A PARLIAMENTARY report has highlighted the need for more practitioners to meet growing interest in complementary therapy. As a dedicated therapist and instructor, Helen believes this report provides encouragement to those who may be considering a career change.
“Following months of analysis and consultation, including input from Bowen Association UK, Association of Reflexologists and many other professional bodies, the report shows demand for a more holistic approach to healthcare is rising,” she says.
“At the same time, there is a shortage of properly qualified and registered practitioners across all modalities.” This ‘skills gap’ is identified in the 2023 report by the government’s All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Beauty and Wellbeing.
The report recognises complementary therapy plays an important role in helping people take a proactive and preventative approach to health, or ‘even in identifying existing health conditions at an early stage’. Bowen therapists, reflexologists and others contributed to this report, which stresses the need to ‘attract more talent and especially to ensure therapists receive the right training’ to become highly skilled professionals.
Speaking as chairman of Bowen Training UK (BTUK), the leading provider of training, advice and support for the Original Bowen Technique, Helen says this is a timely reminder of the importance of ‘keeping up our own professional credentials with regular CPD training while stepping up our efforts to attract more students.’
Bowen Training UK welcomes enquiries from therapists qualified in a different modality such as reflexology, sports massage and beauty therapy, and from healthcare professionals. Those contemplating a complete career change and wishing to enrol on a beginners’ Bowtech course, will be required first to undertake a Level 3 course in Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology (AP&P) which can be studied alongside or in advance.
The only other requirement is an enthusiasm to learn and commit to improving the health and wellbeing of their nation.
NOTE: The APPG report can be found in full on the Bowen Training UK website.
