IIR Reflexology Diploma vs ABC Reflex Diploma

Hi Chickhen

Personally I don't know the overall difference between IIR and the ABC boards. Since both qualifications will give you AoR and other professional associations membership, I wouldn't worry about it. There is many ways of practising reflexology and who is to say that the "Original Ingham" method is any better or any worse than any other technique.

What is more important is finding a school/tutor you can learn from, and the time and effort you are prepared to put into your study. And if the course is AoR recognised all the better.

The reality of reflexology and other complementary therapies is that the real learning starts after you qualify out there in the big wide world. The qualification is just the first step. After qualifying there is many opportunaties to expand technique via CPD and post-grad training.

Best Wishes

Reflex Pixie

Hi Pixie,

Thanks for the reply, I think you have actually really put it into perspective for me. You're right - like you say the most important thing is the tutor and the school and whether or not I think I can learn from them. And like you say there are all kinds of CPD courses if I want to expand on any techniques.

So I will have a chat and visit both schools if I can and basically see which suits me the best.

If anyone else has any experience of ABC/IIR and what to expect I'd still appreciate it.

Thanks

I totally agree with Pixie - thats exactly how it is!

Actually this may be fairly contentious, and being new here, I don't want to cause any trouble. But....
I am always feeling inferior because I have done VTCT level 3. It was the only choice I had, as I couldnt afford the more expensive courses and many of them were shorter or fast track anyway and I knew I needed time to learn it in depth, so I went to our college and have taken 2 years, doing A&P first, and then Reflexology. I have to say, that our tutor was also teaching a degree course and so used the same teaching notes for our diploma as for them. Therefore, although we "only" have a diploma, our taught skills are to degree level. She taught us many ART techniques, and also extras like massage and foot treatments etc, so I really don't consider that my course is inferior and in my case studies I had quite amazing results which was very encouraging that it must be working ok.
As I say, I really don't want to cause any trouble, and I think that what Pixie said about getting different teaching in different places and to go where you feel good about the course and tutor and I am certainly delighted with my choice!!
And CPD is a great opportunity to add to the skills as I go along, so I look forward to that. Love Melanie xx

Hiya. I am an AoR / ABC accredited tutor and can vouch for the course itself, having trained with them myself. A lot can depend on the tutor too, not just the accreditation. It can be worthwhile asking to have a chat with the tutor about the course.

If you are interested in registering with the AoR afterwards it can be worth talking to them directly. There is a lot of change at the moment in membership criteria. AoR accept both IRR and ABC qualifications, and they are also taking on board some ITEC candidates after a period. I am not sure if this also applies to VTCT, as noone has mentioned this to me.

The Bayly mehtod is sound, but there are some tutors who teach it and don't realise and others who teach other methods which are equally good. It can be useful to have a few treatments and see which style you prefer as they can vary a lot.

Hope this is helpful and that you enjoy the course you do choose.

With the greatest respect to Gussie and having been an AoR member for several years I, like many other former members would not now touch them with a barge pole. As Reiki Pixie said 'The reality of reflexology and other complementary therapies is that the real learning starts after you qualify out there in the big wide world.' and this is where AoR fails terribly.

Time and time again I called to get bland answers and the repeated suggestion I purchase more and more expensive CPD options, most of which were not even on the subject I was questioning.

I think the straw that broke the camel's back was discovering that everytime I renewed my insurance through AoR I was contributing some £28 to the organisation's coffers...and that is on top of my membership fees. I found out some time later that the new CEO is not even a Reflexologists - she was some sort of marketeer for a building company - I mean for goodness sake!

I would suggest you take a look at the British Reflexology Association or the International Federation of Reflexologists.

Hi YR

I have similar concerns about the AoR. Too focused on marketing, specially 10% off this and that in such & such shop, unfortunately products that don't float my boat. Rather they spent more time looking after the real interests of members and reflexology in general. Editorial content in Reflexions is poor, but having said that most PA journals are becoming wishy washy. A sign of the times.

What makes me laugh is that occasional discount leaflet to AoR members from BUPA wanting our custom. Yet BUPA doesn't recognise reflexology or the AoR to their insurance members for reimbursment.

Best Wishes

RP

Hi guys, thanks for all yor input and advice - it has been greatly appreciated and made me stop to consider all the options. I've had a good chat to a few different course tutors and made visits etc rather than being so hung up on whether it was the IIR or ABC, VTCT etc. I've finally decided that I'm going to take the plunge and get myself on the IIR course as I felt much happier after talking to one of the course tutors. I'm really excited about it so now all I need to do is pull my finger out and save the deposit 🙂

Good choice - do the IIR course & learn "REAL REFLEXOLOGY" and then do the ART Technique!

Anthony Larkin (Ireland)

How are you getting on ????
have you signed up ??
which venue i am just about to go for the Bristol venue IIR

would love to here how you got on

Nat

Hi Zippy,

It's funny you replied so recently to my post as I've just come on here to read over a few more reflexology posts before I check to see there are still places on the course. I was hoping to see on here if anyone has started their IIR training and how they're getting on with it.

I have not signed up as of yet - the course starts next month and I'm hoping to do it in Manchester. Although saying that my partner has been putting some serious doubts in my mind RE the cost of it all and the travelling etc and how long it will take to re-coup the money.

Have you signed up on yours yet? When do you start?

Will be nice to have someone to refer back to etc if I do manage to get myself on it.

Chicken x

Hi Chicken
I have just posted my registration for the IIR Bristol, I actually live in the midlands but the warwickshire course is not running so i opted for bristol about 2 hrs away max.
after speaking to so many people recently i have decided to do the IIR.
My husband too has been saying the same but i am under no illusions it will be hard to get set up but I will only regret not trying.
I am still keeping my job (food safety manager Nightshift) but have a firm 5 year plan and hoepfully in time can give up my job to do part time or full time reflexology.
I am looking for the more long term on this.

Let me know if you decide to do the course Bristol still has 4 places left as of yesterday. so if manchester is full there is an option.

Good Luck
Zippy