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Joyce's 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 SCT's instructor Carol Hawksley for her patience and dedication for each of her trips to Northwest Ontario. 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!
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 TrainingProgram
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 weeklong 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 bending 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. If 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.
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 overviewed 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. 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.
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. 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. 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. 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, started a new job and began working part time in my own business. Because most of my clients are seniors I was able to take my girls to work with me sometimes 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 month. 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 that you will not 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 School Of Complementary Therapies was my school of choice.
I called Jacqueline and she told me that a course was starting in two weeks and the fee was around $800.00. 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. 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. It is so hard to believe that I am getting paid so well to do something that I enjoy so much.
For most of my life I worked jobs that I did not enjoy very much. Until one day the head of the Cooperation in a past job spoke with the staff and suggested that anyone that was not happy with their job to go out any find something that they 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 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. 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 do not 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.
Kailllee'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 was my teacher and Man is she 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 and 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 journy 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 and I didn't really have the room to do it all in my home ( living with parents) I had my plan set and I wanted to be done it, 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 didnt' 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 cerificate. 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 Fittness Center. I am still here and I am starting to get busy... I love doing Reflexology I think this was what my calling is. I don't think I could ever chang my paths as I love this path way too much... Thank you to Jacqueline who has beeen a great help along the way as well, thanks again for everything....
Kaillee MacDonald R.R.Pr
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