first treatment experience

[Vivian C]

Hi all

I am thinking of doing a reflexology course which is going to cost quite a bit of money, already paid the deposit.

I had my first ever treatment by a student currently doing the course. Most people I had spoken to had said it can sometimes be quite painful from the pressure. What I experienced was a feather touch, and I sat there wondering why people would pay to have this done.

My gut instincts keep telling me I'd be wasting my money, and I came away unimpressed to say the least.

Now should I go and try a few more treatments with different people?
Should I just attend a college course which wouldn't cost so much?
Just how many people successfully make a living out of doing reflexology?

Deb379

 

[The lovely Alexis P]

Hi Deb

There are sooo many different techniques within Reflexology - from Gentle Touch reflexology, to the firmer pressure of ART. Therefore every tutor will have their own interpretation and experience to draw on.

I personally use a light to medium touch and get very good results - which is after all what our clients want!

It would be a good idea to have several different treatments so you can decide what is best for you. And also speak to the tutor and find out what their theory is. Do remember though that your initial practitioner training is only the beginning. Once you are qualified you can seek out additional advanced traning in all the different techniques that appeal to you.

And to answer your last questions - yes there are lots of Reflexologists who make a good full-time career out of the therapy. It does take a lot of hard work promoting yourself and you don't have a full diary overnight, but it is definitely possible.

Good luck!

Sarah x

Edited to add: you asked whether you should go to a college which doesn't cost so much. Find out what the differences are between the courses. What's the qualification, will you be insured to treat all people with all conditions (some qualifications don't give you this). There's usually a reason why a course is cheaper and personally I went for the more expensive AoR accredited course instead of a college course and have never regretted it.

 

[Careless]

Hi Debs,

As Sarah has said there are several different methods out there ~ I generally use a much firmer touch ~ I have had Reflexology myself from lighter touch therapists and personally find it frustrating ~ but of course everone is different.

I think whatever the pressure level, most reflexologists get really good results and I suppose it comes down to the preference of the therapist and client ~ my clients all enjoy a firmer touch.

Have a couple of treatments form different therapist and see how they compare. Sarah's right in saying that the treatment you had was delivered by someone in training and they maybe haven't got into the swing of it yet ~ people can be a little frightened that they're going to hurt the client at the beginning, so she may be holding back.

meridianmoon xx

 

[jaipeep]

Hi

Thanks for your replies. I guess you are right, she's still training, bit like massage really I prefer to give a firmer treatment. Light touches frustrate me too.

Now my other dilema is do I do a reflexology course at college or an AoR accredited one which is really quite expensive. As a friend said to me, clients don't know who AoR are, and does it make any real difference whether I take a VTCTor AoR course. I could always do a bridging course later.

Deb379

 

[Ol Jackrabbit]

Hi Debs,

I did the ITEC course and I think the content and price is about the same as AoR ~ I paidI think £1200 for my ITEC Reflexology andA&P diplomas !!!Can't comment on VTCT as Idon't know anything about it ~ Sorry!!

I think the important thing to remember is that whatever course you choose to do ~ with every treatment you do, you learn a little more ~ each client is a new experience ~ a new set of symptoms and a new set of feet. It's a never ending learning curve.

Meridianmoon xx