Hi, I am currently studying VTCT Reflexology and almost finished my case studies, the thing is I need 100 treatment plans by May, so I have been asking friends, if they have freinds who would like a treatment, so I get to treat a good range of people. Well last week I went to friend of a friends house to give her a treatment, and she asked how much I charge, I explained that I am a student so I only charge in cake and chocolate. Any way she really enjoyed her treatment and asked if she could book 1 treatment a week and again asked if she could give me any money. I said no because, 1 I am a student and 2 I feel that she is helping me get my qualification. When I got home I notice £10 in the folder which I keep her treatment plans in. When I went round last night, I mentioned to her about the money and she said that she planted it there when I was in the loo. I said to her that the treatments were free and her reply was 'did you drive here...did you use balm?' I said well yes, and then she replied ' thats to cover your petrol and balm you use'. I said to my friend about it today, and she said to take the money and her friend and been singing praises to everyone and that she thought I would make an excellent therapist as I have a sensitive and calming nature. The thing is, although I am really happy that this lady likes me and thinks I am good at what I do, I feel really uncomfortable about taking money off her whilst I am a student, not only that last night, her sister and a friend were round last night and want me to treat them as well and this girl has told them they have got to pay me!! ( I know it sounds daft!!) What I want to know is, how do I handle the situation, there is a part of me that thinks the money will help with petrol (I have to do a lot of driving, as my 'dummy clients' live in the next town) but at the same time I dont want to be unethical.
Sorry if I am rambling, I am just tired.xx
When I was doing case study's for both Reiki 1 and 2 my teacher told me to ask for a donation towards costs, it didn't necessarily have to be in money. A swap with another therapist, box of chocolates, bunch of flowers anything really to basically show that the client was willing to appreciate the help and possible healing you could give them. Also it show's that the 'client' would be willing to pay for their treatment and once you have qualified they know that they won't be getting it for free because of course you will be charging by then.
You have had to pay for your training, uniform, equipment and travelling so accept any offers of money or gifts and when people ask what do you charge just say I'm not fully qualified but donation's are gratefully received towards costs.
So please don't feel quilty, you deserve everything that your 'clients' give you.
And well done
Cis
You should be feeling great. This client, in spite of you telling her repeatedly that the treatment was free, thought you were so good that she found a way to give you a token of her appreciation. Good for her - it's so unusual nowadays to find someone like that. And good for you for worrying so much about the ethics of the situation. IMO your client is right: you have to pay for petrol and materials; if I were you I would express my gratitude to her and humbly and gratefully take the money.
It sounds as though you are indeed going to be a great therapist.
xxx
well done on getting great feedback so early on.
I suggest you gather the feedback and later ask if they can be used on your website
Receive the praise, and receive the encouragement and receive the petrol money and balm replacement money too,,,with gratitude for the support they offer.
I once volunteered to be a body for someone on HP who needed case studies.
It was great, she knew what she was doing, like you obviously do.
At the end I gave her a large box of the wipes she used in every session, the brand she used too...she was pleased
good luck
tigress
,
I think it was lovely that the lady gave you the money to cover your expenses... don't feel guilty at all, accept it with grace and gratitude. An energy exchange is good. xxx