Reflexology

Reflexology is a holistic treatment as it allows not only symptoms to be treated but also the underlying cause of the symptoms and involves the application of pressure to the hands or feet to produce positive effects in all parts of the body. The treatment is very gentle and all areas of the feet are worked to create a sense of balance within the bodies system. Reflexology is used to treat a wide range of conditions, stress and tension, improved blood supply, unblock nerve impulses and help to achieve homeostasis – a balance within the bodies systems

Reflexology Diploma - a course for committed individuals who want the best possible preparation to become a Professional Reflexologist

Whilst getting a qualification in reflexology is vital to becoming a practitioner, getting the right training will ensure that the process is enjoyable and achievable.

Reasons to study with The Power of One at Merlewood House?

1. What makes us different from other training providers is that we are committed to deliver training that meets your individual learning style and aims to prepare you in all aspects of becoming a self employed therapist.
2. We recognise that many people come to us not having studied formally for many years.  Much of the Anatomy and Physiology may be completely new to you, and can seem incredibly daunting initially. So we offer one to one support and additional study groups in the lead up to the exams.
3. Many training centres will quote you a price for your course and you find out later that there are many extras to be added on.  We guarantee to include all costs in your course fee.  This includes exam fees, Student membership of the AoR, your course manual, a one day first aid course, your meals and refreshments whilst at the centre and many extra benefits. 
4. Merlewood House is a beautiful Grade II listed Victorian Gentleman's residence, with all the up to date training facilities that you will find in a major conference centre. We have a dedicated therapy room so you can experience working in a professional environment and a wide range of other training aides and books.
5. The centre is located in a beautiful area of Torquay within easy walking distance of  Meadfoot Beach and TorquayHarbour.
6. We maintain contact with our students post qualification and will be running a series of continued professional development (CPD) courses in the future.  We are happy to offer all our students ongoing support after you qualify and advice and guidance will always be a phone call away.
7. We will be holding a series of Continuing Professional Development courses and those who have trained at Merlewood House will be offered places on these courses before they are made generally available.

What does the course enable you to do?

On completing the course and successfully passing the examination, you will be invited to join the Association of Reflexologists (AoR), as a full member. This will enable you to practise reflexology in the UK and you will be placed on the referral register so that the AoR can direct people seeking a practitioner in your area.

Course duration and Study Time

The AoR rules state that students must attend a minimum of 100 contact hours to qualify.  We provide 110 contact hours which includes your first aid course and sessions on professional development over and above the base level qualification.

You will also be required to carry out 60 case studies before you can qualify.   These can be made up of a number of single treatments and multiple treatments on one person.  The standard we set for our case studies is very high as they provide not only practical experience but also an opportunity to research and learn about particular medical conditions. 

The course culminates in an examination set by the Examining Body ABC awards. You can gain further information and a full syllabus on their web site.

Students should be prepared to spend on average a minimum of 7-10 hours per week on home study and practical work on case studies throughout the duration of the course.

The course is held on a Saturday and Sunday (on average one weekend per month). Because we work with small numbers in each group, we try to ensure that everyone can attend all the weekends and there may be some flexibility on the final dates but amendments will be made in consultation with the group at the start of the course.  

The normal hours of attendance are 9.30 to 4.30 on Saturday and 10 to 4 on Sunday.  Some days may be slightly longer to accommodate specific sessions, but you will be warned of these in advance.

After weekend four we run regular clinic sessions for you to experience working on people you don't know in a clinic setting during the training weekend.  You will have the opportunity if you wish, to bring in friends or relatives who would like to be a client for one of your colleagues.
Please note: This is a serious course of study and will require you to apply time and effort to cover the material. Whilst we will do all in our power to make the learning process interesting and accessible, ultimately whether you achieve a pass in the examination and continuous assessment will depend on the effort you are prepared to put in.  Many of our delegates may be working full time, so effective time management will be essential.  We are always happy to talk through any problems you may experience, but ultimately the standard cannot be altered or lowered. Be assured that the course will be hard work, but well worth the effort.

Come and visit us!

If you have any concerns and wish to discuss them, please do not hesitate to give me a call or make an arrangement to come and see me at the house.  You may wish to come on a taster day before committing to the Diploma course.  Please get in touch to find out exact dates of forthcoming events.

Merlewood House and Accommodation

All courses are run at Merlewood House in Torquay.  Some delegates may be travelling from a distance away and therefore will require accommodation.  There are three luxury en suite bedrooms available at the house and a range of accommodation within walking distance at a range of prices.  I can provide you with a list and contact numbers on request.
The nearest train station is Torquay.  If you are coming by train, it may be possible to arrange transport to collect you from the station, please discuss this in advance.

What you need to bring

Writing pad and pen, pencils etc.
Footwear that provides easy access to the feet
Two towels (one large, one small)
Pillow (firm)
A positive attitude
and lots of enthusiasm

(Large earrings, bracelets and watches must be removed when giving a treatment, and it is essential that nails should be kept cut short.)

What we will provide

A manual covering all aspects of the course
Binder for case studies
Initial supply of cream for treatments
First Aid training/certificate
Access to a range of books for reference purposes
All refreshments and lunch each day (plus home made cakes and biscuits at tea and coffee breaks)
Tutorials if required

Course Fees and Payment

Students have the option of paying fees in a single lump sum or in four instalments.  If you pay the full fee in advance it will entitle you to a £100 reduction.

Deposit on booking your place                                                         £200
(deposits are non refundable)

Payable on commencement of weekend 1                                     £1200

Total payable                                                                                 £1400

            or alternatively

Deposit on booking your place                                                        £200
(deposits are non refundable)

First instalment payable at weekend 1                                            £325
Second instalment payable at weekend 3                                       £325
Third instalment payable at weekend 5                                           £325
Fourth instalment payable at weekend 7                                         £325

Total payable                                                                                £1500

Deposits should be sent with your enrolment form and are non refundable as we prepare course materials and handbooks and turn away other applicants assuming you will be commencing the course. 
In the unlikely event of the course being cancelled all deposits will be refunded.

Who is involved in running the courses

Carol Paterson MAR, INLPTA
Carol is the lead tutor and has been practising reflexology and been a member of the AoR for many years.  She is qualified trainer and is also an NLP Practitioner.

Wendy Le Messurier Dip Hyp, MAR, INLPTA
Wendy is a Counsellor, Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner as well as recently qualifying as a Reflexologist. Wendy owns and runs the centre and has been working as a Freelance Training consultant with big Corporates for many years.  She specialises in personal development working as a Trainer, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, NLP Coach, Hypnotherapist and now Reflexologist.

Guest speakers

Throughout the course we will arrange for guest speakers to visit the centre to give relevant talks, for example: Setting up a small business, Basic book keeping and tax returns, Reflexology and the Hospice movement.  If you have an interest in taking your training in a particular direction, we will endeavour to identify a speaker who can present on your chosen field, e.g. Reflexology and Obstetrics.

How to contact us

Merlewood House,
Meadfoot Road
Torquay TQ1 2JP
Telephone/textphone/fax: 01803 200951
Mobile: 07710 424 494

Email: Wendy@merlewoodhouse.co.uk
            or Wendy@thepowerof1.co.uk

Visit our websile at www.merlewoodhouse.co.uk

Terms and Conditions

Acceptance to join a course at the centre is at the discretion of the Principal and applicants will be asked for a personal or telephone interview.

The following misdemeanours may result in a student being asked to leave the course:

1. Consistent poor timekeeping
2. Persistent failure to hand in home assignments
3. Failure to attend for the required minimum number of teaching hours
4. Any behaviour than may bring the profession into disrepute
5. Persistent failure to pay fee instalments when due without prior arrangements
6. Any unacceptable behaviour that persistently interferes with the learning opportunity for other delegates
7. Any abusive or aggressive behaviour

Students will be entered for the qualifying examination at the discretion of the tutor.

No refund can be given on deposits and/or fees paid for sessions attended.  Students who miss part of the course for good reason can nearly always be offered substitute training at a later date.

On commencement of the course students will be asked to sign a formal document detailing these terms and conditions, and also the obligations to students undertaken by the centre.

Our commitment to you

1. We will endeavour to start the working day on time and with enthusiasm
2. We will be receptive to your feedback and where ever possible meet your learning needs
3. We will provide you with an environment that is comfortable and conducive to you learning
4. We will not alter dates (unless in an emergency) without prior consultation with you
5. We will provide you with training and information that is high quality and meets the requirements of AoR and ABC awards.

ABC Examinations and Assessments

ABC is the awarding Body consortium offering the level 3 diploma in Reflexology.  There will be continuous assessment of the practical aspect of the course and case studies.  The external written exam of 2.5 hours takes place sometime after the 10th weekend.  The exam dates are set by ABC but we will notify you well in advance of the date.  Please note that case studies represent a significant body of work involving a serious time commitment - if you wish to discuss this please give me a call.

The ABC may also verify case studies and course work marked by the tutor.  The course includes a mock theory exam so that students can practise their exam technique.

Application Procedure

You will be required to complete an application form and send this with your deposit to the centre.  If we have not previously met you at a taster day we will invite you to come and visit the centre or if you live a great distance away, to talk with me on the telephone.  This is to ensure that you have considered and understand the commitment you are undertaking.

As we keep our numbers to a maximum of 8 delegates per course, we recommend that you apply early to ensure a place.  A waiting list system will be operated in case delegates drop out prior to commencement. 

We take a personal interest in your success and therefore we like to build a good working relationship with all our students.  A happy, positive, conducive working environment is essential and we ask that you come to each session, focused and ready to learn and engage fully with the process.

If you are accepted onto a course, you will be sent joining instructions and directions to the venue.  If you will require accommodation you should inform me as soon as possible, so that I can reserve you a room.  In the event of there being no vacancies or you preferring to stay in alternative accommodation, I can give you details of good quality accommodation within easy walking distance of the house.

Please click here for an application form to apply for either a taster day or the full Diploma Course.

One day and full accreditation course

Our one day taster courses, give you the opportunity to experience what reflexology can do for you and for others.  Whether you come along purely out of interest or with a view to further training as a new career, this enjoyable day will take you through some useful techniques and give you a basic understanding of the principles involved.  If you subsequently go on to sign up for the fully accredited Reflexology diploma training with us, the cost of your one day course will be fully refunded.