Shall I re-train as a Holistic Therapist???

[Lucian Luna]

Four years ago I started to train as a Holistic Therapist.
It took me three years to gain ITEC Holistic Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, VTCT Swedish Massage, VTCT Indian Head Massage and 2 short course in Hot Stone Therapy and Ear Candling.

Believe it or not I havent done a thing with these qualifications. I had all good intentions to go mobile but in the end couldnt afford it. I spent a year looking for salon work but only found one job in that time and they offered me the receptionist position instead of the spa therapist position. This made me totally loose confidence and I havent done a treatment since.

But now Im wondering if i should retrain as I feel all that time training before was a waste.

The things Im unsure about though are, am I too much of a stressful person to be in the holistic industry?, how do you stay confident in what you do? do salons take holistic therapists without Beauty qualifications, and how do you treat someone if you yourself are pregnant? (just had my first baby).

It all seems too much to think about so maybe it isnt for me?

Your opinions please?

LeeLee x

 

[ernie]

Hi ya Leelee

I have lost my confidence many a time, and complementary health is a hard game to be in - especially being a bloke! But things are OK now after 11 years.

Unfortunately as you have discovered that there are very few jobs about. If you really wish to be a holistic therapist, then self-employment is the only way sometimes. Scarry I know, but it can be a creative and satisfying process doing your own thing. There is always of course renting a room in a private clinic. Why is it too expensive to do mobile work? If you have a car and a couch what more do you need?

One of the problems of starting by yourself is income. Most therapists have some source of other income coming in, whether its benefits, pensions, another job, partner is the breadwinner etc. In my case its teaching Therapies & Tai Chi. By having another income, this can reduce stress and worry, and enable the therapist to focus on the therapies they wish to do.

Best Wishes

RP

 

[Tariq E]

Hello Lee Lee

Well, why not start with some practice on family/friends, if youu're feeling rusty? Build up your confidence, and then get those appointments in! Dont go in feet first, keep your full time job (if you have one) and build up from there. It is scary, I know, but what a waste!! If you dont do anything with what you've learnt (..and must've wanted to do, surely, in the past?), you will regret it.

Going mobile, all you need is equipment, vehicle and insurance. No overheads, really.

Hope it pans out, and keep us updated.