Health and Wellbeing (Holistic) Therapies (Year 1)

Course details

Introduction

In recent years there has been great emphasis on the use of 'natural' or complementary treatments. In modern life there are many pressures leading to undue stress, which result in illness. The Holistic Therapist treats the person as a whole and takes the person's thinking, lifestyle, and physical and social environment into consideration while guiding the client towards better health.

The emphasis is on health in the widest sense and the aim is to maximise vitality and life potential including personal and social success and fulfilment. Holistic Therapy seeks to integrate the person, instead of piding them into mind and body as separate entities for treatment. There is evidence to link a person's immune system to their state of mind. Negative emotions have a bad effect while a positive attitude leads to enhanced health and well being.

Training in constructive thinking is part of the goal of holistic health remedies. A central course objective is to harness the power of the mind to tackle problems and to improve aspects of one's life. The client is trained to move away from negative destructive thoughts and to embrace thoughts of a good and healthy life of well-being and happiness. The various therapies address the needs in a singular or combined way as appropriate to the individual.

The therapist is a holistic person who recognises their abilities and creative energy as the catalyst for healing. The therapist demonstrates qualities of genuineness, empathy and unconditional regard for the client at all times.

Career Opportunities

This is a rapidly expanding career area offering various opportunities for professional practice. Graduates find employment in:

• Hotels, Guest Houses and Leisure Centres
• Beauty Salons/Health Centres
• Healing Centres
• Cruise Ships
• Sports Injuries Clinics
• Health Spas
• Gymnasiums
• Graduates may also commence professional practice in aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, stress management and sports massage therapy.

Course Structure

Students take the first year full time course with an option of taking the second year to broaden their expertise. This course is aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of a number of popular therapies and achieving recognised qualifications to engage in professional practice.

Learners explore the diversity of complementary systems and underlying principles. They receive a firm grounding in Complementary Therapy theory and practice together with an understanding of how they fit into the wider context of health sciences. Thus, graduates will be able to approach Complementary Therapies and mainstream medicine in an open minded, informed and constructively critical manner.

Core Elements

Year One

Learners are prepared for the following ITEC qualifications:

• Thai Massage
• Holistic Massage
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Body Massage
• Reflexology
• Indian Head Massage
• Healthy Eating and Well Being

Support Elements

• Facial Skincare
• Pregnancy Massage
• Lomi-Lomi Massage
• Reiki
• Industry Training Courses
• Study Skills
• Career Advice and CV Preparation
• ITEC Thermal Auricular Therapy

Entry Requirements

Year 1

Leaving Certificate/LCA

Applicants should have achieved five passes on ordinary level. LCA applicants should submit details of credits awarded.

Other including Mature Students

• Applicants without the entry requirements are welcome and will be assessed individual.
• Qualified Therapists are granted exemptions from subjects already certified.

Other Requirements

There is high demand for places and early application is advised. Applications will be processed strictly in order of receipt. Applicants will have a personal advisory meeting to offer guidance and to ensure course suitability. Applicants will be advised on course costs, uniform, product kits and registration details.