Case Study

Therapist

A Graduate’s Story

“My story started when I retrained as a Reflexologist, as my previous job was not providing me with any real sense of fulfilment or challenges. I set up practice in a complementary health clinic I started with 3 other therapists. Within 2 years, I had built up a good client base. I then trained in Shiatsu (always pushing the boundaries and myself) which I also used in clinic further enhancing what I could offer.

I arrived at a point where I felt that I was becoming somewhat frustrated about areas I felt needed more treatment than I could give with my therapies. At this point I trained in counselling for 2 years which was very valuable but still not quite what I was looking for, my path continued onwards.

Somehow I needed something more, I started to look at homeopathy and went for treatment myself. Homeopathy helped me through a physical, mental and emotional minefield after a personally traumatic time. I realised quite quickly that this was my missing link and I started to want to learn about this wonderful natural medicine having felt the effects myself. I began to wonder if this was something I could ever achieve. 

One afternoon I was sitting in the centre, I remember it quite vividly the sun was shining and I picked up a copy of South West Connection. I flicked through the pages and came upon an advert for Salisbury Homeopathic College. I wanted to ring but somehow felt that you had to be extremely clever and how could I afford such a course even if I was suitable? I picked up the phone on impulse and heard a voice that was to become a very important part of my life, it was Annie Batchelor. Immediately I felt able to ask questions and heard Annie’s passion for homeopathy, her knowledge and her enthusiasm was inspiring. Then she told me that I was full of the kind of life experience that was really important to homeopathic training. I was hooked so applied to study and later applied for a career development loan.

On my first college weekend I was very nervous, excited and daunted all at the same time. Now I can’t believe that almost 5 years has flown by and I am now a homeopath with almost a year in practice. The excitement never went away it grows with each new patient that comes through my door.”

FAQs

Will I have to study anatomy and physiology again?
No, but you will need to demonstrate to us that you know it. Most students with previous medical science knowledge still sit in on lectures, sharing their knowledge with their peers and refreshing their own understanding. You will need to do the related assignments but these should take much less time for you. It is an opportunity to enhance your knowledge further which will always stand you in good stead. Some therapists do find that the level of their knowledge is not as high as we require. Overall, you will need to dedicate less time to medical science than novices.

Is homeopathy compatible with other therapies?
It does depend on the therapy and how you intend to practise after graduation. Some therapists go on to solely practice homeopathy, others to offer each patient the therapy that seems suitable for them. During the course you will learn what is compatible and about contracting clearly with patients about what you are offering.

Why is this type of life experience so useful?
Firstly you already have practitioner skills. Secondly you will have experience of practice management, handling patients and organising yourself. Some holistic concepts are shared and therefore you will find you ‘unlearn’ less!

It is possible, why don’t you come and visit us and we can introduce you to some of our current students who are doing it