The growing popularity of complementary therapies such as reflexology and massage has led to more and more people training in these fields. Olive Keogh reports.

The last 15 years have seen a major shift in how people think about their health and well being. With it has come a growing interest in alternatives to conventional treatments. For many people, regular visits to complementary practitioners have become an integral part of their lives and the number of therapies and therapists is expanding all the time.

"We have been running courses in complementary therapies since 1989 and the demand is constant and growing," says Laura Hilliard of the Walmer College and Holistic Centre in Dublin. "We have noticed an increase in applications for courses since the downturn in the IT sector last year and we have quite a few people from banking backgrounds and from the airline industry.

"Most of the people who come to us are looking for a new skill and a new way of earning a living. About 60 per cent of those who complete courses here go on to become either part or full-time practitioners. About 30 per cent give up their other job altogether. Some work from home and others in hotel fitness centres, sports facilities, beauty salons and gyms. There are also career opportunities in hospitals and within the entertainment industry. Our students range in age from late teens to people who have retired and we get both men and women. The balance is about 60:40 in favour of women.

"We offer professional training in holistic massage, aromatherapy, reflexology, stress management and diet and nutrition. Our courses are accredited by the International Therapists Examination Council in Britain and all of our teaching is based on the principle of working with the body, mind and spirit in a holistic environment. Apart from learning a new skill, we find that people who decide to study to become therapists often experience a lot of personal growth while they're here. We are aware of this and try to offer a very supportive learning environment."

Walmer offers a variety of courses of different lengths, but the one year diploma (which covers holistic massage, anatomy and physiology, reflexology, aromatherapy and first aid) starts in September and runs on three days a week. Class numbers are limited to 16 and the cost is €3,095, excluding exam fees.

For details, telephone (01) 847 5410.