Enjoy some of our favorite Student Success Stories…
LOVE/LOVE your web-site and precious information. Many thanks Jacqueline. Too bad you are not in South Florida ! I Look forward to more wellness tips–It sure could help my clients!!!
Evelyn Dayan (Linked-in & Skype )
Observations by Sonia McCleave
In the short period of time I have practiced foot reflexology, one word comes to mind: AMAZING! Success Stories.
I have come in to contact with many different people during my case practicum studies. Each person is unique in their own right. I did not offer cures, but I could guarantee at the very least they would feel deeply relaxed after a session.
Some were skeptical; only trying reflexology on the premise that if they were no completely satisfied with their session they were not ‘locked into’ coming back. Well, I’ll have to admit every person who’s had this attitude had changed it by the time the session was over! Only groaning that it had to end so soon!
Even a present client who upon being asked to participate hummed and hawed as she did not like her own feet, never mind that someone else would be touching them. Curiosity got the best of her. She agreed to try a ‘sampler’ of one session.
She’s returned weekly every since!
A few people saw results within days of their first session, others took 3 to 4 sessions before anything noticeable took place, others still hadn’t reported any change in their health (that they noticed) but enjoyed the deep relaxation and enjoyable ‘foot’ pampering they received.
Many people reported sleeping better; a more sound and deep sleep than they had previously been experiencing. One client in particular who lives near train tracks and was awakened every time a train passed by is now sleeping through the night. Whether a train passes by or not. Many people suffering from arthritis reported their arthritis is not as severe or prohibiting as it had been.
Still others were losing weight if only by a reduced appetite for food (sweets especially) and liquor.
A particular client who had lost feeling in the dorsal aspect of her right foot (near the toe phalanges) due to a bad ankle fracture over 5 years ago, now has normal feeling in that area.
Another client who had breathing difficulties and was tested for heart attack, asthma, and a cat scan to check for lung obstructions (which all returned negative) reports she can now breath easier than prior to receiving reflexology.
A few clients had feelings of ‘spinning’ on the table, pins or needles while a correlating zone was being worked on, or a sudden pain in a certain area from a muscle pull and then almost immediate relief from further pain.
Yet another client who has been suffering from stomach discomfort for most of her life and has not been able to receive more than temporary relief or discover its origin, found that an hour after each session (started after the 2nd session) she felt nauseous for a short period of time (not actually vomiting). After the 4th session she reported that her stomach was actually feeling better and not responding to food in the previous expected manner of discomfort.
At the very least, all clients reported a better sense of well-being and a better ability to handle every day stressors after 3 to 4 visits. The list of benefits is endless.
At each visit, prior to the treatment, the clients would discuss any revelations to their physical, emotional, and/or spiritual worlds which took place the 6 days within sessions. I would sit there in ‘knowing’ on one hand what was possible with reflexology and still be dumbfounded on the other hand.
I always look forward to each session; whether it’s a returning client of a newcomer. The adventure continues…..
Success Stories with Molly van der Schee
My experience with SchoolofCT and a bit about my business…
The weekends spent with Jacqueline and the other students for the Holistic Foot Reflexology were incredible. The warmth and sincerity with which Jacqueline taught the course left me with a genuine feeling of ‘I can do this’. And now finally, after completely the practicum and the take home exam, I am doing it.
Foot Reflexology fits in perfectly with the aesthetic services I already offer.
Clients experience a ‘wholistic’ approach when they book with me. A Reflexology Pedicure is the perfect opportunity for my clients to appreciate the benefit of reflexology in addition to the classic pedicure.
I hand mix my own all natural bath salts and salt-scrubs and retail them here at home and in a few shops. I’m always experimenting with handmade, all natural products for foot and nail care as well as face and body care.
My energy and enthusiasm for my home business have grown since taking & passing the Holistic Foot Reflexology course with the School of Complementary Therapies. And it also opened my mind to becoming more aware of not only my own energy but the energy around us and how we can positively influence and benefit from each other.
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Success Stories
Lori’s Finding Out About Feet
I have always been intrigued by the idea that manipulating a person’s feet could trigger the body’s own healing response. In May 2008 I decided to pursue this curiosity and enrolled in the Holistic Foot Reflexology training program at the Jacqueline Fairbrass School of Complementary Therapies.
The course was thorough and fun and certainly gave me the confidence to start practicing reflexology on people immediately after completing the in-class hours.
My instructor, Jacqueline Fairbrass has not only sound technical expertise to share but also some very useful advise on how to get started in the business of reflexology. She has been an ongoing support in the birthing of my reflexology career.
My practicum went more quickly than expected. There was no shortage of people to test my new skills on! I completed my practicum and final written exam in January 2009 and launched my own small business, Lift! Stress Management Solutions the same month.
Reflexology is one of a suite of services I offer to help kids, youth and adults cope with the sometimes devastating effects of stress. I am making the transition to full time Stress Management Coach over a 2 year period and am very fortunate to work for an organization that is supporting me in the transition. My goal is to make a complete switch over to my new career by October 2010.
Success Stories: Stepping Forward
Several of my reflexology ‘guinea pigs’ stayed on to become regular clients and I am meeting new clients all the time. My advice for anyone considering a career as a Reflexologist is be prepared to spend time and effort on promotion. Reflexology is gaining popularity and we definitely need to be out there letting people know about this wonderful form of therapy.
Although at the time of writing this, we are in the middle of an economic recession, I’m feeling hopeful that health and wellness services are seen as a smart way to cope with the feelings of anxiety and despair that recessions can trigger.
I think all of us working in the health and wellness sector need to make sure people know we’re there to help.
Joyce’s Success Stories’ Update
I am Joyce Fleming RRPr from Dryden, Ontario. And I am pleased to encourage anyone who is thinking of a career change or adding to what they already offer as services in CAM to take Reflexology.
I have studied and graduated from the foot, hand, crystal reflexology training programs with Instructor Carol Hawksley (now retired) and enjoyed her training and guidance immensely. I currently have a beauty salon in my home with a separate room for my Reflexology and Reiki clients. Plus I have set a goal changing my career direction to holistic healing over a five year period.
I have added holistic chair massage along with Indian Head Massage and Indian, Face Massage, Reiki 2nd Degree, Daylight Therapy and Detox Foot Cleanse to my services. And all are doing well. Additionally, I now have regular clients with Reflexology and Reiki and hope to build the Chair Massage client list in the future. I have expanded my holistic healing to include an in-home service which is also doing well.
So, I believe that there is nothing more rewarding than working with your hands and providing a healing service where you can see positive results. I strongly believe that holistic healing is the way of the future and encourage anyone interested to pursue this career choice.
It has encouraged me to meditate daily and feel an inner peace that has changed my life. Thank you.
Joyce’s Original Story….
My name is Joyce Fleming and I live and work in Dryden, Ontario. I have been a hairdresser for 30 years. Along with training in pedicures and nails I have built a good business and good reputation in my community. Adding Holistic Foot Reflexology into my practice has changed my career path and increased my business two fold. I want to thank SchoolofCT’s instructor Carol Hawksley (now retired) for her patience and dedication for each of her trips to Northwest Ontario. And, I am thankful for the opportunity she provides to further my goals towards becoming a natural health care healer.
I have also increased my knowledge by studying the Anatomy & Physiology course by correspondence. Thanks to Jacqueline Fairbrass and to Emma for providing great courses and support. I plan to continue furthering my goals while improving my quality of life along the way. Next it is Hand Reflexology!
#aromabonnie
Success Stories: Bonnie’s Story
I am Bonnie Mechefske and my business is mains de mariposa, the natural choice in skincare. I am a Certified Holistic Aromatherapy Therapist, having graduated with honors March 2008 from the Traditional Holistic Aromatherapy Training Program.
And this is the story of my aromatherapy massage practicum:
When I first began my practicum I was quite unsure of myself. I was slightly uncomfortable touching other people and not at all sure how to structure my learning.
I first arranged for a week-long session in Mattawa, Ontario. Here I arranged with the Women’s Resource Centre to use one of their rooms during the week of International Women’s day to offer free massages to the staff of the Women’s Centre as well as begin to learn about massaging.
Between March 8 and March 16, I massaged 20 women of various shapes and sizes. Half of the women were staff of the center and the other half were nurses from the local nursing home and long-term care facility.
It was an invaluable learning experience. It really allowed me time to simply experience massage from the practitioner’s point of view in a safe and encouraging environment.
The focus of this week was simply to massage women, to become comfortable around people I did not know, in a professional setting. All the massages were done with a simple routine focusing on soothing effleurage and some kneading, wringing and very little deep tissue work.
I learned quickly the massage routine inevitably needs to be adapted from many women and that not everyone receives a massage in the same way.
The oils were pre-blended and upon arrival the women were given a choice of two different blends: One a floral base and one woodsier. This also gave me the opportunity to practice blending a myriad of options based solely on the condition card for stress.
Massaging twenty women in 5 days (I did not massage on March 10 and 11) also gave me a chance to practice skills involving scheduling, time management during the session and office management at the center regarding noise levels, access to the room and arrival and set-up times.
This portion of my practicum was invaluable because it gave me a very different experience than I would otherwise have had. This week of my practicum was by far the most enjoyable for me and has given me a good idea of my preferences regarding a private practice. Without this aspect I feel my confidence would not have improved as much.
By the end of the week I found myself only moderately confident in my abilities but much more comfortable with people I did not know. I feel that without this time to simply practice with no other expectations I would not have been able to focus more on treatment and specific aspects of massage that require more confidence, planning and focus.
Success Stories
The second half of my practicum focused on developing relationships with clients and providing more in-depth care related to the oils and counseling. I feel I experience a varied cross section of possible clients and their specific cases are over-viewed in the specific practicum session resumes.
From (D) I learned that how everyone is not naturally drawn to aromatherapy yet might still benefit from the support and relaxation that massage offers.
(J’s) case taught me that massaging men requires physical adaptation to your routine because in general they are larger. He also provided great objective feedback on my massage techniques and the experience as a whole. As with others, (J) helped me realize how important it is for me to stay focused, grounded and confident while delivering a massage, especially when the client is nervous, tense and apprehensive about receiving a massage.
And finally…
Finally, (H) helped me develop my counseling skills. And reinforced the admiration I have for my clients who share their innermost personal journeys as well as their courage at time for allowing themselves the permission to relax and care for themselves.
Overall, I feel I have structured my practicum for optimal learning and have acquired a well-rounded set of skills. From office management and scheduling to blending and counseling. The massage practicum has allowed me to learn a great deal about the practical and therapeutic applications of aromatherapy.
I have learned to become a capable and confident Aromatherapist. With a great respect for the essentials oils and admiration for my clients. More that this, I have learned that aromatherapy will always be a life-long journey of learning and giving.
Success Stories: June’s Story
My name is June Brown and I am a single mother of two girls, Shaylee and Keara. I have my own small business. I am a Foot Care Specialist and I work with Seniors and Diabetics. And I really enjoy what I do but I am always looking for something new to offer my clients.
Before I started my own business I was married and had a full time job where I worked shift work. I was making an average salary and it was OK during the time that I was married. However, I did realize that when my marriage was ending that I had to do something else.
I went back to school and did a course in Social Services. So, I soon realized that I would not be able to survive on the wages being offered in the community. After speaking with various people I decided to take a course in Medical Foot Care.
So in August of 2005 I left my husband, bought a new car, purchased a new home. I started a new job and began working part time in my own business. Because most of my clients are seniors, I was sometimes able to take my girls to work with me during the evenings.
In May of 2006 I decided that I wanted to run my business full time. I established enough credit to get me though about six months.
It was a do-or-die situation. It was time to make the plunge.
I am a firm believer that if you want something badly enough you won’t let anything stand in your way.
It was a little bit of a struggle but it was working out. At the same time I needed to add something to my business in order to succeed. I had thought about taking a Reflexology course about 7 years ago but the timing was not right for me. So May 2006 I had the desire to take the program once again. I did quite a bit of research and the Jacqueline Fairbrass School Of Complementary Therapies was my school of choice.
When I called Jacqueline, she told me the course was starting in two weeks and cost was around $1,000.00. I thought that this was a great price. Can you imagine starting a new career or adding something to your existing business for such a low cost? Plus, you do not have any overhead or many products to purchase for your business. I cannot think of many businesses that you can start up for such a low cost.
I really enjoyed the course.
It was great learning experience. We laughed a lot as we were learning. Jacqueline was great. She has a wonderful way of teaching that leaves lasting impressions with you. She explains things in a way that makes you truly understand. I absorbed more information during her program than I learned in one year of College. Really, I truly did.
I really enjoy giving Reflexology treatments. During the sessions I am very relaxed myself, it is like I am getting a treatment myself. Sometimes it is hard to believe I am getting paid so well to do something I enjoy so much.
For most of my life I worked jobs that I did not enjoy very much. Until this one day. The head of the Corporation I worked for told the staff the best advise. If you’re not happy with your job go find something that you enjoy in life. And find someone to pay you for it. Well, it was the best piece of advice that anyone ever gave me.
I discovered that I enjoy working with my hands. And that I feel that I have the passion that it takes to make people feel very good.
I have been in business full time since May of 2006 and I am doing very well. And I am financially successful and best of all my girls always come first. I will never miss a Christmas concert or anything that involves my children. I never want to be one of those people that say, ‘I should have spent more time with the children’.
My business in Foot Care and Reflexology gives me the flexibility to have a wonderful life.
Success Stories: Kaillee’s Story
June of 2005 I decided to take the Holistic Foot Reflexology course as I wasn’t interested in what I was doing at the time. Carol Hawksley (now retired) was my teacher and ‘Man She Is Good’. I really enjoyed the 4 days in class with Carol.
She taught me so much , not just about reflexology but about ethics and just how to run a good business.
When the in class days were done I was kind of nervous to go out on my own. To start to find people that would allow me to work on them. It was not hard at all though as I went door to door more and more people seemed interested. Before I knew it I had everyone I was looking for and more.
Now I could finally begin the journey of a life time.
Everyone I had for my clients were so nice ( I really enjoy getting to meet all sorts of different people.) I decided to go to their homes as it was easier that way. I didn’t really have the room to do it all in my home ( living with parents.)
So, I had my plan set and I wanted to be done by my birthday in January. By January I was certain I would be done by my birthday. And I was! But unfortunately, I broke my thumb (yes the main finger to work with.) But I didn’t let that crush my spirits. I was off for a few months but managed to stay on track.
June of 2006 I finished up my Practicum and had my final exam with Carol. I was nervous but Carol had faith in me. (How could she not, she taught me and is a great teacher!) When It was over she said that I would be informed if I was certified. And then would receive my certificate.
In the mean time I went out looking for a place to practice out of. After searching for weeks I finally found a Clinic, Morrisburg Chiropractic and Fitness Center. I am still here and I am starting to get busy. And I love doing Reflexology I think this was what my calling is. I don’t think I could ever change my paths as I love this path way too much…
Thank you to Jacqueline who has been a great help along the way as well, thanks again for everything….
Kaillee MacDonald R.R.Pr
Success Stories
