Hi Daisy, MAR stands for Member of the Association of Reflexologists. The AoR promotes the initials MAR as a sign of a properly training reflexologist, which in some respects it did. Having such a title never got me any work, in fact no title every got me work. Doing a good job gets me work.
Hi Ava, I think you will find that many bodywork modalites are going this way not just reflexology.
Best Wishes
RP
Hi Ava
Reiki Pixie is right - Body massage, aromatherapy, and reflexology are all included in these changes.
Unfortunately, these changes are not going to stop unscrupulous schools from still offering a short course in any of these therapies (and telling students they can call themselves an Aromatherapist or Reflexologist). Its only going to effect the schools that are offering quality courses that are properly recognized by government and the best member organizations.
RP and Waywood - thanks very much for clarifying.
Ava x
Hi Jenny
The new training standards coming out in 2011 are going to be quite an upheaval, as the standards are going to be massively increased training going from 100 contact hours to 360 guided learning hours . And this is for ALL the awarding bodies ITEC, City & Guilds and ABC Awards. Even VTCT is having to up its level of training to comply with new minimum standards in Reflexology training. This is a good thing!
hi david (and all)
contact hours and guided training are slightly different though, yes? mind you, 360 hours from 100 is quite a hike! just how more in depth do they want to go?!
things have certainly changed over the years. when i first did my massage course, we didnt even have to do case studies! but reflexology, case studies were 64 [hours at least] (10 x 4 treatments including all the write ups etc and then 24 one offs, incl. consultations).
its all very well have the standards, and yes, i think its an absolute must to have initial good training, but i'm not sure how the standards will be enforced when the public are probably more confused than us about qualifications!
a "friend" the other day was offering her beauty services - after only a weeks "intensive" training :eek:, and at a salon who'd given her a few hours work! i was horrified and "politely" rejected the offer of some waxing!! jeeez!
i sometimes cant help feeling that in order to comply with "standards", we are having to learn and teach waaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy more than is ever ever necessary in practise. and i know, that even more will be doubled up and repeated in order to then comply.
at the end of the day, the market is saturated with therapists - just how many more do we need when clients dont have the money for the treatments anyway, and still view them as luxuries?
Hi Rosie
Haven't seen you on here for a while. The 360 hour GLH possibly includes personal study. I agree the market is saturated with therapists and in a recession as well, not a good combo. You can of course say that about most careers and industries. As for beauty therapy, now that is scary. All those potions, chemicals and electricity. But the powers-that-be don't care so much about the cosmetic industry as it doesn't step on the toes of the medical profession.
Best Wishes
RP