Where did you learn Reflexology

[under_score91]

Hi,

Where did you guys go to do reflexology? I live in the staffordshire area and am loooking for recommendations for courses. I am so confused about the difference between VTCT, ITEC and AoR that I am hoping that someone might be able to point me in the right direction. I find recommendations are always the best. Ideally it would be good if anyone could suggest a good course in the staffordshire area but I am open to suggestions. Do the courses really make a difference to your employability, credentials and how you are viewed or is it a case of a bit of qualification snobbery? After all the best course doesn't always mean that you make the best therapist - does it?!

Also I have seen lots of reflexology courses that you can do by distance learning. I am not sure how these would work bearing in mind that reflexology is a hands on treatment but again any experiences and suggestions would be very gratefully received.

Please if you can help me sort out my confusion or point me in a good direction to start I would be enternally grateful.

Happy Bank Hols

LoL
babe
x

 

[Just Want To B Me]

Hi Babe. This has all been discussed before and if you do a search you will find a lot of pros and cons re ITEC/VTCT/AOR etc.

I can only put my bit in:

I did ITEC (A&P, Massage, Aromatherapy and Reflexology - all separately). I did it at two different places, one better than the other. It depends on the tutor/college etc. You need to speak to people doing the course to check that out.

I have my own views on ITEC and VTCT. I know people who have done both. I originally wanted to do an AOR course but couldn't find one so had to do another ITEC. I could go forward and do extra work and join the AOR but am not going to bother. I get a fair bit of reflexology work as I am so I don't really see how that would change. I was happy enough with my course, it could have been better, but most say this about their courses, some are worse than others. I can tell you that I have already earned back three times what the course cost me and I only qualified in December. It isn't rocket science, you just need to be taught the procedure and use your understanding of anatomy and physiology and continue to learn after you qualify. There are plenty of books and therapists who will help you if you feel any part of the course is lacking (sadly this is true of many courses).

Hope that helps!

Basically, it is what you make it!

 

[Jim Boney]

I'll sound like a broken record here, sorry to those who have listened to me before.

I am currently doing the AOR exam at Codsall High School (Via Stafford College) - the teacher is Lynne Hancher and she's excellent.

She also teaches the same course at the Athena School in Willenhall, which specialises in teaching therapists. To learn here costs more, but you can also take the ITEC exam as well as the AOR exam.

Stafford College, Wolverhampton College, Walsall College and Telford College all offer the VTCT course. Dudley college do the same but also offer an advanced reflexology - but that would be after you'd qualified already.

It all amounts to what you want to do. All courses I've just mentioned are 33-36 week 2-3 hours a week, they all start in September and run one academic year. The Athena course runs over (I think) 8 full days of training plus exam days, all of which are on the weekend, they start about March and August.

For the AOR exam you wont need to do an Anatomy and Physiology exam as that is coverred in the syllabus. For ITEC and VTCT you will need the A&P qualification to practice. If you want to go on to other therapies though you'll normally be expected to take this exam even if you've trained with the AOR.

Rumour has it the NHS prefers ITEC and VTCT... some insurers will not insure homestudy courses. I've also found that places like BSY and others which offer distance learning courses are actually more expensive than the hands on tuition and training which seems a little unfair to me.

Yes, it's all about snobbery and who thinks who is better.. such is life. I'm happy with the course I am currently taking and would definitely recommend the teacher ( I should be on commission for all the nice things I say about her).

Ultimately the choice is yours, go with what feels right.. not sure if you're this end of Staffordshire or not.. might be able to think of a few other places otherwise.

Good luck in choosing!

 

[nzbsdsvy]

I second the distance learning thing....not the way to go.

 

[Indiana]

I trained with the IIR - International Institute of Reflexology. It's the organisation which Eunice Ingham founded. They run regional courses - I'd highly recommed them.

Here's the website: www.reflexology-uk.co.uk

Love and light

Sulis xx

 

[Grekysselza]

Thank you for all your advice and suggestions.

Following Gussie's mail I have looked up the Anthena School in Willenhall - its about 7 miles from me - and it seems perfect, just what I am looking for. I am going to contact Lynne after the Easter Hols and find out when I can start. I am sooo excited and will keep you posted.

Thanks again

LoL
Babe
x