Choosing the Right Therapist

By Nicola | 05/06/2025 |

When choosing the right therapist there is lots of things to consider to insure your safety. During this blog I will hightlight some of the key things you should look for when choosing the right therapist for your treatments.

Firstly just let me explain my main reason for this article. I qualified over 18 years ago and even from speaking to friends and family they are not always aware about what professional therapists should be adhering to.

When choosing a therapist what do you need to look for?

When your looking to use a new therapist or going to try a new treatment, Have you ever asked yourself the following the questions

Are they qualified?
Are they Insured?
Are they a member of a professional body?
Is there premise licenced for treatments?

These questions you should always be considering when booking a treatment and this is why I feel they are so important

There is little or no regulations regarding the beauty and holistic sector but a good therapist would be able to provide proof for any or all of the above.

Why People may choose a therapist?

There is many reasons you may use a therapist but it doesn’t mean they are a professional

They could be a friend or family member
They may be highly recommended by others
You may like the products they use
You like what they offer
You like how they look
You like the treatment
Location
Have maybe running a special offer

Is the therapist qualified and to what level?

They are many qualification available in different therapies from 1 day dilopmas t0 level 5.

The thing is anyone can say they are qualified but a professioanl therapist would be happy to show you their certificates. If they are not qualified the chances are they are not insured.

It is possible to do one day courses in many treatments but these are not always recognised by professional bodies and insurance companies or are only recognised by one particular body. For example the course maybe accredited to that professional body.

Some therapists may choose to complete online training but does this mean they have the experience. Would they have completed practical practice and been assessed. Possible not.

I have gained Level 3 qualification both in Anatomy and Physiology, Swedish Massage, Reflexology and Reiki. This has then meant I have been able to attend CPD (diploma) to extend my knowledge in these areas. All the courses I have completed I had to demostate my knowledge through written and practical assessments including case studies.

Is the therapist insured?

Does the therapist have the right level of insurance and does it cover the treatment you are receiving. Don’t be scared to ask if you can see a valid insurance certificate. Just ask yourself this question if I was to have a reaction from the product or treatment would I be covered to receive compensation.

I hold public liability insurance for the treatments I offer as well as a separate insurance for retail products.

Is the treatment room licenced?

If you are going a treatment room in Essex, UK whether it is at a home address, a clinic, a salon, a rented room, temporay premise they need a licence at the premise. Not all treatments require a licence but Reflexolgoy, Massage and Reiki requires a premises to hold a Massage and Special Treatment Licence. These licences would be issued either by a local/district council or a county council. Again the therapist or centre should be able to provide evidence to you.

If you are unsure if somewhere is licenced or if you discover they do not have a licence its worth contacting Essex Trading Standards to find out.

Is the therapist a member of a professional body?

Is the therapist you have choosen a member of a professional body such as Association of reflexologists, Federation of Holistic Therapies, The Guild of Holistic Therapists, etc.

To be a member of any professional body you need to provide evidence to them that you are qualified to their required standards, you need to adhere to their strict code of ethics and code of practice. You have to have relevant insurance for the treatments offered and be earning CDP (continuous Development Points) each year.

To Gain CDP therapists can attend area groups, courses, read articles and books, taking part in research.

I am a member of the Association of Reflexologists, Federation of Holistic Therapists and Institute of Spiritalist Mediums (ISM). I am happy to show my certicates to anyone that may request them.

Quick Tip: Some life/health insurance or companies will reinburst costs of treatments from therapists who are a member of a professional body.