RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

Hi Tigerlily

You will get many different answers to your question, mainly due to the different courses that people have done and whether they found the course good or not.

I am totaly biased[8D] but I would recomend that you do the best course your pocket can afford. The one I would recomend is the AoR ( ) as when I did it, it was the only organisation acredited by the UK government and the NHS. The couses the AoR run are not the cheapest, but try to think of it as an investment that will be paying you back. AoR courses are normally at private colleges, studying one day per month and then distance learning.

The other main course to consider is ITEC ( ), their courses are a lot cheaper and normally run at local colleges as evening classes. If you get a good lecturer, the ITEC course could be just as good, but I'm not sure if you can register with the NHS if you are ITEC qualified?

VTCT is another course that some colleges run, but the only postings I've seen on HP haven't been exactly full of praise for this course.

Hope this helps

Waywood

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

Hi Tigerlily

A distant learning element is OK but you do need plenty of practical days too. I found AOR training really good because I went about once a month at the weekend and I found a place where new courses start all year round. That was the biggest turn off for me with the ITEC courses, all the local ones started in September or were during the day.

There are a couple of reflexologists on this forum who are from Essex, I wonder where they trained? They may recommend their course.

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

I haven't left for my hols, yet (sunny Bournemouth, love it there!), so I've just popped in to see the replies before I go...

Thank you both very much, you obviously know what you are talking about. I'm particularly swayed by the AoR course, judging from what you both say.

According to the AoR listing of my local colleges, I still may have to start in September. Thinking about it, however, even if I do have to wait until September, the time is bound to fly by. Plus I need to get my own health on track as I've been rather ill for a long time and only just starting to get back on my feet. I can also start learning from books in the mean time.

I feel all geared up to do it, though!

Thanks again, Tiger.

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

I am VTCT trained. I had no problem with the course my tutor was fantastic and truly inspiring if ever you start something and you say that's what I want to be like, I did. I've gone on to do additional courses that added on to the VTCT course again they have added to my knowledge.

As other postings on this site have said there are good and bad therapists with which ever organisation you train with. I feel I know my subject well and can apply it the same.

If you're interested you'll enjoy the course and learn from it and go on further.

Before you decide ring around and try and get feed back. I couldn't have afforded £1000 plus and have been more than happy with my VTCT qualification.

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

[sm=cat.gif] Hi Tigerlily!
I have read some of the postings about Reflexology courses and would like to give you my experience so far. I am currently studying for a Reflexology A.O.R diploma at North Tyneside College. My tutor is fantastic, Anji Ness, she gave us the option of following either the VCTC course or the AOR course. I am following the AOR. It is hard. loads of work and case studies, but very enjoyable. I attend college one night per week, approx 4 hours, on a tuesday night. I also have had to attend for a first aid course and two additional revision days, no hardship there tho! My AOR mock exam is at the end of May and if I dont pass that then my tutor will not let me enter the 'real thing' at the end of June!
Hopefully, I will pass the exam and be an accredited AOR reflexologist !
[sm=1syellow1.gif]
It is not costing me anywhere near £1000 to do this course, however my tutor has mentioned that it can cost this at private colleges.
I would say GO FOR IT! I love it!

[sm=wave.gif]

Lots of love

Elysian xx

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

Hi Tigerlily

I trained in Scotland so my course details would be of no use at all! It is totally different up here, although I think the S.I.R does also insure reflexologists in the north of England.

Good luck finding the right course for you

[sm=wave.gif]

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

I think you should ask around and see what's available and talk to students at the college. There are some really poor teachers around. To me, the most sensible thing any tutor can do is to get the student to work on their feet at some point. A lot don't even pay close attention to what the students are doing. I think it is also important to have a certificate in anatomy and physiology first otherwise you don't really understand what's what.

I always say that reflexology isn't rocket science but you do need to get the technique right and there are lots who do it wrong. I did ITEC in the end as I had done all my others in ITEC and couldn't find an AOR course locally without paying thousands and it would have meant repeating a lot of what I already knew.

You can never know too much and most therapists will continue to study the subject and read books and talk to other therapists to develop their learning - and of course you learn from your clients. If you are not very well at the moment you can always start off by studying a and p (if you haven't already) and reading books on health and reflexology as it will pay off for you.

I would have preferred to do an AOR course but couldn't and am not bothered at all now as I have already got plenty of reflexology clients, it is quite quick to build them up I think. As regards to not being recognised by the NHS, that doesn't apply to everybody, for instance if you work at home or in a private clinic. And to be honest I am not sure it is much use at the moment as GP's are a nightmare when it comes to complementary therapies - apart from the odd enlightened one. We certainly don't get any GP referrals at our clinic for any of the therapists, physios, acupuncturists, homeopaths, osteopaths......they just aren't interested I am afraid and it is a constant battle. But that's another topic!

Good luck.

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

PS My tutor was wonderful! And that's what makes all the difference. It was really sad when we all said good bye after the exams, having all been together for a year. But we are all going to meet up this summer

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

Hi T

As one of the aforementioned Essex girls, I thought I would put in my twopennorth.

But Essex is a very big (and beautiful) county. I live in South West Essex. Where are you.

I did the AoR course, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I am now also registered with the NHS which seems to help when contacting GP's

I trained at a local authority Adult education centre (Friday Hill, Chingford) with the East London School of Reflexology, Lindsay Dodd and Edith Clarkson. Highly recommended.

I started Easter term 2002 with the taster course (10 weeks) which cost £50. I then signed up for the full course (33 weeks + some Saturdays) which was £495 but the £50 for the taster course was deducted if you went on to do the full course. This was not subsidised (but some concessions available) then but now it is only about half the price, so worth investigating. The taster course was really good and certainly helped when I did the full course.

I didn't have a job at the time so was able to complete the A & P assignments in good time. There is so much work and private study to do I think it would be much harder to get it all done on short courses. Those 33 weeks flew by and I feel satisfied that our knowledge was thoroughly taught.

Two other forum members were on the course with me perhaps they will put their views too.

One telling thing tho was the tutor said that when the course is cheap and subsidised you get a much higher drop out rate. Up to 50%, whereas only 1 dropped out of ours due to work.

Good luck whatever you decide. Keep us posted please.

Jan x

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

I do know someone who is doing reflexology in Belfast here - other than that i'm not much help either.

I think if you check out maybe the yellow pages you may be lucky!

RE: Reflexology - want to learn, where to start?

I would just like to say thank you all for your replies. There's some useful advice there. I will now start doing some research.

Tiger.