It is wonderful to see reflexology supporting patients and carers in hospices, hospitals, cancer support centres and many other healthcare areas all around the world.

Our treatments provide relaxation, me time, reduces anxiety, improves quality of life and rebalances the mind and body when patients are at their lowest ebb.

However, Who Supports You?

Although working within cancer and palliative care is incredibly rewarding work, it can also be lonely if you are working in your own clinic.

When I worked at the groundbreaking Holistic Cancer Care Centre at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, I came across many patients with very different cancers, cancer gradings and expected outcomes.

This could have been totally overwhelming for me, but I was incredibly fortunate to be in a supportive environment with a wonderful Clinical Lead Heather Goodwill and Complementary Therapy Lead Lynne Gray. There were many times I would ask them for guidance as to the suitability of delivering a treatment.

Through their guidance I learnt that it was important to ask questions, to have an awareness of what and where the cancer was, how to adapt my reflexology pressure, suitable treatment time, how to position patients. All important aspects to create the best and most comfortable experience for patients.

I was also advised on contra-indications and guidelines, which gave me a framework for when and when not to deliver a treatment. Importantly, I was taught the value of good communication skills and when to refer patients to other healthcare professionals in our team.

When I look back, I appreciate how fortunate I was to receive this guidance and support.

If you are a reflexologist working alone, reach out to other healthcare professionals and ask if they will provide supervision sessions. Can your therapy association guide you in this?

Even set up a peer support group where you can exchange treatments once a month, to allow yourself to feel the wonderful balancing benefits you provide for others. Most therapy associations facilitate local groups you can connect with.

Reflexology supporting each other.