We are living in times where there are many choices to be made, including which Therapeutic Reflexologist you want to consult with. In today’s post, we’ll consider how to choose your Therapeutic Reflexologist.
AHPCSA Registration
Choosing a Therapeutic Reflexologist should begin by ensuring that the Therapeutic Reflexologist is properly registered with the Allied Health Professionals Council of South Africa (AHPCSA). There is no other registration in South Africa that allows any person to legally practice as Therapeutic Reflexologist in South Africa.
Additional to AHPCSA registration, the Therapeutic Reflexologist should also have a valid practice number if you want to claim back from your medical scheme; depending on your plan/option and medical scheme, but medical aid reimbursement is possible if the Therapeutic Reflexologist is formally registered with the AHCPSA and have a valid practice number.
The Therapeutic Reflexologist may be registered with other associations like The South African Reflexology Society or reflexology associations abroad, but these are added extras and not a requirement to legally practice.
The only legal registration that is compulsory is AHPCSA registration, followed by a valid practice number to make medical scheme reimbursement possible. AHPCSA re-registration should occur annually so ensure that the Therapeutic Reflexologist has a valid registration as well. Valid AHPCSA registration ensures that the Therapeutic Reflexologist you intend to visit have a proper qualification (minimum of 2-years) that is recognised by SAQA, as well as the AHPCSA from a reputable training institution approved by AHPCSA and the holder of such a qualification, also has the compulsory minimum practical training that was completed under supervision during the years of training.
Annual AHPCSA re-registration further ensures that the Therapeutic Reflexologist is up to date with all the latest developments and techniques in the field of reflexology because compulsory CPD training has to occur annually in order to make re-registration possible.
AHPCSA registration furthermore ensures that legislative requirements are adhered to like the necessary COVID-19 screening, sanitizing, and cleaning protocols that are in place to ensure the safety of the public.
Compliance with Regulation
The AHPCSA makes legal and ethical regulations available to ensure that Therapeutic Reflexologists practice their professions professionally at all times. Some of these regulations include the following:
- Advertising promotions and prices of services are not allowed;
- Canvassing and touting for patients are not allowed;
- Practicing in a private residence is only allowed if a separate entrance allows access to the therapeutic reflexology practice and it does not form part of the residence; and
- Therapeutic Reflexology should be separated from any other professions for which the therapist is not registered with the AHCPSA.
Compliance with regulation is a good sign that the Therapeutic Reflexologist is a professional that upholds the integrity of the profession. When a Therapeutic Reflexologist makes the profession cheap by advertising promotions, enticing patients with advertising prices or lowering prices below those of other Therapeutic Reflexologists, practicing in places where they are not supposed to or promoting other non-AHPCSA professions in combination with therapeutic reflexology, then such a Therapeutic Reflexologist is not only acting unethically but also harms the professional status of the profession.
Gender
The gender of the Therapeutic Reflexologist is irrelevant as it does not affect the treatment or outcome of the treatment. Gender is usually a personal preference from the patient and if you would visit Christo Scheepers Therapeutic Reflexologist and you would rather prefer to continue treatment with a female therapist, he will gladly refer you, but he has been working with all genders in his practice for many years.
Experience
A qualified and AHPCSA registered Therapeutic Reflexologist has completed a minimum of 200 hours of compulsory community service practical work, but the longer the therapist is in practice, the more experience is gained. Christo Scheepers has been practicing reflexology since 2003 and Therapeutic Reflexology since 2014.
Therapeutic Reflexologists may have different approaches to treatment, based on their past experience and growth as a therapist as well as additional training that may have been done either via CPD training or additional training courses. Overall, Therapeutic Reflexologists have the same quality of basic training, but since practicing therapeutic reflexology is not only about science, but also an art, each individual Therapeutic Reflexologist may have a different approach to treatment, just like artists may have a different approach to painting. At the end of the day, the patient should be comfortable with the approach the Therapeutic Reflexologist uses and if not, should voice it to the Therapeutic Reflexologist in order for an adjusted approach to be followed.
Transparency
A professional Therapeutic Reflexologist will always be transparent with patients and if you have any questions or doubts or want to just check up the therapist’s AHPCSA registration status, qualifications, experience, or treatment methods, do not be afraid to ask. A professional Therapeutic Reflexologist will never feel threatened or offended by your questions and will gladly discuss it with you and show you all the necessary documentation. It is your right to ensure that the Therapeutic Reflexologist is properly qualified, experienced, and registered; never be hesitant to ask.
Preference
Just like when visiting a medical doctor, you may prefer one Therapeutic Reflexologist over another, purely based on your personal preference. That happens and if you ever feel that Christo Scheepers is not the correct Therapeutic Reflexologist for you, he will gladly discuss it with you to determine what you require and will then refer you to somebody that may be more to your liking; he does not feel offended if that happens because he realises that part of your healing and relaxation journey, is for you to feel comfortable with your Therapeutic Reflexologist.
You may even prefer one Therapeutic Reflexologist over another due to the price being charged for the treatment, but making a choice purely on price is not always the best choice, although it always remains your choice.
The private practice of Christo Scheepers
Christo Scheepers Therapeutic Reflexologist practices from professional offices in the Tygervalley area in Cape Town and as a male therapist, he works with patients of all genders and all ages without discriminating against any person, while charging medical aid rates for treatments.
Conclusion
If you want to make an appointment to visit a Therapeutic Reflexologist, ensure that you choose the Therapeutic Reflexologist that you will feel comfortable with while ensuring that the Therapeutic Reflexologist is properly registered with the AHPCSA; you deserve the best possible treatment while feeling comfortable with your choice.
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Christo A. Scheepers: Therapeutic Reflexologist
Dip.T.R.(Cum Laude) [IARAMT]
AHPCSA: A11945
Pr. No.: 1080000737453
Tel. 072-800 7243