Inspira
Premier Academy of Reflexology and Reiki

Confused about which course to enrol on?

There are numerous different organisations and courses available - often appearing to offer the same level of qualification and training i.e. Level 3 Diploma. This is not the case and in the past we have had students who were already trained elsewhere, but they didn't feel they knew enough so enrolled on our course. One such student said " I have learned more in my first 2 days with you than I learned in a year at ..." What a costly mistake to make, in both time and money!

Firstly you should ensure that any course you are interested in is recognised by the Association of Reflexologists (AoR) as they are the largest and most reputable Reflexology organisation in the UK. In fact we recently invited a Danish Reflexologist to teach on a post-graduate course and they informed us that the AoR is regarded as the most reputable organisation worldwide.

Here is a list of organisations detailing whether or not the trained reflexologist is eligible for AoR membership after completing their course:

VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust) - NOT eligible for AoR membership and would have to undertake further and considerable training (at a financial cost) to meet required standards

IIHHT (International Institute of Health and Holistic Therapies) - NOT eligible for AoR membership and would have to undertake further and considerable training (at a financial cost) to meet required standards

ITEC (International Therapies Examining Council) - Only eligible for Associate member and would still need to produce further work and a practical examination to upgrade to full membership

ABC Awards & AoR - Immediately eligible for full membership. The letters M.A.R. denote that you are a full Member of the Association of Reflexologists, linking to other European organisations as well as being recognised by the UK government and the NHS - You automatically qualify for listing on the NHS Directory.

Having established that an AoR course ensures that you are receiving the highest training possible, there are still a few further areas to consider which makes training at Inspira the college of choice:

1) We are a private business and our training centre is not in rented rooms or a formal, public institution. This means that we can be entirely flexible and are therefore much better suited to respond to every students individual needs. It also means we cannot be kicked out at the end of the rental or class time!

2) Sue Evans (the Director and Principal lecturer) wrote, set up and lectured on both the first HND (University of Glamorgan) and the first BSc (Hons)degree in Complementary Therapies (UWIC). After lecturing in these formal educational environments for more than 8 years, she has all the associated expertise gained from this, but decided that reflexology was more effectively learned if spread out over varying time spans, rather than weekly.

You will see from the course dates page that the first 8 days are in fairly quick succession, this is in order that the basics can be quickly and efficiently learned. The latter days are more spread about - class/es approximately once per month - this is because by this stage, the student is embarking on Case Studies.

Of course we are available with full support at all times in between these classes.

3) We care passionately about Reflexology and our Reflexology students and although the course learning is intensive, it is also fun and we like to build up a rapport with each student, which means that we can maintain lifetime support - something very few (if any) other institutions can offer.

4) Inspira has all the facilities required for teaching reflexology and perhaps uniquely, we also have a method that allows each student to examine their own feet ... very interesting! We also have the added bonus of a more relaxed and less prescriptive environment which past students tell us has been important in several ways. It creates a good, positive learning environment, but as students have full use of the kitchen and dining area, they dont have to spend further money in a canteen/cafe etc. ** All teas and coffees are provided by us ... another small, but significant saving

5) All the components of the course are specific to the ABC/AoR criteria. Some organisations may have to send students to join a general class e.g. for the Business module, therefore not guaranteeing that core subject areas are covered. This may disadvantage a student considerably in the theoretical examination.

6) As well as the Diploma criteria, but as part of the course, we also teach reflexology methods that are unique to ~Inspira~ and these include CALM technique, which is essential knowledge when working with the terminally ill or in a palliative setting and Duopody which is designed to alleviate the stresses of modern society ... very popular! There is an introduction to Advanced techniques, giving an insight into some of the skills needed to work in specialist areas such as:

Sub fertility/Maternity
Sports injuries
Back problems/injuries
Emotional frailty etc.

7) FREE and certificated First Aid course included, which is valid for three years and having this is a pre-requisite for membership of the AoR

8) FREE car parking! This may not be something you have given consideration to, but many colleges/universities have little or no on-site parking, resulting in a long walk (often in the rain) and/or they charge extortionate daily parking rates!

9) We provide all towels, linens, wipes, creams, talc etc. Our students dress in similar colours for their practical exams (see gallery photos), but no cost is incurred as you decide as a group what colour you wear, dependent on what is in your wardrobes already!

10) There are many other reasons why we feel we are the best, so why not come and visit us to see for yourself? We regularly hold "Open Mornings" (see homepage for the next date) and the meeting will last for about 1-2 hours. Please contact Inspira to confirm your attendance.

If you wish to enrol for the Diploma, please contact Inspira for an application form and return it with your deposit to:

Inspira Academy of Reflexology & Reiki
2, Turnpike Close
Dinas Powys
Vale of Glamorgan
CF64 4HT

Cheques payable to Inspira

The deposit reserves your place, but we will not encash your cheque until you have visited Inspira and assured yourself that it is the course for you.

Please confirm your attendance at the next Open Morning at the bottom of the application form.

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU ...