woodville reflexology network

About

The Woodville Reflexology Network was established in April 2009 to create a supportive space for Reflexologists, especially those recently qualified, to get together and support each other through talks and demonstrations and treatment swops in a relaxed and cosy atmosphere. It is one of the most active Holistic Networks operating today with a membership of 35 therapists. Further details can be obtained by contacting Deirdre Murray on 087 9883196 or email deirdremurray2@gmail.com

Meetings

Network meetings take place monthly on the first Wednesday from 7-10pm. New members are always welcome. Reflexologists are required to register 100 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) evidence based points to meet the criteria for registration or renewal of membership to the recognised registration organisations such as the Irish Reflexologists’ Institute. The Network meetings meet this requirement and CPD points are awarded for attending meetings. This group has been active since 2009 with the meetings currently take place between September and May.

Supports

The Woodville Network offered supports to all therapists not just Reflexology. Talks, demonstrations, discussions, presentations, lectures, and holistic related CPD courses including First Aid, Pregnancy & Reflexology, Cancer-care & Reflexology, courses are organised through the Network. Charity events were often organised with many therapists taking part on an annual basis, and the proceeds going to local charities.

Treatment Swops

Treatment swops are usually the highlight of the evening. The venue (Deirdre Murray Holistic) is a warm cosy private space and is fully equipped with therapy couches making it a most relaxing evening where therapists swop treatments with each other. Different techniques and sequences can be experienced and newly qualified therapists gain experience and confidence in providing treatments. Therapists report how beneficial this facility and network is as often therapists feet are the last in the line to get a treatment.

Updates

• Covid-19
  o Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic it was necessary for therapists to be guided through a series of Standard Operating Procedures and Guidelines on returning to work when the Government outlined its economic road to recovery plan mid 2020. A comprehensive set of documents were produced by the IRIL and these are available for all members to ensure the health and safety of all concerned – reflexology.ie/covid-19/
• GDPR
  o General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) came into law for therapists on 25th May 2018. These regulations protect an individual’s rights to privacy involving the holding and processing of personal and sensitive data. Under GDPR, an individual has enhanced rights in respect of their personal data, including to know and how it is used, the right to be told clearly the purpose of why the data is collected, who it will be shared with, the right to request a copy of all of the data held in manual and electronic form, and the right to have it corrected or destroyed (when applicable). There is an increased obligation to only process and use the data for the purposes it was collected, and to keep the data safe and secure and out of reach of anyone who is not entitled to see or use it –  reflexology.ie/gdpr-guidance/
• Professional Conduct & Ethics
  A Code of Conduct and Ethics comprise the principles which influence judgment and actions to ensure the therapist adheres to professional standards befitting that of a reputable holistic regulatory organisation.
  1. Behave professionally and ethically at all times and ensure any behaviour does not discredit the reputation of the industry or profession at any time.
  2. Practice within the limits of qualifications attained and expand on the skills and knowledge base as appropriate observing all CPD requirements in line with the industry standards.
  3. Observe and respect clients and their confidentiality and act in their best interest at all times.
  4. Practice within the law on a personal and professional level and maintain high standards of Health, Safety, and Hygiene practices at all times.
  5. Foster and maintain to the best of your ability good working relations between other practitioners and health care professionals.
•  Code of Practice
  o Never Diagnose
  o Never recommend clients to discontinue prescribed medication
  o Never Claim to Cure
•  CPD’s
  o Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is designed to ensure a therapist maintains updates and develops their professional skills and practice in line with the demands of the highest industry standards of the self regulating holistic industry. In order to fulfil the criteria for an application to a reputable holistic regulatory organisation a Reflexologist is required to obtain 100 CPD points per year (20 of which must be relating to Reflexology). All courses and First Aid carry CPD points.
•  Training
  o As members request specific CPD training every effort is made to accommodate this request and the training is sourced and provided where possible.
•  Volunteering
  o Members often give of their time and expertise on a voluntary basis for local events and charities which helps to promote the work of the Network and the Irish Reflexologists’ Institute as well as raising much needed funds for local charities.