Most complementary therapists including reflexologists are trained to a level 3 standard which is mapped to the National Vocational Qualification. This model of training encompasses continual assessment over a stated number of guided learning hours that includes basic anatomy and physiology, a delivery protocol, completion of a stated number of treatments, business practice guidelines, and health and safety regulation. It covers all the areas to a specified level that are necessary for an individual to obtain a recognised qualification to be competent to carry out a treatment, gain membership of a governing body and obtain insurance to enable them to treat members of the public safely and effectively.
Whilst level 3 is perfectly adequate to allow therapists to operate in the main and at a therapeutic level. It is becoming more apparent that there is increased demand from patients with complex conditions that require a deeper level of understanding and knowledge. This is in part due to a rise in the popularity of therapy use generally. It might also be suggested that the rise in complementary therapy use is due to an increase in the diagnosed complex chronic patient needs not being met. With growing pressures on GP’s to restrict patient consultations to a symptom specific time slot. The wider holistic approach of the complementary therapist is not only more appealing to this patient group but is shown to be providing an effective method of management of multi-symptom complexities of the chronic condition patient.
Patient choice will always be the significant factor to drive change and whilst patients choose to purchase complementary therapies and report benefits they have experienced, even though they are mostly anecdotal, to their GP’s and other medical and clinical professionals so the value of any therapy will begin to be raised. Social Prescribing or Holistic Medicine is moving the NHS to a different model of healthcare delivery especially in primary care. To meet the challenges of this proposed change and to provide a truly integrated holistic health service operating safely and effectively will require a range of health care professionals including a body of therapists with exceptional levels of understanding, experience, knowledge and skills.
Continued Professional Development CPD courses have a vital role in providing the tools to enable such therapists to feel confident to work not only with specific patient groups but also in clinical settings. Providing information on quality CPD courses is one of the roles of governing bodies. They accredit or approve the courses so that therapists are assured that the course content is of the highest standard.
Reflexology is now one of the most recognised of the complementary therapies regularly used in clinical settings. Advanced training via CPD courses are available to qualified reflexologists. These can be found on the websites of governing bodies such as the Association of Reflexologists AoR. Complementary Therapy Association CThA and the Federation of Holistic Therapists FHT who also operate a professional standards authority accredited register.
As a City & Guilds Tutor /Assessor I have developed and deliver CPD training in the form of one-day workshops. The aim being to introduce qualified therapists to an advanced evidenced Method of Professional Clinical Reflexology-PCR The Langstone-Wring Method TM To support Cancer Patients from Diagnosis through Treatment and Beyond. I hold membership and my CPD training workshops have been accredited and approved by all the previously mentioned governing bodies. Professional Clinical Reflexology PCR – The Langstone-Wring Method TM has been shown through research findings to be Beneficial Effective Safe and Therapeutic = BEST.
For advanced reflexology training information contact : abigailwring@btinternt.com www.dorsetclinicalreflexology.co.uk Tel 01305 784986. 2020 Training Dates see website.