The Next Step Forward

[StonedGorilla]

Hello All,

(now I've started this thread I've got writers block! )

Well what I'd like to ask everyone who practices more than one modality is...how did you decide what your next modality would be (training I mean). I am Reflexologist, also practice Reiki and Emotional Freedom Technique. I really want to learn more but just can't figure out what's next. I've looked at life coaching, counselling, fitness...the list goes on.

Anyone care to share?

Sally

 

[John Doe 1st]

As well as massage, I do Active Release techniques. I chose it, because there was no one in my area that did it, and it complimented the clinic I work in already. I work in a chiro's office, and they do cranial sacral therapy, so I figured I would do something different. There are a ton of things I want to do. I need to finish the rest of the ART courses (but man they are expensive) I want to take advanced lymphatic drainage, advanced myofascial release, advanced pregancy massage.... the list goes on. Money and what I'm seeing in my clinic at the time of decision tend to be my motivating factors.

 

[Pompal 09.]

Glad to see someone else has a long list! And cost is definitely a major factor for me, I can't believe the cost of some courses.

 

[Elizabeth R]

Oh my, the list is growing almost weekly. If money and time were no object, I would probably be taking a class at least once per month, along with all the reading and personal study.

I agree with Myrrha, though. Try to narrow your list down to three or four things that really interest you, and then see what is available for courses, and also see what is offered in your area. If you can take a course you enjoy, and you are the only, or one of the only, practitioners of that modality in your area, that could really give you a great marketing angle.

 

[symphony.no.7]

As I'm thinking here, location is also a big thing, very few courses are offered in my area, so I almost always have to travel, the further I have to travel, the less likely I am to take the course. If I can stay in Ontario canada, I"m likely to do it, if I have to travel to the united states (sorry guys) I'm less likely, not a guaranteed no, but it takes much more thought.

And funny thing about the ART and no one in my area doing it, 2 other people in my area found the exact same thing in their research, and took the course at the same time as me. Good intentions and all

 

[ghostwriter]

I choose using client needs and personal interest as the main factors. Location and cost also factor in, but I try to keep the 1st 2 as most important.

I also tend to keep my training bodywork-specific. I am not into a lot of side lines, and I am most drawn to practitioners who also really keep it focused on the bodywork, rather than lots of multi-focused practices like nutrition counseling, "success coaching" other MTs, etc -- it's the kind of client I am and also the kind of practitioner, I guess. It helps narrow down what types of training I consider.

 

[Sailors Girl !]

The Next Step Forward

Hello All,

(now I've started this thread I've got writers block! )

Well what I'd like to ask everyone who practices more than one modality is...how did you decide what your next modality would be (training I mean). I am Reflexologist, also practice Reiki and Emotional Freedom Technique. I really want to learn more but just can't figure out what's next. I've looked at life coaching, counselling, fitness...the list goes on.

Anyone care to share?

Sally

I think for me, I started with Reiki back at the end of last year and I had an amazing experience and loved doing my sessions with clients. I got stuck in the Graduate school department but had been actively seeking another way to help people heal. Massage Therapy was the next step for me to take. I did a lot of soul searching both before, during and after the Grad school process and finally listened to my heart. I am always looking to add things to my list of things and I want to continue. That is my story anyway. Keep looking I am sure if you listen to your heart you will find out where you need to be. Best in that journey.

holistichealer

 

[CGBaker]

Like BJB, I choose classes based on my clients' needs. When I received a lot of calls from people recovering from injury, I took James Waslaski's Orthopedic Massage Class. When I got multiple requests for Lymph Drainage, I pursued training with Upledger.

Then, if I love the technique, I pursue advanced training (which I have done, and continue to do with the Lymph Drainage.) If the technique doesn't quite suit me, I take whatever knowledge I can from the course, but stop at the first level (which I did with James Waslaski's course. I'm not criticizing James by the way. He's a great teacher with valuable techniques; it just wasn't my style.)

 

[Surfing Instructor]

Thank you for sharing everyone, all your thoughts are very enlightening.

As Reflexology is still an "up and coming" therapy where I live I think the focus for me should be extending my knowledge into areas like palliative care and pregnancy care. I also need to investigate any cross-referral opportunities there may be.

I tend to get a little impatient and want to rush myself without taking the time to enjoy what I am doing now! :roll:

Sally

 

[Ness]

If time & money weren't an issue for me I would certainly take a number of different courses as well. That said I make my choices based on my clients needs, the cost of the training, as well as what is available as locally as possible. Staying local for me is important not only because of expense but because I have a child, and don't want to be away for long. Plus the time away, is time that
I'm not available for work.

When it comes down to choosing what training to take, I
usually like to find a practitioner or two who is already trained in the modality I'm considering, and have sessions
done on me. If I like the experience myself, I'm more inclined to take the training.

 

[bluesclues]

I'm finding lately that I'm specializing more and more. In the beginning I went hard at whatever and whichever course I could afford in both time and money. I'm in the same boat as Myrrha, in that if it's not in Ontario, or Quebec, I find it hard to justify the time and additional cost. There are so many courses offered in th US that seem interesting, and are reasonable cost, but when you tack on CDN $1000+ for airfair and accomodations, become impossible.
Although my "menu" has many items, there is deffinately a few items that are client favorites, and I'm finding that my desire for courses/CEUs is to support those areas. The infrequently used items still contribute, but more in a supporting role now.

Namaste

Darren