By Alison Kavanagh

A career in Complementary Therapies is so much more than doing treatments for clients. It’s about helping them to implement the necessary changes to improve their health and combat stress so that they feel well physically and mentally, they feel happier, more content and ultimately find fulfillment.

The decision to train as a therapist will bring many rewards and challenges. There is a lot of personal development involved as you discover your potential and gain an understanding of the key components of health and healing. There are the challenges of studying the theory aspect of a therapy and becoming competent, skilled and professional in the practical techniques of a treatment. However, the end result is well worth the effort.

I spoke recently to a group of students studying Complementary Therapies and asked them what had attracted them to pursue a career in this sector. They said that they had an interest in health and wanted to work at something they would enjoy themselves that also helped other people. Each student commented that there is far more to Complementary Therapies than they had initially realized, and that they were surprised at how much they had learned about their own health and the difference a healthy lifestyle can make to how fulfilled you feel. They felt that Complementary Therapies had made a lot of changes in their approach to life and they felt confident that they could make a difference to their clients’ lives.

The interest in Complementary Therapies has grown significantly in the last twenty years. This is partly due to growth in the Spa and Leisure Industries, but more specifically due to an awareness of healthy living. The impact of our lifestyle on our health has lead many people to look for natural solutions to treat ailments and combat stress.

The awareness of healthy living has facilitated the emergence of many forms of body work and fitness regimes. There is a whole spectrum of treatments available from relaxation treatments such as Holistic Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and On-site Massage, to therapeutic and deep tissue treatments such as Sports Massage and a range of techniques for treating soft tissue dysfunction such as Neuro-Muscular Therapy, Soft Tissue Release, Muscle Energy Technique and Connective Tissue Massage. Various forms of Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi have also grown in popularity.

When working as a therapist, the aim is to treat the client holistically so that we can equip them with the ‘tools’ they need to make the transition to a healthier lifestyle. This process requires support, encouragement and advice from the therapist. While the individual therapy will benefit the client greatly, they also need advice on home care to maintain the effects of the treatment and direction with regard to manageable changes they can make to improve their health, such as changes in diet, exercise, stretching and strengthening routines to achieve muscle balance and relaxation techniques to promote the natural repair processes within the body.

So, even in uncertain times, there is always a demand for a quality service at a reasonable price, that makes people feel better in themselves, reduces their stress levels and equips them to meet the challenges on their journey through life.