SmootheAway - Reflective Practice

Reflective Practice

(This is meant to be a section whereby any therapist new or experienced can 'compare notes', or where clients, or those wishing to enter this field of work may gain some insight into the therapies on offer. NB These are purely personal observations and as such are not meant to be a guide or definitive statement on issues discussed)

1. How did I get involved in complementary therapies?

I had been practising stress management techniques for many years within the context of health promotion and education and was interested in considering what else I could offer.In 2005 a 2 day introductory session on therapies was offered at the University of Glamorgan, South Wales. I took two days leave to attend these sessions and was so interested I went to a further two sessions which confirmed that I would like to sign up to an accredited course. I contacted the local colleges and eventually decided on attending Coleg Morgannwg in Rhydyfelin, near Pontypridd. I started with Swedish Massage which is quite a common way of entering the world of therapies. The course was from September to the following July. I suppose this was the massage typified on TV and in films - with the hacking/chopping action on the back, legs etc. As with any new skill I thought I would never remember all the steps in the order in which they should be carried out. But as with many other skills in life I realised that whilst it is necessary to be taught a routine in order to learn this was just a starter for ten in that when qualified you often adapt, add or delete movements according to the needs of your client. The cost of such courses varies according to who is running it i.e whether through a college or via a private company. Either way it is important to ensure that the provider is recognised by the governing body of the therapy studied. My college based courses were all recognised and verified by VTCT. My insurance is with Therapy Insurance Service ( which was obtained via contacting the FHT - Federation of Holistic Therapists). NB My Stress Management sessions are based on over 20 years experience of running such courses in community settings, health authorities, local authorities etc. As such I do not have a 'qualification' in Stress Management but have learned via the School of Life and the School of Knocks and Mistakes, plus feedback from many sessions taught to many hundreds of individuals!

I then decided on doing two courses in the next academic year - Aromatherapy and Sports Massage. This was quite tough going as I was in full time employment but I was so interested in therapies by now that I wanted to enroll on as many courses as was feasibly possible. Whilst it is feasible to attend courses and work you must remember to allow time for all the case studies necessary.
I followed these up with Reflexology and Indian Head Massage, and then the Massage in Schools Programme Instructor Course
In 2009 I have to date attended Thai Foot Massage, Hands Free Massage and Infant Massage Instructor courses and am now studying for my Clinical Diploma in Hypnotherapy

2. Membership of Professional Bodies

I believe it is important to belong to a recognised professional body that governs therapies on offer. This is for a number of reasons: it instills confidence in your clients in that if there are any issues they need to follow up they can do so knowing that you are a member of a professional body which can offer advice as to whether treatments are to the standard required.
NO therapist should be hesitant in allowing clients to see their credentials
Currently I am a Member of the International Council of Holistic Therapists, a member of the Massage in Schools Association, a member of the Federation of Holistic Therapists, and a member of the General Hypnotherapy Council.

3. Are Complementary Therapies a profitable form of employment?

This is a difficult question! Not everyone who studies these therapies are in it for the money. Some merely want to know how to offer a good massage for their own benefit and/or the benefit of friends and family. Those who do intend to utilise their skills for profit may be in for a long ride!
Since starting my training I have never met anyone who has made this their only means of income. Obviously there are such people but I have never come across them. I suppose it depends on how much capital you have, how many clients you believe you can attract etc etc. As such many offer these treatments on a part-time basis, or work for someone else. How much profit you make depends on where you carry out your treatments. If you intend opening a shop front business then you need to do your homework! Unless you have loads of spare money or are guaranteed custom then it can be a costly business. Many therapists are mobile i.e. they visit their clients at their home or workplace, and or have their own therapy rooms at their home. If you have the room for the latter then not only is it more convenient but it is also the most cost effective.
Personally, I make very little money but this is my choice! I would certainly like to make this my full time business but even then I would still offer my services at the same costs. Many would love to enjoy the benefits of the therapies on offer but cannot afford them. As such I would rather charge less and have more people having access to these treatments.
I also offer free taster sessions to the public at Open Days, Health Days etc. Again this is because I know that for many these opportunities may be the only ones they ever receive in their lives.

4. Do I declare all income from this additional source of employment?

Absolutely! All clients, income, mileage, material costs (couch roll, oils, towels etc) are recorded and Inland Revenue are welcome to ask for all books and invoices. NB Some organisations will only pay you if you can produce your Unique Tax Reference.

5. Comments on therapies currently on offer

Swedish Massage: I personally use a range of techniques for full body massages and have never to date been asked for, or offered a Swedish Massage per se. After discussion with the client they often realise that they did not really know the difference between the various types of therapy on offer, as such they often receive a mix of techniques e.g They may want a relaxing full body massage but also to sort out any knots I may find, which in 99% of cases I find!
Aromatherapy: In the majority of cases I will use essential oils for full body massages. Naturally, therapists should only do so if they are confident that they have completed a comprehensive questionnaire to determine if there are any oils that cannot be used. Again, whilst you will be taught about various aspects of mixing/blending oils on accredited courses you will find that you experiment (safely) using a mix of oils that you believe will benefit your client. Whilst I do have regular weekly clients who just want to relax, most clients asking for this treatment will often end up having a mix of techniques used. This is sometimes because they don't want to 'admit' they have knots or specific aches, but finding knots to most therapists is like a child in a sweet shop! You have to sort them out! Sometimes clients do not realise they have knots but again I feel it is my duty to point them out to the client.
Sports Massage: Full body treatments usually have an element of sports/deep tissue massage as mentioned above. In my experience I often hear people saying that they have heard that they are painful - but why? These treatments do not 'have' to hurt - even though I have met therapists who would say that if they don't hurt they cannot be of benefit! Admittedly some techniques may be painful if the client has never had such treatment before but pain should not be synonymous with a sports massage. Also, this treatment is not solely for athletes or sports enthusiasts.
Indian Head Massage: I have never been asked for this as a treatment, but I do offer to incorporate it as part of a full body treatment, even if only for the last 15 minutes or so. Though this (and reflexology) is the most popular treatment amongst non-paying members of the public at Open Days etc. I suppose this is mainly because it can be carried out without removing clothes/using oils etc. I am very much a physical/hands-on therapist and as such I do not apply any use of Chakras etc.
Reflexology: When I first attended lessons in college I was the most sceptical of all students. I now find it fascinating! I must admit that again I rarely have clients asking for this treatment - and use it mainly at Open Days etc. Or I use it as an initial treatment but then followed up by other therapies e.g If I find an imbalance in say the client's shoulders or lower back I will ask the client if they wish me to carry on with reflexology as the main treatment or if they would wish me to continue treatment using other techniques i.e hands-on treatment to the area concerned. Some purists may think this is a mis-use of the therapy and I should continue with a course of reflexology treatments - but as a therapist with a number of treatments at my disposal I will use whatever therapy is suitable for the client at the time. Naturally I can only offer other treatments because I am qualified and insured to do so - some therapists cannot offer this.
Thai Foot Massage: A relaxing foot massage which is similar (yet different!) to a reflexology session
Hypnotherapy: It took many months deciding whether or not to train in this field. This was for many reasons, but after my first weekend of many on this course I was convinced of the benefits and glad I have added this therapy. After seeing the results in some of my first case studies I was amazed how straightforward this therapy is, yet so powerful. Currently, the majority of people I come across offer up the usual comments (though I must say from an unfounded, non-researched viewpoint). It cannot be stressed enough that there is nothing magical, nothing eerie or supernatural, and nothing abnormal or tasteless about it. Above all it is not 'messing around with people's minds' - ask my clients!

6. Comments on Services offered:

Stress Management:see comments above
Massage in Schools:Whilst to date I have not used this Programme as intended i.e in schools, I have adapted it in my work with communities and youths etc.
Infant Massage:A must I believe for any mum/dad/guardian/foster carer. There is no real age limit- it is down to whether or not your child enjoys it. A good introduction to Positive Touch.

Overall I will use whatever therapy/technique that I believe, in discussion with the client, is the best form of treatment at any given time. I will also add in my experience as a health promoter to offer a more holistic treatment i.e healthy eating, exercise, smoking advice as well as any postural or stretching advice.