How did you become Bowen Technique practitioners? What is your background?

Before training as practitioners Rachel was an NHS Secretary. Edel is still a part-time Community News. Both Rachel and Edel became Bowen Technique practitioners as they believe it is a unique and exciting therapy that can be hugely helpful to both adults and children.

What exactly does Bowen Technique treatment involve?

Bowen is a light touch therapy, using gentle massage moves. The patient usually stays fully clothed (although some practitioners prefer to work on bare skin) and the therapist doesn't use massage oil. The gentle rolling moves can seem insignificant however they have a profound effect on the body especially when combined with the breaks when the therapist leaves the room. The healing really takes place during these breaks as the body identifies the imbalance and starts to readjust.

Bowen therapy recognises that every person experiences his or her condition differently and although the same name can be given to it, it can differ widely from someone else with the same condition. The skill of the practitioner is to discover where the body is holding the imbalance and show the body with gentle rolling moves how to re-balance.

What sort of problems/issues do clients normally have when they come to you for help/therapy?

Bowen can be used to treat a huge variety of conditions - it is very effective in treating muscular skeletal problems such as whiplash, frozen shoulder back and neck problems, hay fever, asthma, stress and anxiety, infant colic, ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism, and many more. As it is such a gentle therapy it can also be given to babies and pregnant women.

What/Where was your training? How long did it take overall?

Both Rachel and Edel trained at the European College of Bowen Studies. The training took 10 months overall.

The training consisted of 5 parts - Level 1 - consisted of a 4 day course, followed by a further 2 day course and 10 case studies of 3 treatments each. Level 2 training was a 3 day course, followed by a further 2 day course and 10 case studies of 3 treatments. The final part of the qualification was a 3 day course with a 1 hour written exam and a practical assesment.

Rachel says 'Although this may sound like a lot, you can complete the course at your own pace. Mum and I had a goal we wanted to achieve of getting qualified as quickly as possible.'

How did training fit round your children?

Neither Rachel or Edel had children at home when training. However, both feel if you had a support network to help with childcare whilst you are on the set day courses, then the training would be very managable around family life.

Roughly, how much did your training cost?

The cost of the course was around £1,500.

Where do you carry out your work?

Rachel and Edel work from home, and from Body Tec. They also on occasions will carry out home visits.

 

Do you need lots of specialist equipment?

A massage table, couple of chairs and a soft light.

How many hours do you work a week?

It varies from week to week, but both Rachel and Edel work around 20 hours per week.

How does the job fit round your family life?

Again, Rachel or Edel don't have young children to fit their work around. However, both feel that being a Bowen Technique practitioner would fit very well around family life. Appointments can be arranged to suit the hours you want to work and being self-employed does lead to very flexible working.

How do you find clients - do you advertise?

We have our website - www.bowenangels.co.uk. Word of mouth and referrals are also key to finding new clients.

What is the earning potential?

An average hourly rate would be around £35.

Do you think you have to have any special qualities (in terms of personality) to become a Bowen Technique practitioner?

You must be interested in people and want to invest time and energy into helping them. Edel says 'Many of our clients come to us after an unsuccessful visit to their GP. They feel their problem hasn't been addressed properly and are often very suprised when the realise that we actually listen to them and care about healing them and making them better!'.

Any advice for a Mum or Dad wanting to start training?

Find a good course and go for it! The technique is amazing - you'll benefit too as you have to ensure you are calm and relaxed when carrying our the therapy.

---

Useful Links

www.thebowentechnique.com

www.belindacarrbowen.co.ukwww.paulaessonbowen.com