I want to be a complementary therapist - How do i go about it?

In today's environment when people are losing their jobs, many are thinking of working for themselves in the complimentary therapy business.
Delicate Touch is playing its part in working and promoting complementary therapy. It is one of the very few industries that have shown continued growth throughout the credit crunch. Information taken from an annual survey completed by The Beauty Guild has shown that businesses in this industry have continued to grow. The Guild used used data from the Experian (Yellow pages) database, and in comparison they found that in June 2008 there were 12,170 current businesses which rose to 13,627 by June 2009. It is also important to note that turnover also increased by approx 11%. Overall, they found that small businesses were dominating 85% of the market share.

One interesting fact to come out of their survey is the huge growth in home/mobile therapists. New & existing therapists need to have high quality training for every new therapy they decide to bring to their prospective clients and Delicate Touch aims to provide this. With the credit crunch affecting everyone, from client to therapist, Many prospective students have contacted me for advice as on where to start, whats required and much more.

Delicate Touch has a vital and committed role for the future, in providing individual or very small groups with their training needs. All courses & workshops are accredited with The Guild of Holistic Therapists, The Guild of Beauty Therapists and Associated Beauty Therapists. Delicate Touch Therapy School is also a registered provider & branded learning centre with learn direct Scotland and has just recently applied for ILA status.

When new prospective students are venturing into the world of complimentary therapy there are some important questions that they need answers to, to ensure proper accredited training is given, to enable knowledge and expertise to be built up.
This also has some meaning for qualified therapists looking to further their training, they will probably find there have been changes in requirements, insurance etc since they last did any training and some of the questions might be quite relevant.

If you want to become a successful therapist with a great reputation you need to begin with the correct building blocks and if you get them correctly in place, your reputation can only grow and more clients will follow.

Over the years of teaching the questions asked have been varied and many! I've tried to list here as many questions as i can think off to help you begin or even continue your journey into this wonderful world, its hard work but the job satisfaction can be tremendous!

Before looking at the questions below,ask yourself this - Do i want to do this as a business or just for yourself? Once this is decided, you can use all or some of the pertinent questions below when looking for your training.

1. Where can i learn
2. How long will it take
3. How do i know its proper training
4. How much will it cost
5. Do i need insurance
6. What laws & licences are required
7. Is it a certified course
8. Are there case studies/assignments involved
9. Is there an exam to be completed
10. What support is in place for after the course
11. How big is the class
12. Does it have CPD points (continuous professional development)
13. Is it a recognised training centre
14. Is ILA funding available
15. What is on the course agenda
16. Is an anatomy certificate required for the chosen course
17. Is a massage certificate required for the chosen course
18. Are the courses accredited with companies
20. Are the courses insurable
21. Will i be working from home, mobile or in a salon
22. What about tax and self employment
23. Grants, Business information & help
24. Do i need a website
25. How will i advertise
26. Data protection
27. Where do i get uniforms
28. Where will i get a reliable couch/plinth
29. What products should i use


Delicate Touch Therapy School is based in Glenrothes, Fife and can help you begin or continue with your journey. Full details of all courses & workshops that are available on my website www.delicatetouch.co.uk. Contact details: 08458900687

I host a newly created Complementary Therapy Group here on Compila Exchange where you will find other articles/blogs and discussions. Why not come along and join us, you will be most welcome
Look forward to hearing from you
Liz@delicatetouch