How to become a complementary therapist

The idea behind complementary therapy is that it can be used alongside conventional medical treatment to support those who are affected by medical conditions. 

Complementary therapy aims to help them cope with both the emotional and physical challenges they may face, with many patients using complementary therapy to help with long-term health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer and arthritis.

Complementary treatments range from acupuncture to reflexology. The most popular complementary therapies are reflexology and massage according to a survey by the Federation of Holistic Therapists.

What does a complementary therapist do?

Complementary therapy consists of a number of different treatment types, the main treatments include: 

• CranioSacral therapy involves light pressure being placed on the head to relieve tension and pain.
• Shiatsu, a touch-based therapy process similar to craniosacral therapy but involving pressure being applied across the body.
• Aromatherapy, which involves using essential oils to promote an improved mental state and reduce stress.
• Massage therapy, help your body relax and destress, relieving anxiety; this is one of the most popular forms of complementary therapy.
• Reiki, a technique where energy is moved around your body without the therapist touching you.
• Reflexology reduces tension by applying pressure to the feet, head, and hand areas.
• Bowen technique, this treatment works on the connective, soft tissues in the body using a non-invasive therapy.
• Alexander therapy involves teaching the patient to become more aware of their own bodies. This awareness can improve posture; reducing neck and shoulder pain.
• Acupuncture or acupressure, applying pressure to certain points to release pressure and working with the body’s energy field.

How to become a complementary therapist

If you want to become a complementary therapist, the most important thing is that you are passionate about the therapy you want to practice, bringing a caring and empathetic approach.

There are various complementary qualifications and training courses available to become a complementary therapist. Currently, no laws dictate the level of training required to become a complementary therapist, with each training route varying depending on which individual treatments you wish to specialise in.

One qualification option that is available for those wishing to become a complementary therapist is a Level 3 Diploma in Complementary Therapy. This diploma is recognised by multiple regulatory bodies, most notably the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC), providing assurance to clients when you go on to provide complementary therapy. This qualification provides an understanding of the sector, allowing individuals to learn, develop and practice the skills necessary to become a complementary therapist. Find out more about the Complementary Therapies Diploma. 

If you wish to provide complementary therapy to clients, it is important for both safety and quality assurance processes that you have both the appropriate qualifications as well as appropriate insurance; protecting yourself and your clients.

As discussed above, the following qualities are considered that of a good complementary therapist:

• Passionate
• Caring
• Empathetic
• Non-judgemental
• Ability to adapt to individual needs of clients
• Knowing your own limitations
• Appetite to learn and develop skills

Complementary therapy insurance

If you are a provider of complementary therapy, we offer a range of holistic insurance services to cover the treatments that you provide, with £6 million covers as our standard. This covers public, product and treatment liability;

• Public Liability Insurance covers any injuries or accidents which may occur in your place of work whether that be your home, clients home or a clinic, such as a customer falling over your equipment.
• Product Liability Insurance covers any products which you sell to clients. If this product then causes an allergic reaction, as long as all terms and conditions of the insurance policy and the manufacturer's guidelines of the product have been followed then the insurance policy will cover the claim.
• Treatment Liability Insurance covers claims on a complementary therapy treatment that you have provided to a client. For example, if a client is injured as a result of the treatment.

We provide a beauty policy that includes complementary treatments, providing you with the freedom and flexibility to expand and adapt your treatment list to suit your client needs aligned with your qualifications and experience. Our insurance comes with product liability, treatment liability and public liability cover.

Our insurance policy provides cover for various therapies including but not limited to: 

• Massage
• Aromatherapy
• Meditation
• Alexander technique
• Reiki
• Reflexology
• Sports Massage Therapy
• Bowen Technique
• CranioSacral Therapy
• Shiatsu

Our insurance starts from as little as £52.50 a year for complementary therapists. This competitive price provides both peace of mind and security. 

We pride ourselves on the relationships we have with our clients, we are not a call centre so you know you are always speaking to a specialist. You will often speak to the same specialist in our team throughout your policy life cycle. 

We are here to help you throughout your career, utilising  our specialist knowledge of the industry so that your insurance process is as simple as possible.

Buy our complementary insurance now or to find out more about our Professional Beauty Direct complementary therapist insurance costs and policy options please contact us online or give us a call on 03456 058 670.