It is disappointing but I'm not quite sure what the AoR could do now that reflexology qualifications are going to be standardised.
As for the members' pages -the AoR hasn't closed them, they're waiting for a new website which should have been finished in April. I don't understand why the old site had to be taken down as usually an existing system would be kept in place until the new one is ready, but I do believe that's the reason rather than them trying to stifle discussion.
Hi Rosie :wave:
So good to see you on HP - not seen you here for a while (mind you, I disappeared for quite a while too).
Yes, you are right, contact hours are different to guided hours – but some of the awarding bodies are saying they classify guided as not including homework or case studies – so it’s going to be really interesting how that’s going to impact the schools. I think some schools are going to have to extend the course over two years – and that’s going to have an impact on costs!... Guess who’s going to have to pay for all this – yes, it’s going to be the poor old students.
Interestingly, therapies have all but dissapeered from FE colleges, as they have had their funding withdrawn, as well as being totally gobsmacked by the extra work that’s now involved.
I think qualifications are just getting harder and harder – it seems to be this way in all sectors of the marketplace…. However, if Reflexology, or any of the Complementary Therapies are going to get the recognition they deserve, driving standards upwards is a good way to go. The only caveat I would add is that these short courses (and distant learning) need banning. All the while we have these, there will still be therapists who don’t have the knowledge or practical expertise, and they will continue to drag down the reputation of good therapists that have worked hard and are doing a good job.
In answer to your statement on too many therapists in the marketplace - Maybe down in Surrey that’s the case – but up here (in the sunny east midlands) there is plenty of demand. Marie and I have plenty of work, with new clients every month. Long may it continue J
However, if Reflexology, or any of the Complementary Therapies are going to get the recognition they deserve, driving standards upwards is a good way to go. The only caveat I would add is that these short courses (and distant learning) need banning. All the while we have these, there will still be therapists who dont have the knowledge or practical expertise, and they will continue to drag down the reputation of good therapists that have worked hard and are doing a good job.
Hi there,
I fully agree with what you are saying here....funny though, every time I say this on the forum, I get a telling off from the mods.
Thank you
Hi everyone and thank you all for the interesting and open minded debate.
I have had contact from Carolyn Storey at the AoR who clarified my confusion by explaining the minimum 360 guided learning hours that they will require as a measure of keeping standards high.
They did not, however, deny relinquishing their carefully monitored accredited training centres.
Jury is out as to how this will pan out in reality as some of you have already mentioned regarding the variations in standards of training and learning.
As an association, I can imagine that it is very challenging to introduce changes that are felt necessary in order to keep up with an ever moving target audience. Especially when it was so important to have clear communication through their website . which was interrupted due to techie issues.
My take on it is that the cream will always rise to the top no matter what.
I too have worked with VTCT and ITEC trained practitioners who realised that their learning fell well short of enough, have then gone onto accredited training and their confidence as practitioners has risen with their competence.
Decent training and dedicated learning usually produces results that will always speak for themselves.
Thanks again one and all for the clarifications and comments.
Jenny
Hi there,
I fully agree with what you are saying here....funny though, every time I say this on the forum, I get a telling off from the mods.
Maybe they (forum owners, not mods, who let's face it are doing what they are told) are protecting any revenue received by advertising "fly by night" courses displayed to the right of the forum. 😉
Still's, nae law agin it :rolleyes:
Maybe soon there will be. 😀
"Patchouli awaits total ban now"!!! 😀