Your Guides |
ANNE THOMAS |
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As the main course tutor I have been qualified as a reflexologist since 1992 and a member of the Association of Reflexologists since 1993. During this time I have additionally trained in and been practicing in stress management and hypnosis, as well as constantly studying many other aspects of the healing arts. However, all my attention is now focused into reflexology and its associated practices. During my 13 years in practice, I have worked in a variety of ways with reflexology including running a private clinic, carrying out domiciliary visits, working in hospitals and in a respite care centre for HIV, along with teaching stress management within industry and commerce. In the past I have been a very pro-active member of the Association of Reflexologists, establishing local support groups and serving for one year on the council as the Education and Training Co-Ordinator, which involved overseeing the accreditation of schools, the maintenance of standards, the development of new projects and being an examination marker and verifier. I began teaching reflexology within the adult education system but very quickly developed my own private course, accredited by the AoR. Over the last four years reflexology has begun to change, spearheaded by the government’s requirement for regulation and control. In August 2004 I realized that the path that was being prescribed for reflexology was not adequately fulfilling my own needs, and, whilst I have always been greatly supported by the AoR throughout my membership, I made the decision to begin the process of moving towards complete independence, culminating in the launch of The Iyisana School of Natural Ways in January 2005. The path to change has been challenging, exciting and energizing and I am now looking forward to a future of being totally immersed in developing reflexology ‘back’ to being one powerful facet of the natural healing ways, and researching and incorporating all other aspects of natural pharmacy and therapies in order to guide healers on a truly holistic path. My own personal development as a healer and guide, along with the research work, is, and has been, greatly assisted and enhanced through my work within the Whole Health Management System, of which I act as co-founder and co-manager, alongside Miss Iris Andrews. Finding WHMS was for me a spiritual ‘coming home’; a great awakening of mind, body and spirit. Finding myself helping to steer a path for WHMS fills me daily with trepidation, awe, inspiration, humility, excitement, compassion and spirit. There is great—and much— work being done, and still to be done. We have members throughout the world looking for and researching the old ways—in Iceland, Russia, France, China. Locally, we come together on a regular basis to help and support each other, and to continue our own learning and guidance in the use of the natural ways. WHMS has been the backbone of my path to change—and that of the school. With great spirit WHMS will help us to go back to go forward. |
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ASSISTANT GUIDES |
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I am very fortunate in having many truly excellent helpers and healers to enable your course to be truly holistic. My friend and colleague, Anne Griffith, reflexology healer and community nurse will be there to assist with the overall guidance and teaching of students as well as focusing on some of the specialist aspects of the course, such as listening skills, as well as sharing her enthusiasm and wisdom for the use of colour in healing. The specialist aspects of essential and herbal oils will be led by Debbie Hilder, reflexology healer, aromatherapist and Indian Head Masseuse while anatomy and physiotherapy and the use of gems will be guided by Rose Chapman and Bekki Quain respectively, both former graduates of the School. All are fellow members of The Whole Health Management System and very gifted healers. Iris, as founder of WHMS, will, as always, take a great interest in the development of your overall healing abilities and will be ever-present in the background. Additionally, you will have many opportunities to meet other healers and graduates of the School and within WHMS. Everyone involved within the School and WHMS works with great compassion and integrity, and you will be guided and encouraged at all times with as much individual support as is needed. |
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