what i am asking is which course would be the best to go for?? Or are they all much the same?? Thanks clare xx

 

[Bianca True]

Hi Clare,

I too was very confused by it all, but with recent changes, and the governments desire for reflexologists to work under a single entity, I wanted to get a qualification that would be recognised now and in the future.

The Reflexology forum appear to be that governing body, but I started my course before anything was in concrete, and decided on an AoR course, which lasts a year consists of 120+ hours of teaching and 60 client treatments. (ie 6 people x 10 treatments, or 10 people x 6 treatments).

This course is well over a grand, but to be honest a lot of the students are ex-college graduates of the VTCT course, as they didnt feel up to a sufficient skill and experience level to practice.

In summary I would look to a qualification that will allow you to be recognised by the government, and that provides you with the continuing professional development that you will need in the future.

Good luck in whatever you choose, it's very hard work, but extremely rewarding.

 

[No One]

Thanks Topcat, this must be one of the courses i looked at.The nearest place to me is Leeds, so it will be a trip up the m62. Do you have to pay for the full course at the start or as you go along?? Do you have a web address for the reflexology forum?? Thanks again clare

 

[cowboydoc]

Hi,
I would suggest the AOR course too, it may be expensive but I felt worth it.
It would be interesting to get the views of reflexologists that qualified with other reflexology bodies though! (I know that there are many excellent therapists that did'nt do the AOR course)
Have you checked out the AOR website? www.aor.org.uk

love, light and always healing,
Lisa x
www.relaxreflexology.co.uk

 

[charlieme5150]

I think i may have got it wrong, just checked on Aor website and there is no center near Leeds, it was the British reflexology association website i was looking at oops!! Also the Aor doesnt seem to have one near Manchester either

Just out of interest how much doe the aor course cost??Thanks , i have so many questions to ask. I work 32hrs a week do you think it will be hard going fitting the course in??

 

[wmelpuxpiejimoebi]

Clare, i've sent you an email!
lisa x

 

[xvnyrgbv]

Hi Clare,
I would agree with the others.
Out of intereste, have you spoke to the RCN about courses? I don't know but given that this is an expanding field, you may be able to get credits for professional development. I am not really sure on this, but it might be worth investigating.

Cheers
Jason

 

[teonie]

Thanks Jason i am a member of the RCN so i will give them a ring tomorrow, they may be able to point me in the right direction cheers xx clare

 

[kfijatas]

Hi Clare

I trained with the AoR and would recommend trying to train with them, or at least applying for membership with them if you train elsewhere (you can do this both when you're studying and once you're qualified), as there backup, support, insurance and ongoing training is excellent. I had a look on the AoR website and there is a course in Harrogate. That's not too far from Leeds is it? When I trained I went to a school in my home town because it was the nearest, but since then I have done a post grad course at a school in Exeter and wish that I had done my original training there even though it would have meant a long long journey! I think what I'm trying to say is take some time to research the course that feels right for you.

Sarah x

 

[spikeskug001]

Hi Clare

I qualified with the AoR and looking back am really pleased I did. The Northern School of Reflexology is an accredited AoR college, and they run (or at least used to) courses in Leeds.

Just to give you an insight into other courses - I an an ITEC lecturer, and I wouldn't recomend them. The organisation is nothing like as professional as the AoR and the qualification isn't as well recognised for Reflexology. Then you have VCTC, which is less recognised than ITEC.

Most AoR colleges will allow you to pay monthly, so if you can afford it, go AoR.

Health & happiness

Waywood

 

[Lelsinjunlime]

[sm=banghead.gif] oh no!!! i have just read all this and i am taking the VTCT! and by everyones views it isnt very good!!!!! - ive nearly finished the course, so am a bit miffed why everyone thinks its a bit....well...poo?

is it not reconignised then? will i be able to get a job with it?

ho hum.......[sm=mecry.gif]

 

[whiteferns rule...]

ahem!!! i did the ITEC courses in both massage and reflexology. i think a huge amount depends on your tutor, both of mine having been very good (for me) and totally different in their teaching approaches and view on holism, as it were.

i dont feel i have missed out in anyway by not spending 1000's of pounds to be AoR qualified and i am also feel i am a totally competant and good therapist in both disciplines.

i'm not getting at anyone when i say this next bit, but i do feel there is a certain amount of shall we say, snobbery for want of a better word, when it comes to this question. i do believe that if its within you to be a good intentioned therapist, the qualification you take is not important as long as it allows you to practise and didnt break the bank to get there. bit like high schools... if the student has the ability, they will do well whatever school they go to, good or percieved bad.

i do feel very strongly about this subject and have written to magazines and online publications about how they produce articles on therapies. if you are going to do a piece on reflexology and then tell readers how to find a therapist, they either should state all examining groups or none. they only ever mention Aor, BRA or IFR... what about me?? and what about those that do not go on the register because it costs too much money... grrr!

anyway, i am sorry to have kidnapped your original message, clare and i wish you well in finding the right course for you, within your budget!

)

 

[dreamofjeanie24]

and!!! shame on you david, teaching ITEC if you dont recommend it!!!

 

[dlehwuheifkixweue]

Periwinkle,

I did VTCT. Obviously like you, at the time of taking it, I had nothing to compare it to. I think the A & P part of it was fairly basic, but they made up for it on the theory, consultation, client care and communication, etc.

I have made it my business to continue to learn after qualifying, exchanging information with other therapists, such as on this site, advanced courses and reading.

I have had no problem in finding a job because of my qualifications and the other lady who qualified with me does reflexology (albeit voluntarily) in the cancer unit of our local hospital.

So don't worry, just make it work for you.

Lesley

 

[So tel C to Pro]

Hello again.

(Rosie) - If you look at what happened to the AOC, it is clear that the government intends to regulate the complementary therapy industry, if it doesnt do it itself.

My local college did VTCT reflexology, but having taken the massage course there, and realised that the VTCT standards were being made up as the course went along, it seemed a little unprofessional, also by the time you've arrived, set up your couches, gone for a break, a large amount of your 6-9pm session is wasted, and our attendees went from 22 in September to 12 by the end - not good for morale).

I personally didnt want to be in the position where I trained with one organisation, then found out later on I would have to retrain with another in order to be recognised, (by a government or other regulating body).

Please get info from all the training orgs and ask them questions. Their responses should guide you to the right one.

p.s. My course isnt cheap... £1425 in three installments of £475.

As a comparison the college course, which is heavily subsidised was about £230

Best of luck - actually luck has nothing to do with it, hard work, and practice is the key.

 

[Sean :)]

AOC - association of colleges, is that?

i have no objection to regulation as such, but who is to judge which governing body produces the best therapists and therefore sets the standard and anyone else has to re-train? if we, as working therapists, dont know who's had the better training, how would anyone else know? or does it all come down to who paid the most for their course?

i qualified with ITEC and thought it would be good to register with all reflexology associations... there are so many... BUT the AoR wanted me to study and sit their exams, as it seems in their opinion, ITEC dont cut the mustard. now whether ITEC do the same to Aor, i have no idea, but its just politics as far as i am concerned, so i registered with none.

its about time the governing bodies sorted themselves out and did whats best for students, therapists and the public... at the end of the day, reflexology is what it is and A & P, is what it is. if you know them both, whats the problem?

 

[Melly<3]

Association of Reflexology courses.

Mine was pretty good and I felt it was thorough. It only cost me £495, not too much.
It was subsidised by the Local authority adult education dept, as many are.
In fact it was cheaper this year, less than £300, which was a bit annoying.

I felt as though I had a good training in A& P as well as reflexology although our tutor was a bit disorganised at times. We could have done with longer sessions and more practicals, I felt at the time.

The assignments were hard going and I was really glad I didn't work during the course. People who did work found it hard to fit in case study treatments. Its worth remebering that exams are held several times a year and if you cant finish in time you can complete a few monts later.

I've had treatments from other trained therapists and the itec one is a bit different. I think we tend to use harder pressure and itec concentrate more on the lymph drainage and relaxation aspects. Both treatments are lovely.

Ongoing education is essential and advanced courses keep you up to date and help to meet other therapists and exchange views.

I wonder how male therapists get on, do they have problems finding clients as most are women. I would like to know their view on this.

I have never regretted training for one minute. I love the work and would like to study more therapies.

Best of luck

 

[MysticalMaddness]

Hi Rosie

You are right to shame me. I make my point more from a 'behind the scenes' view. The backup and support I engoy from the AoR is brilliant. If I have any questions or need any resources, they have allways been there for me and right behind me with clear advice and difinative answers. ITEC on the other hand aren't so good. Advice has changed depending on which day I speak to them and to whom I speak. A recent case...

Last year (massage) Ladies were to remove their bra's, this year they are not. Last year, it was contra-indicated for women to massage mens abdomens and vice versa. This year it was not, then it was again, and now we have to ask the examiner on the day of the exam! How are we to teach massage routines like this?

The biggest thing to get right when studying is to get a good teacher. I don't think the qualification actually matters too much to the general public (I've never been asked to state who I qualified with). Most of your clients will never have heard of ITEC, AoR or VTCT - but they will know you, and will recomend you if you do a good job, and that's what matters most. You can only do a good job if you've had good teaching.

Health & happiness

Waywood

 

[rukkit]

Hi David

Your post has really alarmed me.........as if I wasn't alarmed enough!!!!!!

I am due to take Holistic Massage, Aromatherapy and Reflexology (ITEC) on 10th March and have had sparse tuition since last July and many tuturs along the way all saying different things. My previous ITEC college folded in September and I had 'some' further training at a wonderful college in Warrington. Talk about many cooks spoiling the broth!!! Can I ask is it now remove bra or keep it on??????

Would you mind also letting me know what parts of the body are included in the massage. My first tutor said buttocks and abdomen were out and face and head were in this year. Last tutor said exactly the opposite. I am sooooooooooo confused. I have heard so many tales now!!!

Is Kathy Gillett (not sure about spelling) your examiner?

Desperate from Shropshire
Yasmin x

 

[M1911/HKP7]

Gosh what a lot of replies! Great.

Okay I shall add my bit.

I trained with ITEC and did Anatomy and Physiology (to a very high standard) and then did Massage and then Aromatherapy. I got fantastic training and was snobbish about VTCT. I then moved to the North West and found it incredibly difficult to get a good reflexology course. I plumped in the end for an ITEC in Manchester. It wasn't great, but as I was already working as a therapist I took what I could from it, did fine, passed well and have already got every client I have treated to return.

This is how I see it. The AOC (Aromatherapy Organisation Council) of which I am a member as I took ITEC, did 40 case studies, a nine month course and a three hour written paper (after the two three hour papers I did for A and P and massage) have now been replaced by a working party who are working towards regulation (of which I am in favour). The AOR will no doubt go the same way, which is why I decided not to join them.

There is much confusion about regulation and it will not happen overnight.

I can understand how AOR therapists feel they are superior. The standards can be higher and that is great, but HEY! we are not talking rocket science here!!!! Reflexology is incredibly easy to learn. The hard bit is when you start practicing and it is then that you make it what you will. A lot of therapists have done VTCT (some are very inferior) and others are not and take what they are taught and move forward.

IT DEPENDS ON YOUR TUTOR!!!!
[X(]

To be honest, you could learn reflexology from a book - let's not kid ourselves here. It is all there, all you need to do is apply it.

So I say, down with the snobbery. The proof of the pudding is in the eating and you either got lots of clients or you havent. AOR or not![:'(]