Q. What qualifications route did you take to realise your career?
I already had 20 years training experience in the Hotel & Catering sector and decided on a change of career. I started with an ITEC diploma in Holistic Massage and then broadened my portfolio with 6 other complementary therapy qualifications.  I then enhanced my training background and existing NVQ level 3 qualification in Training & Development by completing Teacher Training qualifications including PTLLS, CTLLS and PGCE.

Q. Please explain in detail what students will learn during your course?
The course covers the history and concept behind Stone Therapy, the Chakras and the Aura. The course also covers common ailments, contraindications and legislation applicable to treatment. Students will learn about selection and placement of the stones, the hot stone heater used as well as the physiological and psychological effects of the treatment. Other topics include health and safety while working in the salon, working in the beauty-related industries and client care and communication.

Q. What’s the first thing you teach your students?
How to interact with each other and the public and how to get the most out of the course.

Q. What qualities do you need to succeed in your industry?
Passion, knowledge, self-confidence and integrity. It’s essential to know what you’re talking about - people won’t take you seriously otherwise - and passion and enthusiasm about your therapy and its benefits will go a long way.  You need lots of self-confidence, as it will take time for you to build a client base and make some money and the integrity to show that you’re not fanciful and ungrounded just because you are passionate about complementary health.

Q. What are the benefits of studying your subject?
Complementary Health & Beauty is a large market, and Stone therapy is increasingly in demand.  ITEC is probably one of the most well-known examining bodies for complementary therapies and there are a select number of institutions that offer a comprehensive course like this.

Q. Please explain why you love your subject?
The way you can make people feel.  Stone therapy is such a pampering treatment.  And in our hectic world at the moment, it is great to give people the skills so that they can provide this luxurious treatment.

Q. What skills do your students have by the end of the course?
Students will be able to:
•    prepare themselves, client, tools, equipment and work area for Stone Therapy Massage
•    Describe the historical cultural background for Stone Therapy Massage along with the types of stones, their properties, uses and storage
•    Explain the contraindications that prevent or restrict Stone Therapy Massage
     Communicate and behave in a professional manner and follow health and safety practices
•    Describe the structure & function of the Anatomy & Physiology required for the subject
•    Describe the physical and psychological effects of stone therapy

Q. What do students normally do once they’ve finished their course?
There are lots of routes: some start their own business, work in a clinic, salon or health centre or continue to study some of the other great professional practitioner courses we have at City Lit.

Q. What’s the best way to go about getting a job in your industry?
It’s necessary to have a broad portfolio of therapies; the complementary therapy market can be quite competitive.  I did lots of voluntary work in the beginning, with people living with HIV/AIDS and those with cancer & palliative care.  As well as gaining confidence with the public you get to meet a range of people from varying backgrounds and have an opportunity to give back to the local community.

Q. Can you describe a typical day in your working life?
As well as a teacher, I am also the Head of Programme for Health & Movement Studies so there is always something interesting going on.  I am really lucky in that I can balance my working life, teaching subjects I really love, with the challenge of running a busy department with over 70 tutors and all that that entails.

Q. What advice do you have for people interested in studying a course like yours?
Go for it but be patient. I started off on a very different path and it took me the best part of 5 years, but I am really happy with where I am now.